In vitro neuronal and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord blood

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capabilities for self-renewal and differentiation into cells with the phenotypes of bone, cartilage, neurons and fat cells. These features of MSCs have attracted the attention of investigators for using MSCs for cell-based therapies to treat several human diseases. Because bone marrow-derived cells, which are a main source of MSCs, are not always acceptable due to a significant drop in their cell number and proliferative/differentiation capacity with age, human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells are good substitutes for BMCs due to the immaturity of newborn cells. Although the isolation of hematopoietic stem cells from UCB has been well established, the isolation and characterization of MSCs from UCB still need to be established and evaluated. In this study, we isolated and characterized MSCs. UCB-derived mononuclear cells, which gave rise to adherent cells, exhibited either an osteoclast or a mesenchymal-like phenotype. The attached cells with mesenchymal phenotypes displayed fibroblast-like morphologies, and they expressed mesenchym-related antigens (SH2 and vimentin) and periodic acid Schiff activity. Also, UCB-derived MSCs were able to transdifferentiate into bone and 2 types of neuronal cells, in vitro. Therefore, it is suggested that the MSCs from UCB might be a good alternative to bone marrow cells for transplantation or cell therapy.     

Osteogenic potential of mesenchymal cells derived from canine umbilical cord matrix co-cultured with platelet-rich plasma and demineralized bone matrix

Canine mesenchymal cells (MSCs) derived from Wharton''s jelly were co-cultured, then supplemented or not supplemented with platelet rich plasma (PRP) and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) to verify osteogenic differentiation. Osteoblastic differentiation followed by mineralized bone matrix production was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) when MSCs were associated with PRP/DBM in culture after 14-21-days of induction. Osteopontin and osteocalcin gene expression were significantly superior (p < 0.05) under the same culture conditions after 21 days of observation. In conclusion, addition of PRP to DBM co-cultured with MSCs successfully induced osteogenesis in vitro.     

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.     

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.     

Implantation of canine umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells mixed with beta-tricalcium phosphate enhances osteogenesis in bone defect model dogs

This study was performed to evaluate the osteogenic effect of allogenic canine umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) mixed with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in orthotopic implantation. Seven hundred milligrams of β-TCP mixed with 1 × 10⁶ UCB-MSCs diluted with 0.5 ml of saline (group CM) and mixed with the same volume of saline as control (group C) were implanted into a 1.5 cm diaphyseal defect and wrapped with PLGC membrane in the radius of Beagle dogs. Radiographs of the antebrachium were made after surgery. The implants were harvested 12 weeks after implantation and specimens were stained with H&E, toluidine blue and Villanueva-Goldner stains for histological examination and histomorphometric analysis of new bone formation. Additionally, UCB-MSCs were applied to a dog with non-union fracture. Radiographically, continuity between implant and host bone was evident at only one of six interfaces in group C by 12 weeks, but in three of six interfaces in group CM. Radiolucency was found only near the bone end in group C at 12 weeks after implantation, but in the entire graft in group CM. Histologically, bone formation was observed around β-TCP in longitudinal sections of implant in both groups. Histomorphometric analysis revealed significantly increased new bone formation in group CM at 12 weeks after implantation (p < 0.05). When applied to the non-union fracture, fracture healing was identified by 6 weeks after injection of UCB-MSCs. The present study indicates that a mixture of UCB-MSCs and β-TCP is a promising osteogenic material for repairing bone defects.     

不同代次大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞和脂肪间充质干细胞成骨分化比较

本研究旨在观察不同代次骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)和脂肪间充质干细胞(ADSCs)体外培养的生长特点和体外诱导成骨能力。通过密度梯度离心和贴壁培养法分离培养大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞和脂肪间充质干细胞,用含地塞米松、抗坏血酸、β-甘油磷酸钠的培养液定向诱导传代细胞向成骨细胞分化,并利用茜素红染色、碱性磷酸酶染色及PCR方法检测成骨细胞。结果表明骨髓及脂肪间充质干细胞呈成纤维细胞样生长,增殖能力强,生长迅速。第5、10、15、20代BMSCs及ADSCs经诱导培养后茜素红染色呈阳性并且出现"矿化"、碱性磷酸酶活性强,随着细胞代次的递增,诱导后细胞碱性磷酸酶活性呈递减趋势;诱导后的两类细胞传代后细胞仍能继续分化,并形成正常的"矿化"结节,且碱性磷酸酶染色均弱于初次诱导。结果提示,BMSCs及ADSCs易于分离培养及体外扩增,诱导条件下成骨能力强且成骨细胞传代培养仍具有成骨能力,适合作为再生医学骨组织工程的种子细胞。     

Comparative characteristic study from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Tissue engineering has been extensively investigated and proffered to be a potential platform for novel tissue regeneration. The utilization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources has been widely explored and compared. In this regard, MSCs derived from bone marrow have been proposed and described as a promising cell resource due to their high yield of isolated cells with colony-forming potential, self-renewal capacity, MSC surface marker expression, and multi-lineage differentiation capacities in vitro. However, there is evidence for bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) both in vitro and in vivo from different species presenting identical and distinct potential stemness characteristics. In this review, the fundamental knowledge of the growth kinetics and stemness properties of BM-MSCs in different animal species and humans are compared and summarized. Finally, to provide a full perspective, this review will procure results of current information studies focusing on the use of BM-MSCs in clinical practice.     

Effect of serum-derived albumin scaffold and canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on osteogenesis in canine segmental bone defect model

Composite biological and synthetic grafts with progenitor cells offer an alternative approach to auto- or allografts for fracture repair. This study was conducted to evaluate osteogenesis of autologous serum-derived albumin (ASA) scaffolds seeded with canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) in a canine segmental bone defect model. ASA scaffold was prepared with canine serum using cross-linking and freeze-drying procedures. Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was mixed at the cross-linking stage. Ad-MSCs were seeded into the scaffold and incubated for one day before implantation. After 16 weeks, the grafts were harvested for histological analysis. The dogs were divided into five groups: control, ASA scaffolds with and without Ad-MSCs, and ASA scaffolds including β-TCP with and without Ad-MSCs. ASA scaffolds with Ad-MSCs had a significantly larger area of increased opacity at the proximal and distal host cortex-implant interfaces in radiographs 16 weeks after implantation compared to the groups with β-TCP (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis showed that ASA scaffolds with Ad-MSCs had significantly greater new bone formation than other groups (p < 0.05). These results suggest that Ad-MSCs seeded into ASA scaffolds enhanced osteogenesis in the bone defect model, but that β-TCP in the ASA scaffold might prevent penetration of the cells required for bone healing.     

兔脂肪间质干细胞的分离培养与鉴定

取兔腹股沟皮下脂肪组织，用Ⅰ型胶原酶消化，分离培养脂肪间质干细胞（MSCs），并用免疫组化和体外诱导分化方法对其表面分子标志和多向分化潜能进行鉴定。结果显示，兔脂肪组织中能够分离培养出脂肪MSCs，该类细胞表达CD29、CD44和CD105，不表达CD34、CD45及HLA—DR表面分子标志，并具有可分化为脂肪细胞、神经细胞和成骨细胞的多向分化潜能，证实兔脂肪组织中存在具有多向分化潜能的MSCs。     

猪骨髓间充质干细胞分离培养及生物学特性

采集健康猪股骨骨髓,利用percoll梯度离心法分离单个核细胞,进行体外原代和传代培养,并用不同代数细胞进行了细胞生长能力、膜表面抗原(CD105、CD90、CD45)及诱导分化能力的检测.结果显示分离培养的单个核细胞贴壁生长,形态呈成纤维细胞样及涡旋状克隆团;细胞传代至第17代生长状况仍然良好;用F3代细胞进行膜表面抗原标记显示,CD90和CD105阳性表达率分别为(97.4±1.8)％和(99.6±0.9)％,而CD45阳性表达率仅为(1.8±0.55)％,证实这些细胞具有猪骨髓间充质干细胞(Mesenchymal stem Cells,MSCs)表面抗原;经地塞米松、维生素C和β-磷酸甘油等诱导F3代细胞,21d后出现钙物质沉积细胞群,用茜素红和Von kossa染色呈阳性,证实这些细胞已分化形成成骨细胞;经地塞米松、IBMX、胰岛素及吲哚美辛等诱导F3代细胞,21d后细胞质出现脂滴样结构,用油红O染色呈阳性,证实已分化形成成脂细胞;冷冻-解冻细胞的膜表面抗原及多能分化能力与未冻存细胞的检测结果基本一致.结果证实,从猪骨髓中分离培养及经传代扩增获得的贴壁细胞是纯化的MSCs.     

Differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell into germ-like cell under effect of co-culture with testicular cell tissue

Supplements produced by mouse testicular cells (mTCs) and the interaction between cells can increase the differentiation rate of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) into the germ-like cells. We studied the differentiation rate of hUCMSCs into the germ-like cells under effect of mTCs co-culturing. Isolated hUCMSCs from postpartum human umbilical cords were cultured. Then, the expression of mesenchymal (CD73, CD90 and CD105) and haematopoietic (CD34 and CD45) markers of hUCMSCs were confirmed by flow cytometry. Then, the hUCMSCs were cultured in four distinct groups: (a) control, (b) co-culture until D0, (c) co-culture until D5 and (d) co-culture until D10, in order to differentiate into the germ-like cells. After 10 days, the expression of OCT4, VASA, Fragilis and SYCP3 genes were examined by Real-Time qPCR. The flow cytometry indicated a high expression of mesenchymal markers and a low expression of haematopoietic markers (CD73:98.6%, CD90: 99.1%, CD105: 99.5%, CD34: 4.22% and CD45: 2.54%). The expression of OCT4 decreased during the time while the expression of VASA, Fragilis and SYCP3 markers increased in the co-culture with testicular cells (p value <.05). Co-culture with mTCs may be used as an effective method to differentiate hUCMSCs into germ-like cells.     

The canine epiphyseal-derived mesenchymal stem cells are comparable to bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great potential in cell therapy and have attractedincreasing interests in a wide range of biomedical sciences. However, the scarcity of MSCsand the prolonged isolation procedure limited the clinical application. To address these 2issues, we developed a method to isolate MSCs from bone biopsy tissues of euthanizedcanine body donors. Compared to the traditional method to isolate MSCs from aspirated bonemarrow (BMSCs), the isolation procedure for MSCs from harvested epiphyseal cancellous bone(EMSCs) was less time-consuming. The isolated EMSCs had similar plastic-adherence,tri-lineage differentiation and consistent surface marker profiles compared to BMSCs. Weharvested BMSCs and EMSCs from 24 euthanized cases from clinics and 42 euthanized donorsfrom a local shelter. The successful rate for EMSC isolation is significantly highercompared to BMSC isolation, while the other properties of the isolated MSCs including theclonogenicity, proliferative potentials and molecular phenotypes were not discerniblydifferent between the MSCs established by the two methods. In conclusion, we demonstrateda new procedure to harvest MSCs by bone biopsy at the epiphyseal region. This method isless time consuming and more reliable, and the resulting MSCs are comparable to thoseharvested by bone marrow aspiration. The combination of the two methods can greatlyimprove the efficiency to harvest MSCs.     

体外诱导牛BMSC向上皮样细胞分化的研究

为培育转基因肉牛提供种子细胞以及进一步丰富牛骨髓间充质干细胞(bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell,BMSC)的多向分化潜能,利用细胞免疫荧光染色和分子生物学方法,初步探讨表皮生长因子和胰岛素体外诱导牛BMSC向上皮样细胞分化的可能性。利用含细胞因子的诱导液对纯化稳定的P4代牛BMSC进行体外诱导,并对诱导后的细胞进行细胞角蛋白18的细胞免疫荧光观察和细胞角蛋白19的RT-PCR鉴定。结果表明,诱导后细胞经细胞角蛋白18免疫荧光染色后出现明显的荧光。RT-PCR结果显示诱导分化后细胞角蛋白19基因在细胞中表达。因此,在体外,表皮生长因子和胰岛素可诱导牛BMSC初步分化为上皮样细胞。     

Optimisation of bone marrow aspiration from the equine sternum for the safe recovery of mesenchymal stem cells

Reasons for performing study: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for orthopaedic disease is being used with increasing frequency; there is a need to define a safe, reliable and effective technique for the recovery of MSCs from the sternum of the horse. Objectives: To describe an optimised safe technique for obtaining bone marrow‐derived MSCs from the sternum of the Thoroughbred horse. Methods: The anatomical relationship of the sternum with the heart and internal anatomy was demonstrated in cadavers. Sternal anatomy was evaluated ultrasonographically and after midline sectioning. Sternebrae were examined histologically after aspiration to determine the effect of needle insertion. The quality of the aspirate was evaluated as the number of colony‐forming units from sequential and separately aspirated 5 ml aliquots and assessed for their multipotency using trilineage differentiation. Results: The optimal safe location for the needle was the 5th sternebra because it had a safe dorsoventral thickness and was cranial to the apex of the heart. This sternebra could be reliably identified ultrasonographically. Aspirates could also be obtained from the 4th and 6th sternebrae, although the former is between the front limbs and the latter closer to the heart. Minimal disruption of the internal bony architecture was seen after needle insertion through the thin outer cortex and the first 5 ml aliquot contained the greatest number of colony‐forming units of mesenchymal stem cells with trilineage capabilities. Conclusions: Accurate placement of a Jamshidi needle into the medullary cavity of the 4th–6th individual sternebrae is facilitated by the use of ultrasonography and enables aspiration of bone marrow reliably with minimal damage to the sternum and risk to the horse. Potential clinical relevance: Sternal marrow aspiration as described is a safe and reliable technique to obtain MSCs for orthopaedic cell‐based therapies.     

小鼠脂肪间充质干细胞向胰岛素分泌细胞的诱导分化研究

为了通过特定转录因子将小鼠脂肪间充质干细胞(mADSCs)定向诱导分化为胰岛素分泌细胞(IPCs)。本研究分别构建Pdx1(胰十二指肠同源盒基因1)、MafA(V-maf肌肉腱膜纤维肉瘤癌基因同源物A)、NeuroD1(神经分化因子1)3种基因的慢病毒过表达载体,使用293T细胞对3种因子进行慢病毒包装,将3种慢病毒过表达载体以单因子侵染、双因子侵染、三因子联合侵染的方式对mADSCs进行定向分化诱导,于诱导分化第15天对不同方式诱导的IPCs进行检测鉴定,并对不同方式诱导组的IPCs进行高糖刺激,刺激后30~120min检测培养基中含糖量的变化。结果显示,构建的慢病毒过表达载体pHBLV-CMV-IRES-ZsGreen-Pdx1、pHBLV-CMV-PGK-RFPMafA、pHBLV-CMV-PGK-RFP-NeuroD1所含目的片段基因序列与小鼠全基因编码序列完全一致,三种基因慢病毒过表达载体构建成功;诱导分化第15天,三因子联合诱导组所形成的IPCs克隆双硫腙(DTZ)染色呈阳性,并可表达胰岛素生物合成及分泌相关基因;在高糖刺激条件下,三因子联合诱导组糖分解速度、分解量远优于单因子或双因子诱导组。结果表明,Pdx1、MafA、NeuroD1 3种因子联合作用,可以将小鼠脂肪间充质干细胞定向诱导分化为胰岛素分泌细胞,并可在高糖刺激下,有效发挥降糖作用。     

Effect of hypoxia on generation of neurospheres from adipose tissue-derived canine mesenchymal stromal cells

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) are good candidates for cell therapy due to the accessibility of fat tissue and the abundance of AT-MSCs therein. Neurospheres are free-floating spherical condensations of cells with neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) characteristics that can be derived from AT-MSCs. The aims of this study were to examine the influence of oxygen (O₂) tension on generation of neurospheres from canine AT-MSCs (AT-cMSCs) and to develop a hypoxic cell culture system to enhance the survival and therapeutic benefit of generated neurospheres.AT-cMSCs were cultured under varying oxygen tensions (1%, 5% and 21%) in a neurosphere culture system. Neurosphere number and area were evaluated and NSPC markers were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Effects of oxygen on neurosphere expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1, α subunit (HIF1A) and its target genes, erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were quantified by qPCR. Neural differentiation potential was evaluated in 21% O₂ by cell morphology and qPCR.Neurospheres were successfully generated from AT-cMSCs at all O₂ tensions. Expression of nestin mRNA (NES) was significantly increased after neurosphere culture and was significantly higher in 1% O₂ compared to 5% and 21% O₂. Neurospheres cultured in 1% O₂ had significantly increased levels of VEGF and EPOR. There was a significant increase in CXCR4 expression in neurospheres generated at all O₂ tensions. Neurosphere culture under hypoxia had no negative effect on subsequent neural differentiation. This study suggests that generation of neurospheres under hypoxia could be beneficial when considering these cells for neurological cell therapies.