Effect of decorin on proliferation and collagen type I synthesis of stiff knee joint synovial type B cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To explore the effects of decorin on procollagen type I (PcI), mRNA expression,collagen type I synthesis and proliferation of synovial type B cells of stiff knee joint synovial membrane.METHODS:Type B cells of synovial membrane were isolated from the stiff knee joint synovial membrane and cultured in vitro.The cells were treated with decorin at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L.After cultured for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, the cell proli-feration rates were measured by MTT colorimetric determination.Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry.The mRNA level of Pc I was detected by RT-PCR, while collagen type I was measured by Western blot.RE-SULTS:The proliferation of synovial type B cells was significantly inhibited, the percentage of synovial type B cells at G1 phase was significantly increased by 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L decorin (P<0.05), and PcⅠmRNA expression and collagen type I synthesis were significantly decreased.The cells with late apoptosis were not found in control group and experimental groups.CONCLUSION:Recombinant human decorin inhibits synovial type B cell proliferation and decreases PcⅠmRNA expression and collagen type I synthesis in synovial type B cells of stiff knee joint synovial membrane in vitro, suggesting that decorin potentially contributes to the therapy of human knee stiffness.

Typical and atypical stem cells in the brain, vitamin C effect and neuropathology

Stem cells are considered a valuable cellular resource for tissue replacement therapies in most brain disorders. Stem cells have the ability to self-replicate and differentiate into numerous cell types, including neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. As a result, stem cells have been considered the "holy grail" of modern medical neuroscience. Despite their tremendous therapeutic potential, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate their differentiation. In this review, we analyze stem cells in embryonic and adult brains, and illustrate the differentiation pathways that give origin to most brain cells. We also evaluate the emergent role of the well known anti-oxidant, vitamin C, in stem cell differentiation. We believe that a complete understanding of all molecular players, including vitamin C, in stem cell differentiation will positively impact on the use of stem cell transplantation for neurodegenerative diseases.