Comparative Evaluation for Potential Differentiation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Endothelial-Like Cells

Understanding the mechanisms of vascular remodeling could lead to more effective treatments for ischemic conditions. We aimed to compare between the abilities of both human Wharton jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human cord blood endothelial progenitor cells (hEPCs) and CD34+ to induce angiogenesis in vitro. hMSCs, hEPCs, and CD34+ were isolated from human umbilical cord blood using microbead (MiniMacs). The cells characterization was assessed by flow cytometry following culture and real-time PCR for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) to prove stem cells differentiation. The study revealed successful isolation of hEPCs, CD34+, and hMSCs. The hMSCs were identified by gaining CD29+ and CD44+ using FACS analysis. The hEPCs were identified by having CD133+, CD34+, and KDR. The potential ability of hEPCs and CD34+ to differentiate into endothelial-like cells was more than hMSCs. This finding was assessed morphologically in culture and by higher significant VEGFR2 and vWF genes expression (p<0.05) in differentiated hEPCs and CD34+ compared to differentiated hMSCs. hEPCs and CD34+ differentiation into endothelial-like cells were much better than that of hMSCs.

Relation between maternal plasma concentration of serum endoglin in patients with IUGR and preeclampsia: correlation with doppler study

The aim of the study was to compare between the rise in serum endoglin [sEng] in pregnant women with normotensive IUGR and preeclamptic pregnant women with and without IUGR and to compare between serum placental growth factor [PIGF] and endoglin levels in serum of pregnant patients with IUGR. Prospective analytic comparative study. The study includes group [1] 17 cases with manifest preeclampsia without IUGR, group [2] 11 cases with preeclampsia and IUGR, group [3] 12 normotensive pregnancies with IUGR and 15 gestational age matched control. sEng and PIGF were determined by ELISA, Doppler examination of the umbilitcal vessels in the form of PI and S/D ratio were done. The three groups show significantly higher sEng concentration compared to the control group [32.2 +/- 6.0 ng/ml, 42.3 +/- 10.5 ng/ml, 24.5 +/- 7.1 ng/ml and 12.2 +/- 3.6 ng/ml in the 4 groups respectively, p<0.001]. The three groups showed significantly lower level of PIGF [45.4 +/- 20.4 pg/ml, 23.3 +/- 12.1 pg/ml, 73.1 +/- 54.7 pg/ml and 111.1 +/- 58.4 pg/ml in the 4 groups respectively. P<0.003]. There was no significant difference between sEng in the three groups. Significant difference was found for serum levels of PIGF between normotensive IUGR and the other 2 groups. There was a significant positive correlation between sEng levels and S/D ratio [r= .939 p< 0.001] and PI [r=.695 p<0.001] of the umbilical vessels in group of preeclampsia without IUGR and insignificant correlation between serum levels of PIGF and Doppler study of the umbilical vessels in the same group. sEng increased in all cases with placental pathology even in normotensive IUGR, while PIGF has the reverse relationship, it decreased in placental pathology with negative relationship with severity. The correlation between maternal serum levels of sEng and PIGF and Doppler ultrasound indices of umbilical arteries in pre-eclampsia and IUGR reflect the severity of the disorders

Maternal and fetal concentration of serum placental growth factor and their correlation to glycemic control and doppler study in diabetic and normal pregnancy

To determine whether maternal diabetes is associated with altered human placental growth factor [PIGF] level in serum of both mother and fetus and study he relation between PIGF and Doppler parameters, Prospective analytic comparative study. 30 normal pregnant female, 60 patients with gestational diabetes, 30 diabetic controlled and 30 diabetic uncontrolled. PIGF was measured in stored maternal serum samples taken in the 3[rd] trimester and cord sample of their babies after delivery by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays [ELISA]. Diabetes during pregnancy was diagnosed with the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and by applying world health organization criteria. Doppler velocimetry of umbilical vessels was evaluated for vascular impedance, in terms of pulsatility index and S/D ratio. Insignificant difference in serum maternal PIGF in both diabetic and non diabetic groups in the third trimester [p 0.139]. Cord serum PIGF was lower in diabetic controlled than uncontrolled group [p 0.023]. But there was significant negative correlation between maternal PIGF and cord serum PIGF in control [r -.537] and uncontrolled diabetic group [r -.384], p<0.05. Significant positive correlation between cord serum PIGF and S/D ratio was found [r .383], p<0.037. Significant negative correlation was found between PIGF in maternal serum and Doppler parameters in diabetic controlled group [r - 0.362], p value < 0.049 and in diabetic uncontrolled group [r = 0.500], p value < .005. FBS was positively correlated to cord serum PIGF in both controlled [r .603 and p value <0.001] and uncontrolled diabetic groups [r .934 and p value <0.001]. Maternal serum PIGF is similar in 3[rd] trimester in diabetic pregnancy and in control group. Serum cord PIGF was higher in uncontrolled than controlled diabetics. Significant negative correlation between maternal PIGF and cord serum PIGF in control and uncontrolled diabetic group. Rise in cord serum PIGF is related to chronic fetal hypoxia as evident by abnormal Doppler. Further studies are needed to confirm results