Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly Can Differentiate into Schwann Cell-Like Cells and Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Acellular Nerve Grafts

BACKGROUND@#Schwann cells (SCs) secrete neurotrophic factors and provide structural support and guidance during axonal regeneration. However, nearby nerves may be damaged to obtain primary SCs, and there is a lack of nervous tissue donors. We investigated the potential of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in differentiating into Schwann cell-like cells (WJ-SCLCs) as an alternative to SCs. We also examined whether implantation of WJ-SCLCsladen acellular nerve grafts (ANGs) are effective in inducing functional recovery and nerve regeneration in an animal model of peripheral nerve injury. @*METHODS@#The differentiation of WJ-MSCs into WJ-SCLCs was determined by analyzing SC-specific markers. The secretion of neurotrophic factors was assessed by the Neuro Discovery antibody array. Neurite outgrowth and myelination of axons were found in a co-culture system involving motor neuron cell lines. The effects of ANGs on repairing sciatic nerves were evaluated using video gait angle test, isometric tetanic force analysis, and toluidine blue staining. @*RESULTS@#Compared with undifferentiated WJ-MSCs, WJ-SCLCs showed higher expression levels of SC-specific markers such as S100b, GFAP, KROX20, and NGFR. WJ-SCLCs also showed higher secreted amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor than did WJ-MSCs.WJ-SCLCs effectively promoted the outgrowth and myelination of neurites in motor neuron cells, and WJ-SCLCs laden ANGs significantly facilitated peripheral nerve regeneration in an animal model of sciatic nerve injury. @*CONCLUSION@#WJ-MSCs were readily differentiated into WJ-SCLCs, which effectively promoted the regeneration of peripheral nerves. Transplantation of WJ-SCLCs with ANGs might be useful for assisting peripheral nerve regeneration.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly Can Differentiate into Schwann Cell-Like Cells and Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Acellular Nerve Grafts

BACKGROUND@#Schwann cells (SCs) secrete neurotrophic factors and provide structural support and guidance during axonal regeneration. However, nearby nerves may be damaged to obtain primary SCs, and there is a lack of nervous tissue donors. We investigated the potential of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in differentiating into Schwann cell-like cells (WJ-SCLCs) as an alternative to SCs. We also examined whether implantation of WJ-SCLCsladen acellular nerve grafts (ANGs) are effective in inducing functional recovery and nerve regeneration in an animal model of peripheral nerve injury. @*METHODS@#The differentiation of WJ-MSCs into WJ-SCLCs was determined by analyzing SC-specific markers. The secretion of neurotrophic factors was assessed by the Neuro Discovery antibody array. Neurite outgrowth and myelination of axons were found in a co-culture system involving motor neuron cell lines. The effects of ANGs on repairing sciatic nerves were evaluated using video gait angle test, isometric tetanic force analysis, and toluidine blue staining. @*RESULTS@#Compared with undifferentiated WJ-MSCs, WJ-SCLCs showed higher expression levels of SC-specific markers such as S100b, GFAP, KROX20, and NGFR. WJ-SCLCs also showed higher secreted amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor than did WJ-MSCs.WJ-SCLCs effectively promoted the outgrowth and myelination of neurites in motor neuron cells, and WJ-SCLCs laden ANGs significantly facilitated peripheral nerve regeneration in an animal model of sciatic nerve injury. @*CONCLUSION@#WJ-MSCs were readily differentiated into WJ-SCLCs, which effectively promoted the regeneration of peripheral nerves. Transplantation of WJ-SCLCs with ANGs might be useful for assisting peripheral nerve regeneration.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha deficiency impairs host defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae / 한국실험동물학회지

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major human pathogen that is involved in community-acquired pneumonia. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that activates immune responses against infection, invasion, injury, or inflammation. To study the role of TNF-alpha during S. pneumoniae infection, a murine pneumococcal pneumonia model was used. We intranasally infected C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and TNF-alpha knockout (KO) mice with S. pneumoniae D39 serotype 2. In TNF-alpha KO mice, continuous and distinct loss of body weight, and low survival rates were observed. Bacterial counts in the lungs and blood of TNF-alpha KO mice were significantly higher than those in WT mice. Histopathological lesions in the spleen of TNF-alpha KO mice were more severe than those in WT mice. In TNF-alpha KO mice, severe depletion of white pulp was observed and the number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-12p70 and IL-10 levels in serum were significantly increased in TNF-alpha KO mice. TNF-alpha is clearly involved in the regulation of S. pneumoniae infections. Early death and low survival rates of TNF-alpha KO mice were likely caused by a combination of impaired bacterial clearance and damage to the spleen. Our findings suggest that TNF-alpha plays a critical role in protecting the host from systemic S. pneumoniae infection.

Difference in Resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection in Mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen that causes various diseases, including pneumonia and sepsis, as millions of people suffer from S. pneumoniae infection worldwide. To better understand the immune and inflammatory responses to S. pneumoniae, we produced murine models. To investigate the differences between intranasal and intratracheal infection, BALB/c mice were infected with S. pneumoniae D39 intranasally or intratracheally. Mice showed no significant differences in survival rates, body weight changes, and bacterial loads. To investigate resistance and susceptibility among mouse strains, BALB/c, C57BL/6J, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) knockout, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) knockout mice were infected with S. pneumoniae D39 via intranasal or intravenous routes. In this study, BALB/c and C57BL/6J mice were resistant, IL-10 knockout mice were intermediate, and TNF-alpha knokout mice were susceptible to S. pneumoniae infection. These data show that intranasal and intratracheal infection induced similar results after S. pneumoniae infection, and the genetic background of mice must be considered when studying S. pneumoniae infection in vivo.

A Novel Model for Human Atopic Dermatitis: Application of Repeated DNCB Patch in BALB/c Mice, in Comparison with NC/Nga Mice / 한국실험동물학회지

The various murine models have contributed to the study of human atopic dermatitis (AD). However limitations of the models involve low reproducibility and long time to develop AD. In an attempt to overcome these limitations and establish an atopic dermatitis murine model, we repeated the application of 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) patch in NC/Nga and BALB/c mice, which has advantages in reproduction and cost. For the sensitization, a 1 cm2 gauze-attached patch, where 1% or 0.2% DNCB was periodically attached on the back of NC/Nga and BALB/c mice. To estimate how homologous our model was with human atopic dermatitis, clinical, histological and immunological alterations were evaluated. Both strains showed severe atopic dermatitis, increase in subiliac lymph node weight, mast cells, epidermal hyperplasia and serum IgE levels. Though both exhibited a high IL-4/IFN-gamma and IL-4/TNF-beta ratio in the expression of mRNA, the shifting of DNCB-treated BALB/c mice was increased to more than double that of NC/Nga mice. These results suggest that our DNCB patched model using BALB/c mice were more suitable than NC/Nga mice in demonstrating the immune response. We anticipate that our novel model may be successfully used for pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and assessment of therapeutic approaches.

Economical Analysis of Cervical Disc Disease by Anterior Inter-body Fusion Methods - Comparing of Bone Graft vs Plating -

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the complications, duration of admission, cost effectiveness, radiologic stabilization of the anterior cervical bone fusion in the treatment of cervical disc disease with and without plating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two surgically treated patients for cervical disc disease were reviewed. Group I consisted of consecutive treated patients with iliac auto-bone graft without instrumentation after anterior cervical discectomy. Group II consisted of consecutive treated patients with iliac autologous-bone graft with CASPER cervical plate fixations. Radiologic fusion was decided when loss of end plate boundary between graft bone and vertebral body and immobile, maintenance of the disc space were evident on simple dynamic plain films. The patients were discharged after the stabilization of cervical motion by films was of tained. These groups were analysed multiple variably with Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Group I consisted of 18 patients, group II consisted of 34 patients. Mean age was 49.0+/-8.1 years, mean duration of admission was 17.27+/-10.51 days, mean costs for treatment was 1,970,000+/-475,000 won. In group I, mean age was 47.7(34-60) years, 16 patients had undergo on one-level operation, 2-patients had undergo on two-level operation, mean duration of admission was 28.7+/-10.4 days, mean costs for treatment was 2,194,473+/-561,639 won. The periods of stabilization was 6.6+/-3.36 weeks on radiologic study. Mean periods of out patient follow up was 16.8(6-64) weeks after discharge. Mean period of radiologic follow up was 17.3(4-6) weeks after surgical operation. In group II, mean age was 49.7(37-62) years and 18 patients one-level operation, 14-patients had undergo on two-level operation and 2-patients three-level operation. Mean duration of admission was 11.24+/-3.29 days, mean costs for treatment was 1,850,823+/-389,372 won. The periods of stabilization was 5.88+/-7.07 weeks on radiologic study. Mean period of out patients follow up was 16.7(4-60) weeks after discharge. Mean period of radiologic follow up was 12.4(3-52) weeks after surgical operation. The duration of admission showed statistical significance in Group II but other items showed no significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The more economic, early life return and effective method of cervical disc disease in our series were evident in patients who had undergone, iliac bone graft and plate fixations after anterior discectomy.

Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma within the Sphenoid Sinus

A 69-year-old woman presented with right abducent nerve paresis caused by an ectopic pituitary adenoma invading the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. The tumor was removed via transsphenoidal approach. The histological diagnosis was invasive pituitary adenoma with bony destruction. The symptom was improved without complication. The authors present a rare case of ectopic pituitary adenoma with a literature review.

Fracture of Distal Catheter after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Case Report

No abstract available.

Surgical Results of Encephaloduroarteriomyosynangiosis(EDAMS) for Moyamoya Desease

Moyamoya disease is a cerebrovascular disease of unknown etiology which leads to spontaneous occlusion of circle of Willis. Cerebral ischemic or hemorrhagic episodes occur as moyamoya disease progresses. To establish an efficient collateral circulation for the ischemic brain of this disease many surgical the therapeutic methods have been proposed. We analyzed the surgical results of encephaloduroarteriomyosynangiosis(EDAMS) and compared with that of direct bypass surgery, superfical temporal artery to middle ce rebral artery(STA-MCA) anastomosis to determine the efficacy of new indirect revascularization procedure, EDAMS, in the treatment of moyamoya disease. Twenty three patients with moyamoya disease who underwent revascularization procedure were included in this study. EDAMS was performed on 18 sides in 16 patients and STA-MCA anastomosis was done on 12 sides in 7 patients. Two patients underwent encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis(EDAS). The surgical results of EDAMS were excellent to good in 14 patients and fair in 2 patients. No statistical significance of the outcome was observed in comparision of EDAMS and STA-MCA anastomosis(p-value=0.471). Regardless of surgical procedures, outcome of child-onset moyamoya disease was found to be superior to those of adult-onset moyamoya disease(p-delete=0.024). In conclusion, EDAMS is considered to be one of the effective indirect revascularization methods to prevent the ischemic attack and establish the revascularization for moyamoya disease.

Experience of Intracranial Gangliogliomas

Gangliogliomas are rare benign tumors of the central nervous system consisting of neoplastic ganglion and low grade glial cells. The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the clinical, radiological, surgical, and pathological features and outcome of ten patients with intracranial ganglioglioma who underwent surgery between June 1989 and December 1996. The mean follow-up period was about 24 months(range, 6-66 months) after their initial operation. The series consisted of six males and four females, and their mean age was 29.7 years. The mean length of symptoms was 9.1 years. Seizure was the most common presenting symptom and occurred in eight of ten patients. MRI findings were variable, and showed no characteristic patterns. The temporal lobe was the most common site of involvement(6/10). During surgery, a sharp demarcation between tumor and normal brain tissue was seen in seven of ten cases. Five of ten cases were solid, and the remaining cases were cystic in two, cystic with mural nodule in two, and soft, suckable in one. Total resection was possible in seven of ten patients. Diagnosis was established by identifying a mixture of abnormal astrocytic and neuronal components. Two patients showed astrocytic predominance; four, a neuronal predominance; and four, an equal admixture of cell types. All cases were benign. Other histopathological findings included microcystic change, desmoplasia, eosinophilic granular body, microcalcification, and lymphocytic infiltration. At the time of writing, all seven patients who underwent total resection were alive without recurrence; of the three who underwent subtotal resection, two were alive and in a stable condition, while in the other, the tumor had progressed within 12 months of surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy had thus been required. The patients was, though, still alive. In seven of eight patients, the frequency of seizure had markedly decreased. Our study confirms that this tumor is a distinct clinical and histological entity with a predilection for the temporal lobe. Although the number of patients and follow-up period are limited, this study also shows that epilepsy is extremely well controlled and that survival after surgical resection is good.