Therapeutic potential of royal jelly to control Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice

@#At present, there are several synthetic medications for toxoplasmosis therapy; however, these agents cannot be permanently applied because of adverse side effects or therapeutic failures and drug resistance in parasites. The present experimental investigation was aimed to study the effects of royal jelly (RJ) obtained from Apis mellifera in comparison with atovaquone against Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. After treatment of infected mice with RJ at the doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days, we evaluated the therapeutic activity of RJ by measuring the mean number and the mean size of T. gondii tissue cysts, oxidant-antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, the mRNA expression levels of bradyzoite surface antigen 1 (BAG1), as well as the toxic effect on liver and kidney function. Treatment of the infected mice with RJ significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the mean number and the mean diameter of T. gondii tissue cysts and downregulated BAG1 in a dose-dependent response. After treatment of infected mice with RJ, the level of oxidative stress markers was significantly diminished, but a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the level of antioxidant markers such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes was observed. Treatment of the infected mice with RJ significantly enhanced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-1β, whereas it caused no substantial change in the serum levels of liver and kidney enzymes. The findings of this in vivo study revealed the favorable therapeutic effect of RJ on latent T. gondii infection in mice. It was found that RJ considerably inhibited the infection by decreasing the number and size of tissue cysts, reducing oxidative stress, and boosting the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but had no significant toxic impact on the function of vital organs such as liver and kidney. However, additional surveys are required to confirm these findings and clarify the exact mechanisms and their efficiency in clinical subjects.

Potential role of dental pulp stem cells conditioned medium for odontoblastic differentiation

BACKGROUND: Functional bioengineered tooth regeneration using autologous or allogeneic alternative differentiated cells sources are thought to have a great potential in replacing conventional dentures. This study investigated the potential of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) conditioned medium for odontoblastic differentiation of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs). The DPSCs derived from healthy adult permanent first molars were cultured at high confluence prior to conditioned medium collection. The WJMSCs were cultured in six different treatments, with varying ratios of culture media to DPSCs-conditioned medium. MTT assay was used to measure the rate of proliferation of WJMSCs, while immunocytochemistry staining was utilised to detect the expression of dental matrix protein 1 (DMP-1). The deposited calcium was detected and analysed via Alizarin-Red Staining (ARS). RESULTS: It was found that the proliferation of WJMSCs cultured under the mixture of complete medium and DPSCs conditioned medium showed significantly lower than the control; presumably the cells started to exit proliferative state prior differentiation. In 14 days of induction, the cells in all treatments showed osteoblastic-like morphology, calcium compound deposits were observed at day 7, 10 and 14 of differentiation suggested that DPSCs conditioned medium could lead to osteoblastic/odontoblastic differentiation. However, the DMP-1 protein can be seen only expressed minimally at day 14 of conditioned medium induction. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, DPSCs conditioned medium appeared as a potential odontoblastic induction approach for WJMSCs. To further investigate the stimulatory effects by DPSCs conditioned medium, specific signalling pathway need to be elucidated to enhance the differentiation efficiency.

Efecto del factor de crecimiento fibroblástico dos (FGF-2), en la reducción de la senescencia en células madre mesenquimales aisladas de gelatina de Wharton / Fibroblastic growth factor two (FGF-2), in reducing the senescent effect on mesenchymal stem cell isolated from Wharton ́s jelly

Resumen Introducción. Las células madre mesenquimales han generado interés en la ingeniería de tejidos, debido a sus propiedades proliferativas y capacidad de reparación de tejidos, sin embargo, para un trasplante exitoso, es necesario aumentar el número de células mediante un cultivo in-vitro. Durante este proceso la capacidad proliferativa disminuye, provocando cambios en la morfología y funcionalidad celular y afectando la viabilidad del cultivo, este estado se conoce como senescencia celular y como posibles causales, se ha considerado el estrés oxidativo y la falta de factores de crecimiento. Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto de FGF-2 sobre la senescencia de un cultivo de células madre mesenquimales aisladas de gelatina de Wharton y su papel en la regulación del estrés oxidativo. Metodología. Se añadieron dosis de 3,5 y 7,5 ng de FGF-2 al cultivo. Durante los pasajes 5 y 7, se estimó tanto la senescencia celular como la presencia de ROS (especies reactivas de oxígeno). Resultados.Se obtuvo en el pasaje 5, una diferencia significativa del 99,5% entre el control (+) con respecto a los tratamientos con FGF-2, sin embargo, en el pasaje 7 se observó un aumento en la producción de la enzima ß-galactosidasa y cambios morfológicos, confirmando un estado senescente en el cultivo en todos los tratamientos evaluados. Conclusión. Las dosis utilizadas en este estudio contribuyeron positivamente a disminuir el proceso senescente en el cultivo celular, además se determinó, que el FGF-2 puede prolongar el tiempo de cultivo, retardando parcialmente la concentración de especies reactivas de oxígeno

AbstractIntroduction. Mesenchymal stem cells have been generated interest in tissue engineering, due to their proliferative properties and tissue repair capacity, however, for a successful transplant process, it is necessary to increase the number of cells in a culture expansion process. During this process the proliferative capacity is limited, causing changes in cell morphology and functionality affecting the viability of the culture, this state is known as cell senescence. Oxidative stress and deregulation of growth factors are considered as reasons. Aims. To evaluate the effect of FGF-2 on the senescence of a mesenchymal stem cells culture isolated from Wharton ́s jelly and its role in the regulation of oxidative stress. Methodology: 3,5 and 7,5 ng doses of FGF-2 were added to the culture medium from passage 2, then the senescence of the culture was evaluated and the presence of reactive oxygen species was determined during passages 5 and 7. Results. We observed that in passage 5, there is a significant difference 99.5% between the control (+) concerning the FGF-2 treatments, however, in passage 7, an increase in the production of the enzyme ß-galactosidase was observed and changes in morphology such as: increase in size and elongated shape of the cell, confirming a senescent state on the culture in all the treatments evaluated. Conclusion. The doses used in this study contributed positively to decrease this process in a cell culture, also, the FGF- 2 can prolong the cultivation time, partially decreasing the concentration of reactive oxygen species

Magnetic resonance imaging of perianal fistulas in clinically symptomatic patients and the correlation among plain, contrast, and post jelly MRI fistulography

Abstract Objectives To evaluate different types of perianal fistulas and their complications on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare plain, contrast, and jelly magnetic resonance fistulography findings. Materials and Methods This prospective study was performed in 30 patients who presented with perianal pus discharge or external fistulous opening. Magnetic resonance imaging of the perianal region before and after giving intravenous contrast and after injecting jelly through a percutaneous opening was performed on a 3T scanner and the results were correlated. Results The mean age of the patients was 40.13±13.88 years (range 19-75 years). The male to female ratio was 14:1. The most common type of fistula was St. James classification type I, which was seen in 13 patients (43%), followed by type IV in 30%, type III in 16%, type II in 6.66%, and type V in 3.33% of the patients. Using agreement analysis, we compared the number of primary and secondary tracts, internal openings, and horseshoe tracts and found a significant agreement between plain and post Jelly MRI fistulography (kappa statistic close to 1).When comparing plain and contrast MRI, there was significant agreement in the primary and secondary tracts, while statistically insignificant results were obtained (p>0.05) for the horseshoe tract and internal openings. Contrast injection was helpful in 7 subjects (23.3%) as peripheral enhancement of abscesses were better delineated. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging is the one stop diagnostic modality for perianal fistulas. Acquisition of axial (Ax) T2, axial T2 FS, coronal T2 and coronal T2 FS sequences without administering intravenous contrast or jelly is usually sufficient for the diagnosis of fistulas and their complications.

Absence of Wharton’s jelly: an association with feto-maternal morbidity

Umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein connecting fetus to the placenta and is responsible for blood flow between the two. It is surrounded by Wharton’s jelly which is a gelatinous substance and functions as adventitia layer of umbilical vessels, thereby providing insulation and protection to the umbilical cord. Umbilical cord abnormalities are associated with poor perinatal outcomes. Very few cases of absent Wharton’s jelly are reported in literature. Ours might be the 8th one in which we did a lower segment caesarean section for meconium stained liquor but the baby died after 12 hours.

Elabela promotes differentiation of wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Elabela is a new type of endogenous receptor of APJ discovered in recent years. It is widely distributed in the adult cardiovascular system and has a certain influence on cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of Elabela on the differentiation of stem cells into cardiomyocytes and the expression of APJ in cardiomyocyte differentiation has not been studied yet. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Elabela on the differentiation of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocytes. METHODS: The frozen mesenchymal stem cells were resuscitated. 5-Azacytidine was used to induce Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into cardiomyocytes when the cell confluence reached 80%-90%. After 24 hours, the medium was replaced by low-glucose medium containing Elabela and 10% fetal bovine serum in the experimental group, and by low-glucose medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum in the control group. At 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after induction, cell morphology was observed. The total RNA and total protein of each group were collected. The myocardial specific markers Nkx2.5, cTnT and Connexin 43 mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot assay. The expression of APJ in the induced cardiomyocytes was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The expression levels of myocardial specific markers Nkx2.5, cTnT and Connexin 43 mRNA and protein were higher in the experimental group than in the control group in all stages of differentiation, and the expression of APJ was also higher in the experimental group than in the control group. (2) In summary, Elabela plays a certain promoting role in the differentiation of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into oriented cardiomyocytes. Elabela, as another agonist of APJ, can promote the expression of APJ during the induced cell differentiation.

Unusual umbilical cord finding in a neonate

Umbilical cord cyst refers to any cystic lesion that are associated with the umbilical cord. They are classified as true cysts or pseudocysts. True cysts are small remnants of the allantois, whereas false cysts originate from liquefaction of Wharton Jelly. In present case, cyst was diagnosed at birth without any associated congenital anomalies and resolved spontaneously within a few days requiring nil surgical intervention. Umbilical cord cysts deserve special attention since 20% of them, regardless of type, are associated with structural or chromosomal anomalies. Because of this, fetal karyotyping and amniocentesis should be considered when cysts persist beyond the first trimester.

A Comparative Study of Laryngeal Mask Airway Lubrication with Lignocaine 2% V/S Beclamethasone 005% Cream

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a minor complication after general anaesthesia. Many agents have been used as lubricant to reduce the incidence of POST with variable efficacy. Methods: We conducted a study to compare the incidence of POST with 0.05% betamethasone gel and 2% lignocaine jelly as a lubricant for LMA insertion in patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Sixty subjects were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in Group B (n = 30) had 2.5 ml of 0.05% of betamethasone gel while the Group L had 2.5 ml of 2% lignocaine jelly applied on the cuff of LMA. After standard induction and insertion of LMA cuff inflated to 60 cm of H2O and was maintained at the same throughout the surgery. Results: In PACU, patients were inquired about sore throat at immediate and 24 h post operative period. POST was not observed in any of the patients of Group B. In group L 13% of the patients had 1st degree and 3% had 2nd degree of sore-throat in immediate post-operative period. After 24 h 3%patients had 1st degree sore-throat and 1% patients had 2nd degree of sore-throat in Group L patients. Conclusion: We conclude that lubricating cuff of LMA with 0.05% of betamethasone gel is effective in reducing the incidence of POST.

Histomorphometric Assessment Of Wharton’s Jelly Area In Normal And Pre-eclamptic Pregnancies And Its Correlation With Placental Weight

Introduction: Fetal capability to grow in utero depends on placental development and function. The goal of thisstudy was to appraise the effects of hypertension on placental weight and Wharton’s jelly area (WJA); andcorrelate them in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.Material and Methods: Eighty placentae along with umbilical cord divided into forty each of normotensive andpre-eclamptic pregnancies were studied. The cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord and vessels area wasmeasured with the help of vernier scale and ocular micrometer respectively. WJA was calculated by deduction ofthe vascular area from the umbilical cord area. Placental weight was recorded by using a weighing machine andcorrelated with the WJA.Results: In the present study, mean placental weight was 445.45 ± 40.31 grams and WJA was 35.28 ± 8.42 mm2 inthe normal group. Whereas, in the pre-eclamptic group, mean placental weight was 408.95 ± 47.15 grams andWJA was 29.04 ± 8.09 mm2. Mean placental weight and WJA was significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group.A significant positive correlation was found between WJA and placental weight (r = 0.710, p<0.0001) in normalgroup and (r = 0.764, p<0.0001) in pre-eclamptic group.Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia is associated with reducing placental weight and WJA. Low WJA may hamper the fetalgrowth. The current study shows a strong positive correlation between WJA and placental weight. So, the awarenessof this correlation will be helpful in the early observation of placental insufficiencies and provide sufficientinformation to take additional care in such conditions.

A Relative Study on Laryngeal Mask Airway Lubrication with 0.005% Beclomethasone Cream v/a 2% Lidocaine

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a slightcomplication after general anaesthesia. Numerous agents havebeen used as lubricant to lessen the incidence of POST withvariable efficacy.Methods: We compare the incidence of POST with 0.05%betamethasone gel and 2% lignocaine jelly as a lubricant forLMA insertion in patients undergoing general anaesthesia.Sixty subjects were separated randomly into two groups.Patients in Group B (n = 30) had 2.5 ml of 0.05% ofbetamethasone gel while the Group L had 2.5 ml of 2%lignocaine jelly applied on the cuff of LMA. After criterioninduction and insertion of LMA cuff inflated to 60 cm of H2Oand was maintained at the same throughout the surgery.Results: In PACU, patients evaluated about sore throat atimmediate and 24 h post-operative period. POST was not seenin any of the patients of Group B. In group L 13% of thepatients had 1st degree and 3% had 2nd degree of sore-throatin immediate post-operative period. After 24 h 3%patients had1st degree sore-throat and 1% patients had 2nd degree ofsore-throat in Group L patients.Conclusion: We conclude that lubricating cuff of LMA with0.05% of betamethasone gel is efficient in reducing theincidence of POST.

Morphometric Characterization Of Umbilical Cord Vessels And Neonatal Outcome

Morphologic and morphometric characterization of the umbilical cord and vessel components could greatlyassist in improving adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate therelationship between morphometry of umbilical cord vessel components and neonatal outcome. A descriptivecross sectional study was conducted on 207 umbilical cords attached to placentae obtained from VictoryMaternity Home and Clinic in Kumasi (Ghana) between November, 2013 and October, 2014. Umbilical cordlength, diameter, and vessels’ diameter were measured with the umbilical cord still attached to the placenta.Neonatal anthropometries were recorded within 24 hours after delivery. The mean ± SD of vein diameter betweenneonates of normotensive 3.36 (±0.88) and hypertensive mothers 3.82 (± 0.50) showed a significant difference.The body length of neonates with short umbilical cord length was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of thosewith long cord lengths. Quantitative analysis indicated a positive linear relationship in umbilical cord and itsvessels components with neonatal anthropometry (p<0.05). In conclusion, the morphometry of the umbilicalcord and its vessels could predict maternal and neonatal outcome and therefore would be useful in earlydetection and management of neonatal abnormalities.

Effect of a combination of 2% lidocaine jelly and thermally softened endotracheal tube on postoperative sore throat

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common adverse event after general anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2% lidocaine jelly applied on the single-lumen endotracheal tube (ETT) and thermal softening of the ETT, and a combination of both interventions on the development of POST. METHODS: Patients (n = 144) undergoing general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control group (un-softened ETT lubricated with saline); Lidocaine group (un-softened ETT lubricated with 2% lidocaine jelly); Softened group (thermally softened ETT lubricated with saline); and Combined group (thermally softened ETT lubricated with 2% lidocaine jelly). Sore throat was evaluated at 0, 1, 6, 24, and 48 h after extubation. The occurrence of any postoperative complication was also assessed including hoarseness and coughing. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the severity of POST at all time points. However, the incidences of POST for overall (0–48 h) and the immediately following period (0 h) were significantly lower in the Combined group (52.9% and 47.1%) than in the Control group (79.4% and 76.5%), Lidocaine group (81.8% and 78.8%), and Softened group (82.9% and 74.3%). The overall incidence of hoarseness did not differ among the groups. No other postoperative complication was observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in the severity of POST. However, 2% lidocaine jelly applied on thermally softened ETT reduced the overall incidence of POST. Therefore, this combined intervention could be considered as an alleviating strategy for POST.

Comparison of the diagnostic yield of various systematic randomized prostate biopsy protocols using prostate phantoms made of devil's tongue jelly

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of five systematic randomized protocols using 12–20 biopsy cores with variably-sized phantoms. METHODS: A total of 100 prostate phantom models were produced by casting liquid devil's tongue jelly using silicone molds. Sets of 20 phantoms were created with the following volumes: 20 mL, 40 mL, 60 mL, 80 mL, and 100 mL. Three focal lesions were created by injecting 0.5 mL of warm agar solution stained with red, blue, and green ink into each phantom model. The focal lesions were verified by ultrasonography. The systematic randomized biopsy protocols consisted of 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 biopsy cores. The diagnostic yield of the multiple systematic biopsy protocols was compared. RESULTS: The overall detection rates of each model set were 93.3% for 20 mL, 88.3% for 40 mL, 71.7% for 60 mL, 43.3% for 80 mL, and 30.0% for 100 mL. Statistically significant differences in the detection rate were found between 40 mL and 60 mL and between 60 mL and 80 mL. No statistically significant increase in the detection rate was observed within a given volume set even when the number of core biopsies increased from 12 to 20. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic yield of systematic randomized biopsies is inversely proportional to the phantom volume.

Spores of Paenibacillus larvae, Ascosphaera apis, Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis in bee products supervised by the Brazilian Federal Inspection Service

ABSTRACT Due to their ecological and economic importance, honey bees have attracted much scientific attention, which has intensified due to the recent population decline of these insects in the several parts of the world. Among the factors related to these patterns, infection by pathogens are the most relevant, mainly because of the easy dissemination of these microorganisms. Although no zoonotic diseases are associated with these insects, the presence of infectious agents in bee products should still be considered because they play a role as disease dispersers, increasing the risk to animal health. Because of the possibility of dispersion of pathogens via bee products, this work aimed to identify the presence of spores of the pathogens Paenibacillus larvae, Ascosphaera apis and Nosema spp. in samples of honey, pollen and royal jelly that are registered with Brazil's Federal Inspection Service (S.I.F.) and commercially available in the state of São Paulo. Of the 41 samples of bee products analyzed, only one showed no contamination by any of these pathogens. N. ceranae and P. larvae had the highest prevalence considering all the samples analyzed (present in 87.80% and 85.37% of the total, respectively), with N. apis present in 26.83% and A. apis present in 73.17% of the samples. These results provide support for the formulation of government regulations for sanitary control of exotic diseases by preventing dispersion of pathogens, including through illegal importation, since local and international trade and the transfer of colonies between regions play important roles in the dispersion of these microorganisms.

Characterization of different native american physalis species and evaluation of their processing potential as jelly in combination with brie-type cheese

Abstract Faced with the need for greater knowledge of the different physalis species, the aim of this study was to characterize different Native American physalis species (Physalis peruviana L., Physalis pubescens L., Physalis angulata L., Physalis mínimos L. and Physalis ixocarpa Brot) as to their physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Besides that, in order to increase their use and add even more value to this fruit, we also evaluate the influence of these different species on the physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of physalis jelly. In addition, this study evaluated the sensory acceptance of the combination of physalis jellies obtained from different species with brie-type cheese. The Peruviana, Pubences and Angulata, are highlighted for being the nutritionally richest species, with the highest levels of phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant. Moreover, they stand out for originating the most widely sensory accepted jellies, either in pure form or in combination with brie-type cheese.

Comparison of Advanced Platelet Rich Fibrin (A-PRF) and Culture Media Conditioned Warton's Jelly (CMCWJ) on Fibroblast Cells Proliferation

Objective: To compare the potency of fibroblast cells proliferation in 12.5% and 25% Culture Media Conditioned Warton's Jelly (CMCWJ) and Advanced Platelet Rich Fibrin (A-PRF) cultured medium. Material and Methods: Fibroblast cells were divided into five groups: Group I (Control Group): serum-starved fibroblast without any treatment as a negative control; Group II: fibrolast that supplemented in 12.5% CMCWJ medium; Group III: fibrolast that supplemented 12.5% A-PRF medium; Group IV: fibrolast that supplemented 25% CMCWJ medium, and Group V: fibrolast that supplemented 25% A-PRF medium. The fibroblasts proliferation was counted by an automated cell counter. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA and Post hoc Tamhane test was conducted to analyze the potential fibroblast proliferation differences in different concentration of CMCWJ and A-PRF group. Results: There were no significant differences in the fibroblast cell proliferation between GI and GIV, GII and GIV, GII and GIII, GII and GV, also GIV and GV. There were significant differences between GI and GII, GI and GIII, GI and GV, also GIII and GIV. Conclusion: The 12.5% CMCWJ group, 12.5% A-PRF group and 25% A-PRF group has excellent potential ability of fibroblast cells proliferation, meanwhile 25% CMCWJ group has the lowest mean potency of fibroblast cells proliferation compared to other groups. The 12.5% A-PRF Group has the highest mean of fibroblast cell proliferation amongst other groups.

Anti-senescence effect and molecular mechanism of the major royal jelly proteins on human embryonic lung fibroblast (HFL-I) cell line / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Royal jelly (RJ) from honeybee has been widely used as a health promotion supplement. The major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) have been identified as the functional component of RJ. However, the question of whether MRJPs have anti-senescence activity for human cells remains. Human embryonic lung fibroblast (HFL-I) cells were cultured in media containing no MRJPs (A), MRJPs at 0.1 mg/ml (B), 0.2 mg/ml (C), or 0.3 mg/ml (D), or bovine serum albumin (BSA) at 0.2 mg/ml (E). The mean population doubling levels of cells in media B, C, D, and E were increased by 12.4%, 31.2%, 24.0%, and 10.4%, respectively, compared with that in medium A. The cells in medium C also exhibited the highest relative proliferation activity, the lowest senescence, and the longest telomeres. Moreover, MRJPs up-regulated the expression of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) and down-regulated the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR), catenin beta like-1 (CTNNB1), and tumor protein p53 (TP53). Raman spectra analysis showed that there were two unique bands related to DNA synthesis materials, amide carbonyl group vibrations and aromatic hydrogens. These results suggest that MRJPs possess anti-senescence activity for the HFL-I cell line, and provide new knowledge illustrating the molecular mechanism of MRJPs as anti-senescence factors.

Transplantation of Wharton's jelly alleviates inflammatory response and depression after traumatic brain injury in mice / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the influence of Wharton's jelly (W J) transplant on brain inflammation and mood status in traumatic brain injury (TBI) mouse model.Methods The WJ was isolated from human umbilical cord and cultured,and the cell phenotype of P3 human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was identified by flow cytometry.The animal model was established by modified weight drop method.Experimental mice were randomly(random number) divided into Veh(normal saline)and WJ transplantation groups.After 3 days,water content of damaged brain was detected.Elisa kit was used to detect the expression of IL-1β and TNF-αt.The expression of GFAP,Ibal and CD68 were detected by immunofluorescence.Het(hydroethidine) staining was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.Neurologic deficit score was used to evaluate the motor function,sucrose preference test,tail suspension test and forced swim test were used to detect the depression of mice.The data were expressed in ((-x)±s) and analysed by SPSS 21.0 software.Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures design was used to compare difference bewteen two groups at multiple interval.Results Compared with Veh group,the mice in the WJ group had a better performance in NDS scored test(d 1:14.8± 1.169 vs.15.2+ 1.472);3d:(11.0±1.414 vs.13.5+1.225);7d:(9.5±1.517 vs.12.0±1.549);14d:(7.7±0.816 vs.10.5±1.643);21d:(6.5±0.547 vs.9.0±1.265);28d:(5.3+0.816 vs.7.8±1.169),P＜0.05].After TBI,WJ tissue transplantation increased sucrose preference index from (54.49±1.505)％ to (64.56±2.279)％ (P=0.004),decreased immobility time using tail suspension test from (144.7±5.493)s to (115.7±4.660)s (P＜0.01),and decreased immobility time using forced swim test from (260.3±4.558)s to (215.8±5.003)s (P=0.002).After WJ transplantation,brain water content was reduced from (84.48±1.802)％ to (75.58+1.559)％ (P=0.004),the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α near injury area also decreased(P=0.000 6 and 0.000 3),as well as the expression of ROS(P=0.020).The fluorescence intensity of activated astrocytes decreased from (2 906±431.591)to (165 8±312.912) (P=0.041),and the number of microglias and activated microglias were both reduced(P=0.049 and P＜0.01) after TBI.Conclusions Wharton's jelly alleviated the inflammation and depression in traumatic brain injured mice.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from the Maternal Segment of Human Umbilical Cord is Ideal for Bone Regeneration in Allogenic Setting

Umbilical cord (UC) is a discarded product from the operating theatre and a ready source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs from UC express both embryonic and adult mesenchymal stem cell markers and are known to be hypoimmunogenic and non-tumorigenic and thus suitable for allogeneic cell transplantation. Our study aimed to determine the degree of immunotolerance and bone-forming capacity of osteodifferentiated human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hWJ-MSCs) from different segments of UC in an allogenic setting. UCs were obtained from healthy donors delivering a full-term infant by elective Caesarean section. hWJ-MSCs were isolated from 3 cm length segment from the maternal and foetal ends of UCs. Three-dimensional fibrin constructs were formed and implanted intramuscularly into immunocompetent mice. The mice were implanted with 1) fibrin construct with maternal hWJ-MSCs, 2) fibrin construct with foetal hWJ-MSCs, or 3) fibrin without cells; the control group received sham surgery. After 1 month, the lymphoid organs were analysed to determine the degree of immune rejection and bone constructs were analysed to determine the amount of bone formed. A pronounced immune reaction was noted in the fibrin group. The maternal segment constructs demonstrated greater osteogenesis than the foetal segment constructs. Both maternal and foetal segment constructs caused minimal immune reaction and thus appear to be safe for allogeneic bone transplant. The suppression of inflammation may be a result of increased anti-inflammatory cytokine production mediated by the hWJ-MSC. In summary, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using bone constructs derived from hWJ-MSCs in an allogenic setting.

Identification of genes related to high royal jelly production in the honey bee (Apis mellifera) using microarray analysis

Abstract China is the largest royal jelly producer and exporter in the world, and high royal jelly-yielding strains have been bred in the country for approximately three decades. However, information on the molecular mechanism underlying high royal jelly production is scarce. Here, a cDNA microarray was used to screen and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to obtain an overview on the changes in gene expression levels between high and low royal jelly producing bees. We developed a honey bee gene chip that covered 11,689 genes, and this chip was hybridised with cDNA generated from RNA isolated from heads of nursing bees. A total of 369 DEGs were identified between high and low royal jelly producing bees. Amongst these DEGs, 201 (54.47%) genes were up-regulated, whereas 168 (45.53%) were down-regulated in high royal jelly-yielding bees. Gene ontology (GO) analyses showed that they are mainly involved in four key biological processes, and pathway analyses revealed that they belong to a total of 46 biological pathways. These results provide a genetic basis for further studies on the molecular mechanisms involved in high royal jelly production.