Differentiation and characterization of rat adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial‐like cells

In this study, mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from rat adipose tissue (AD‐MSCs) to characterize and differentiate them into endothelial‐like cells. AD‐MSCs were isolated by mechanical and enzymatic treatments, and their identity was verified by colony‐forming units (CFU) test and by differentiation into cells of mesodermal lineages. The endothelial differentiation was induced by plating another aliquot of cells in EGM‐2 medium, enriched with specific endothelial growth factors. Five subcultures were performed. The expression of stemness genes (OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG) was investigated. The presence of CD90 and the absence of the CD45 were evaluated by flow cytometry. The endothelial‐like cells were characterized by the evaluation of morphological changes and gene expression analysis for endothelial markers (CD31, CD144, CD146). Characterization of AD‐MSCs showed their ability to form clones, to differentiate in vitro and the OCT‐4, SOX‐2, NANOG genes expression. Immunophenotypic characterization showed the CD90 presence and the CD45 absence. The endothelial‐like cells showed morphological changes, the expression of CD31, CD144, CD146 genes and the presence of CD31 membrane receptor. Matrigel assay showed their ability to form network and vessels‐like structures. This study lays the foundations for future evaluation of the potential AD‐MSCs pro‐angiogenic and therapeutic role.     

Comparative immunohistochemical characterization of canine seminomas and Sertoli cell tumors

Primary testicular tumors are the most common causes of cancer in male dogs. Overall, the majority of canine patients should be cured by testicular surgery. However, tumor markers are not well-known in veterinary medicine. We sought to determine using immunohistochemistry whether the combined human testicular tumor markers (placental alkaline phosphatase, OCT3/4, CD30, alpha-fetoprotein, inhibin-alpha, vimentin, c-KIT, and desmin) are expressed in canine seminomas and Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs). We examined 35 canine testicular tumors, 20 seminomas and 15 SCTs. c-KIT was expressed markedly in canine seminomas. Both inhibin-alpha and vimentin were expressed significantly in canine SCTs. The results of this study demonstrate differences and similarities between tumor marker expression of testicular tumors in dogs and humans. All the main markers in current routine use are discussed as well as potential useful markers for benign and malignant tumors, and tumor progression.     

Equine peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells: isolation, identification, trilineage differentiation and effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment

Reasons for performing study: Two studies report variability in proliferation and limited adipocyte differentiation of equine peripheral blood‐derived adult mesenchymal stem cells, thus casting doubt on their adipogenic potential. Peripheral blood can be a valuable source of adult mesenchymal stem cells if cell culture conditions permissive for their adherence, proliferation and differentiation are defined. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been reported to mobilise haematopoietic progenitor stem cells into the peripheral blood in humans and mice, but similar experiments have not been done in horses. Objectives: To optimise cell culture conditions for isolation, propagation and differentiation of adult stem cells from peripheral blood and to assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on adult stem cell concentrations. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from the jugular vein of 6 research mares, and mononuclear cells were isolated. They were subjected to cell culture conditions that promote the adherence and proliferation of adult stem cells. The cells were characterised by their adherence, expression of cellular antigen markers, and trans‐differentiation. Each horse was subjected to 3 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and stem cells were compared before and after treatments. Stem cells derived from adipose tissue were used as controls. Results: One‐third of the horses yielded viable stem cells from peripheral blood, positive for CD51, CD90 and CD105, and demonstrated osteocyte, chondrocyte and adipocyte differentiation. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment resulted in a significant increase in CD90‐positive cells. Horses that did not yield any cells pretreatment did so only after 3 hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Conclusions and potential relevance: Peripheral blood can be a valuable source of adult stem cells, if one can identify reliable equine‐specific markers, provide methods to increase the number of circulating progenitor cells and optimise cell culture conditions for growth and viability. Our findings are important for further studies towards technological advances in basic and clinical equine regenerative medicine.     

犬UC-MSC-Exo来源miRNA表达分析及其cfa-miR-34a/-143对血管内皮细胞增殖的影响

试验旨在分离鉴定犬脐带间充质干细胞分泌的外泌体（UC-MSC-Exo）,并研究犬UC-MSC-Exo来源miRNA的表达情况及其对血管内皮细胞（VEC）增殖的影响。采用超高速离心法从犬脐带间充质干细胞培养上清中分离外泌体,采用Western blotting、透射电镜和纳米颗粒跟踪分析法（NTA）进行鉴定。通过对犬UC-MSC-Exo中的miRNA进行测序,筛选出2个目标miRNA（cfa-miR-34a和cfa-miR-143）并合成相应的mimic和inhibitor,转染犬VEC;采用荧光显微镜和实时荧光定量PCR法检测mimic和inhibitor转染情况及其转染效率;CCK-8法检测转染mimic和inhibitor对犬VEC增殖能力的影响,并对其靶基因进行预测。结果显示,犬UC-MSC-Exo表达特异性的外泌体表面蛋白CD9、CD63和CD81,粒径集中在100~200 nm,电镜检测成典型的杯状。免疫荧光结果表明,miRNA mimic和inhibitor均已转染进细胞内,并且聚集于细胞质中;实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,转染cfa-miR-34a mimic和cfa-miR-143 mimic后,细胞内cfa-miR-34a和cfa-miR-143表达量分别升高约400和78倍;而转染cfa-miR-34a inhibitor和cfa-miR-143 inhibitor后,细胞内cfa-miR-34a和cfa-miR-143表达量分别降低了77%和83%;CCK-8检测结果表明,cfa-miR-34a和cfa-miR-143在体外可极显著促进血管内皮细胞的增殖（P<0.01）。cfa-miR-34a靶基因预测结果发现,共有195个保守靶位点,与miRDB预测结果共有69个交集靶基因;cfa-miR-143则有448个保守靶基因,其与miRDB预测结果有128个交集靶基因。本试验成功分离得到犬UC-MSC-Exo,且证实目标miRNA cfa-miR-34a和cfa-miR-143在体外可极显著促进VEC增殖。     

Isolation and characterization of canine umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to possess the potential for multiple differentiations abilities in vitro and in vivo. In canine system, studying stem cell therapy is important, but so far, stem cells from canine were not identified and characterized. In this study, we successfully isolated and characterized MSCs from the canine umbilical cord and its fetal blood. Canine MSCs (cMSCs) were grown in medium containing low glucose DMEM with 20% FBS. The cMSCs have stem cells expression patterns which are concerned with MSCs surface markers by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. The cMSCs had multipotent abilities. In the neuronal differentiation study, the cMSCs expressed the neuronal markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuronal class III β tubulin (Tuj-1), neurofilament M (NF160) in the basal culture media. After neuronal differentiation, the cMSCs expressed the neuronal markers Nestin, GFAP, Tuj-1, microtubule-associated protein 2, NF160. In the osteogenic & chondrogenic differentiation studies, cMSCs were stained with alizarin red and toluidine blue staining, respectively. With osteogenic differentiation, the cMSCs presented osteoblastic differentiation genes by RT-PCR. This finding also suggests that cMSCs might have the ability to differentiate multipotentially. It was concluded that isolated MSCs from canine cord blood have multipotential differentiation abilities. Therefore, it is suggested that cMSCs may represent a be a good model system for stem cell biology and could be useful as a therapeutic modality for canine incurable or intractable diseases, including spinal cord injuries in future regenerative medicine studies.     

Identification of perivascular and stromal mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells in porcine endometrium

Mammalian uterus contains a population of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells that likely contribute to endometrial regeneration during each reproductive cycle. In human and mouse, they reside in perivascular, epithelial and stromal compartments of the endometrial functionalis and basalis. Here, we aimed to identify tissue resident cells expressing mesenchymal stem cell markers CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, CD140b and CD146 in the porcine endometrium. We used single immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Each of these markers was detected in small cells surrounding endometrial blood vessels. CD105 and CD146 were also expressed in single stromal cells. A few stromal and perivascular cells showed the presence of pluripotency marker Oct4 in the cytoplasm, but not in the nucleus, which may imply they are not truly pluripotent. Endometrial cell cultures were examined for the expression of CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105 and CD140b proteins and tested in wound‐healing assay and culture model of chemotaxis. In conclusion, our results demonstrate perivascular location of prospective mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells in the porcine endometrium and may suggest that stromal CD105⁺ and CD146⁺ cells represent more mature precursors originating from their perivascular ancestors.     

Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells in bovine endometrium during follicular phase of oestrous cycle

Stem cells have been postulated as responsible for cell regeneration in highly and continuously regenerative tissues such as the endometrium. Few studies in cattle have identified and specified the presence of stem cells in the endometrium during the oestrous cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the bovine endometrium during the follicular phase (FP) of the oestrous cycle. Uterine tissue was collected in the time‐frame comprising day 18 of the cycle and ovulation (day 0). We isolated, cultured and expanded four primary cell lines from endometrium and identified byRT‐qPCR the expression of OCT4, SOX2 but not NANOG (undifferentiated/embryonic markers), CD44 (MSCs marker) and c‐KIT (stem cell marker) genes; and the encoded Oct4, Sox2 and Cd44 proteins by Western blot or immunostaining of paraffin‐embedded tissue in endometrium. We demonstrated that cells isolated from bovine endometrium displayed essentially the same gene expression pattern; however, at the protein level, Oct4 and Cd44 were not detected. Besides, they showed typical functional characteristics of MSCs such as fibroblast‐like morphology, plastic adherence, high proliferative capacity, clone formation in vitro and the ability to differentiate into chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. We obtained for the first time an extensive characterization of undifferentiated cells populations contained in the bovine endometrium during the FP of the oestrous cycle.     

Isolation,proliferation and characterization of endometrial canine stem cells

In the last decade, progenitor cells isolated from dissociated endometrial tissue have been the subject of many studies in several animal species. Recently, endometrial cells showing characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been demonstrated in human, pig and cow uterine tissue samples. The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization of stromal cells from the endometrium of healthy bitches, a tissue that after elective surgery is routinely discarded. Multipotent stromal cells could be isolated from all bitches enrolled in the study (n = 7). The multipotency of cells was demonstrated by their capacity to differentiate into adipocytic, osteocytic and chondrocytic lineages. Clonogenicity and cell proliferation ability were also tested. Furthermore, gene expression analysis by RT‐PCR was used to compare the expression of a set of genes (CD44, CD29, CD34, CD45, CD90, CD13, CD133, CD73, CD31 CD105, Oct4) with adipose tissue‐derived MSC. Stromal cells isolated from uterine endometrium showed similar morphology, ability of subculture and plasticity, and also expressed a panel of genes comparable with adipose tissue‐derived MSC. These data suggest that endometrial stromal cells fulfil the basic criteria proposed by the “Mesenchymal and Tissue Stem Cell Committee of the International Society for Cellular Therapy” for the identification of mesenchymal stem cells. Although endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnMSC) showed a lower replicative ability in comparison with adipose tissue‐derived MSC, they could be considered a cell therapeutic agent alternative to adipose tissue or bone marrow‐derived MSC in dog.     

奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞氧化应激模型的建立及奶牛脂肪间充质干细胞对其迁移的影响

【目的】探讨奶牛脂肪间充质干细胞（bovine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells,bAD-MSCs）对氧化应激条件下奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞迁移能力的影响。【方法】使用0、5、25、50、100、200 μmol/L H₂O₂处理奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞2、4、6、8、12 h后,通过MTT试验检测细胞存活率、流式细胞术检测细胞内活性氧（ROS）水平来筛选H₂O₂诱导奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞氧化应激模型的最佳条件。在细胞划痕试验中设立对照组、H₂O₂组、bAD-MSCs共培养组（1∶0.5）、bAD-MSCs共培养组（1∶1）、奶牛乳腺上皮细胞（MACT）共培养组（1∶0.5）和MACT共培养组（1∶1）共6组,分析奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞迁移能力,并利用Western blotting检测细胞外蛋白调节激酶（Erk）和磷酸化细胞外蛋白调节激酶（pErk）蛋白的表达水平。【结果】MTT试验结果显示,4~12 h内50 μmol/L H₂O₂组细胞存活率为50%~80%,适用于构建氧化应激模型。流式细胞术结果显示,用50 μmol/L H₂O₂刺激奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞2 h时,ROS水平显著高于对照组与4、6、8、12 h组（P<0.05）。划痕试验结果显示,与对照组相比,H₂O₂组奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞的迁移能力显著降低（P＜0.05）;与H₂O₂组相比,bAD-MSCs共培养组奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞的迁移能力均显著增加（P＜0.05）,MACT共培养组细胞迁移能力均显著降低（P＜0.05）。Western blotting结果显示,与对照组相比,H₂O₂组奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞中pErk蛋白表达水平显著降低（P＜0.05）;与H₂O₂组相比,bAD-MSCs共培养组奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞中pErk蛋白表达水平均显著升高（P＜0.05）,MACT共培养组细胞中pErk蛋白表达水平均显著降低（P＜0.05）。【结论】50 μmol/L H₂O₂处理2 h可成功构建奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞氧化应激模型,bAD-MSCs可促进氧化应激条件下奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞的迁移并参与调控Erk蛋白的表达。     

Effect of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Bovine Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells Co-culture under the Serum-free Condition on Expression of IGF-Ⅰ

The study was aimed to explore the effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(UC-MSCs) and bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (BMECs) under the serum-free co-culturing condition on expression of IGF-Ⅰ. UC-MSCs and BMECs were co-cultured directly at the concentration ratios of 1:2,in control groups, UC-MSCs and BMECs were cultured alone.Using ELISA method to detect the IGF-Ⅰlevels in each group supernatant at 48 h, and two kinds of cells were separated by Transwell Chambers, the IGF-Ⅰ and IGF-ⅠR mRNA expression values of each group were estimated with Real-time PCR. The results showed that the IGF-Ⅰ concentration of UC-MSCs and BMECs mixed co-culture was significantly higher than the UC-MSCs group (P < 0.05),and extremely significantly higher than the BMECs group (P < 0.01); The IGF-Ⅰ mRNA expression of UC-MSCs/BMECs and BMECs/UC-MSCs groups were extremely significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.01),and the IGF-Ⅰ mRNA expression of BMECs/UC-MSCs group was significantly higher than the UC-MSCs/BMECs group (P < 0.05); The IGF-ⅠR mRNA expression of UC-MSCs/BMECs and BMECs/UC-MSCs groups were higher than the control group (P < 0.05;P < 0.01), BMECs/UC-MSCs group had significant difference compared with UC-MSCs/BMECs group (P < 0.05). Conclusively, the co-culture of UC-MSCs and BMECs was able to improve the IGF-ⅠR and IGF-Ⅰ mRNA expression under the serum-free condition in vitro,and the IGF-Ⅰ concentration level was correspondence with the IGF-ⅠR mRNA expression, IGF-Ⅰmainly existed in UC-MSCs.     

The Endometrium of Cycling Cows Contains Populations of Putative Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells

Endometrial stem cells have been identified in humans, mice and pigs. This study was designed to determine whether the uterine endometrium of cycling cows contains such cells, to identify markers of stemness and ultimately to isolate putative stem/progenitor cell and evaluate their capability to differentiate into mesodermal derivatives. Uteri from healthy cows in the early (days 1–5) and late luteal phases (days 13–18) of the oestrous cycle were collected. Total RNA and proteins were isolated and searched for gene markers of embryonic (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2) and mesenchymal (CD44, STAT3, CD‐117) stem cells and for protein markers (Oct4, Sox2, Cd44) in Western blots or immunostaining of paraffin‐embedded tissue. Primary cell cultures were isolated; characterized in terms of morphology, colony formation and gene/protein expression; and induced osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. We identified expression of embryonic (OCT4 and SOX2, but not NANOG) and mesenchymal (STAT3, CD44 and c‐KIT) gene markers in the endometrium of cycling cows and the encoded proteins (Oct4, Sox2 and Cd44) in both stages of the oestrous cycle. Derived cell lines displayed essentially the same gene expression pattern; however, at the protein level, Oct4 was not detected. No clear influence of the stage of the oestrous cycle was found. Cell lines from late luteal phase displayed osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential upon chemical stimulation. In this research, we demonstrated the presence of mesenchymal progenitor cell populations of apparently mesenchymal origin in the endometrium of cycling cows, in both the early and late phases of the oestrous cycle. The cells isolated from the late luteal phase were more acquiescent to differentiate into mesodermal derivatives than cells in the early luteal phase. Our findings might have implications for the understanding of uterine stem cell biology in cows and other farm animal species.     

VASA (DDX4) is a Putative Marker for Spermatogonia,Spermatocytes and Round Spermatids in Stallions

Expression of the protein DDX4/MVH, or VASA, has been reported in germ cells of several species. The main objectives of this study were to (i) investigate VASA expression patterns in testicular cells of stallions at two different reproductive stages (pre‐pubertal and post‐pubertal) and (ii) evaluate the use of VASA antibody as a molecular marker for single germ cells from stallions. Testicular tissues were obtained from stallions and categorized as pre‐pubertal and post‐pubertal based on the formation of lumen and status of spermatogenesis on the cross section of seminiferous tubules. The results of Western blot showed a VASA protein band located at 76 kDa, indicating that the rabbit antibody has a cross‐reactivity with horse testicular tissues. The result of immunolabelling showed that VASA was expressed in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia at both reproductive stages and in spermatocytes and round spermatids at the post‐pubertal stage. GATA4‐positive Sertoli cells and Leydig cells located in the interstitial space were not immunolabelled with VASA. These results suggest that VASA can be utilized as a molecular marker for germ cells of stallions at pre‐pubertal and post‐pubertal stages. Interestingly, immunolabelling intensity was significantly higher in pachytene spermatocytes compared to spermatogonia and round spermatid. VASA antibody was also effective for staining of single germ cell preparations. In conclusion, VASA protein expression can be used as a marker for identification of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids in testicular tissues of stallions.     

Isolation and biological characteristics of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells derived from chick embryo intestine

ABSTRACT

1. Over the past decade, rapid advancement in isolation methods for identifying markers of the once elusive intestinal stem cell (ISC) populations has laid the foundation for unravelling their complex interrelationships during homeostasis. Study on ISC in avian intestinal tissue might play a pivotal foundation for further studies on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastrointestinal disease and cell-based therapy as well as intestinal tissue engineering.

2. The following experiment isolated a population of fibroblast-like, plastic adhering cells derived from chick embryo intestine, showing a strong self-renewing and proliferative ability, which was maintained in vitro up to passage 25. The findings included growth characteristics, detected expression of cell surface markers and characterised the capability of these cells to differentiate towards the osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic cell lineages.

3. RT-PCR analysis showed that these cells from chick embryos expressed mesenchymal stromal cell markers CD44, CD90 and VIMENTIN as well as ISC-specific genes LGR5, MI1, SMOC2, BMI1, and HOPX. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry confirmed this biology characterisation further.

4. In conclusion, cells were isolated from the intestine of 18-day-old chicken embryos that exhibited the biological characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells as well as markers of intestinal stem cells. Our findings may provide a novel insight for in vitro cell culture and characteristics of ISCs in avian species, which may also indicate a benefit for obtaining cell source for intestinal tissue engineering as well as cell-based investigation for gastrointestinal disease and treatment.     

脐带间充质干细胞通过类胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ介导的Janus激酶/信号转导及转录活化因子信号通路抑制奶牛乳腺上皮细胞凋亡的体外研究

本试验旨在探究Janus激酶/信号转导及转录活化因子(JAK/STAT)信号通路是否参与脐带间充质干细胞(UC-MSCs)通过类胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ)抑制奶牛乳腺上皮细胞(BMECs)凋亡的调节。将UC-MSCs和BMECs利用TranswellTM小室双层共培养,以BMECs单纯培养为对照,给予类胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ受体(IGF-ⅠR)抑制剂AG1024进行干预,并用信号阻断剂AG490处理细胞,24 h后采用实时荧光定量PCR检测各组细胞B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(Bcl-2)、B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因伴随蛋白x(Bax)、半胱氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)基因的相对表达丰度,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡情况。结果表明:UC-MSCs和BMECs共培养组BMECs的凋亡率极显著低于其他各组(P0.01);UC-MSCs和BMECs共培养组Bcl-2基因的相对表达丰度较BMECs组极显著上调(P0.01),Caspase-3、Bax基因的相对表达丰度则显著或极显著下调(P0.05或P0.01);AG1024和AG490单独处理或二者共同处理升高了单独培养的BMECs和与UC-MSCs共培养的BMECs的凋亡率,并上调了Bax、Caspase-3基因的相对表达丰度,下调了Bcl-2基因的相对表达丰度,均具有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。由此得出,UC-MSCs能够通过IGF-Ⅰ介导JAK/STAT信号通路调节BMECs凋亡相关基因的表达,降低BMECs的凋亡率。     

Characterization and clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells from equine umbilical cord blood

Tendinitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a significant cause of lameness in horses; however, recent studies have shown that stem cells could be useful in veterinary regenerative medicine. Therefore, we isolated and characterized equine umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (eUCB-MSCs) from equine umbilical cord blood obtained from thoroughbred mares during the foaling period. Horses that had tendinitis of the SDFT were treated with eUCB-MSCs to confirm the therapeutic effect. After eUCB-MSCs transplantation, the core lesion in the SDFT was found to decrease. These results suggest that transplantation using eUCB-MSCs could be another source of cell treatment.     

Characteristics of testicular cell development of 5‐day‐old mice in culture in vitro

The crude testicular cells (CTCs) contain many cell types, such as Sertoli cells, leydig cells, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), spermatocytes, and other somatic testicular cells, that secrete various growth factors needed in spermatogenesis. The objective of this study was to characterize development of 5‐day‐old mice testicular cells cultured. Crude testicular cells prepared from the testes of 5‐day‐old male mice were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium and incubated at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere for 6 days. The results demonstrated that the testicular cells developed rapidly with a population doubling time (PDT) of 0.63 days and more than 90% of cells were viable after being cultured for 3 days. The number of Sertoli‐like cells increased significantly over days 1, 3, and 6 to 22.1%, 34.6%, and 50.1%, respectively. A significant increase was also observed in fibroblast‐like cells (15.5% on day 1 to 28.8% on day 3 and to 26.6% on day 6). In contrast, the number of spermatogonia‐like cells decreased significantly (54.3%, 30.4%, and 18.7%, on days 1, 3, and 6, respectively). These data indicated that the developmental pattern of the testicular cell in this study might be affected by the niche provided by the cultured testicular cells.     

Sequential sub-passage decreases the differentiation potential of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) are abundant in adipose tissue from animals of all ages, are easily isolated, can differentiate into multi-lineage cells, and have a clinical application. This promising potential may only be achieved if the cells are expanding in a large number while maintaining their stemness in sequential passages. In this study, canine AD-MSCs (cAD-MSCs) were individually isolated from five dogs and subjected to proliferative culture with seven sub-passages. The cells at each sub-passage were characterized for properties associated with multipotent MSCs such as proliferation kinetics, expression of MSCs-specific surface markers, expression of molecules associated with self-renewal and differentiation capabilities into mesodermal lineage cells. Proliferation of the cells plateaued at passage 5 by cumulative population doubling level, while cell doubling time gradually increased with passage. MSCs surface markers (CD44, CD90, and CD105) and molecules (Oct 3/4, Sox-2, Nanog and HMGA2) associated with self-renewal were all expressed in the cells between passages 1 to 6 by RT-PCR. In addition, the cells at passage 1, 3 or 6 underwent adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation under specific induction conditions. However, the level of adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation was negatively correlated with the number of sub-passage. The present study suggests that sequential sub-passages affect multipotent properties of cAD-MSCs, which should be considered in their therapeutic application in regenerative medicine.     

Comparison of three mobilization protocols for peripheral blood stem cell apheresis with Spectra Optia continuous mononuclear cell protocol in healthy dogs

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation following consolidation therapy is a feasible treatment option for canine haematological malignancies. In veterinary medicine, haematopoietic stem cells are generally mobilized into peripheral circulation using a granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the haematopoietic stem cell mobilization effect of three different regimens for PBSC apheresis with Spectra Optia continuous mononuclear cell (CMNC) protocol in healthy dogs. Stem cell mobilization was performed using high‐dose plerixafor (CXCR‐4 inhibitor) alone, a G‐CSF alone, or a combination of the low‐dose plerixafor and G‐CSF. Three dogs were assigned to each mobilization protocol. Regardless of the mobilization protocol, the total blood volume processed was uniformly set as 270 mL/kg and many PBSCs, defined as CD34+/CD45^dim cells, within the apheresis product were compared. Changes in complete blood count, PBSC counts, and blood chemistry analysis were monitored before, during, and after apheresis. All dogs tolerated the apheresis procedure using the Spectra Optia system with minimal adverse effects. The mean PBSC counts of the apheresis products for plerixafor, G‐CSF, and the combination groups were 1.3 ± 0.24, 4.2 ± 0.47, and 6.4 ± 0.9 × 10⁶ cells/kg, respectively. The apheresis procedure using Spectra Optia CMNC protocol in dogs is safe and feasible. Furthermore, PBSC mobilization with a combination of G‐CSF and plerixafor appeared more effective than either compound alone in mobilizing PBSC to the peripheral blood in dogs.