Potassium dehydroandrographolide succinate regulates the MyD88/CDH13 signaling pathway to enhance vascular injury-induced pathological vascular remodeling / 中国天然药物

Pathological vascular remodeling is a hallmark of various vascular diseases. Previous research has established the significance of andrographolide in maintaining gastric vascular homeostasis and its pivotal role in modulating endothelial barrier dysfunction, which leads to pathological vascular remodeling. Potassium dehydroandrographolide succinate (PDA), a derivative of andrographolide, has been clinically utilized in the treatment of inflammatory diseases precipitated by viral infections. This study investigates the potential of PDA in regulating pathological vascular remodeling. The effect of PDA on vascular remodeling was assessed through the complete ligation of the carotid artery in C57BL/6 mice. Experimental approaches, including rat aortic primary smooth muscle cell culture, flow cytometry, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, Boyden chamber cell migration assay, spheroid sprouting assay, and Matrigel-based tube formation assay, were employed to evaluate the influence of PDA on the proliferation and motility of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Molecular docking simulations and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to examine protein interactions. The results revealed that PDA exacerbates vascular injury-induced pathological remodeling, as evidenced by enhanced neointima formation. PDA treatment significantly increased the proliferation and migration of SMCs. Further mechanistic studies disclosed that PDA upregulated myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression in SMCs and interacted with T-cadherin (CDH13). This interaction augmented proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition, culminating in pathological vascular remodeling. Our findings underscore the critical role of PDA in the regulation of pathological vascular remodeling, mediated through the MyD88/CDH13 signaling pathway.

Impact of lithocholic acid on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation balance of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To Investigate the effects of lithocholic acid (LCA) on the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).@*METHODS@#Twelve 10-week-old SPF C57BL/6J female mice were randomly divided into an experimental group (undergoing bilateral ovariectomy) and a control group (only removing the same volume of adipose tissue around the ovaries), with 6 mice in each group. The body mass was measured every week after operation. After 4 weeks post-surgery, the weight of mouse uterus was measured, femur specimens of the mice were taken for micro-CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction to analyze changes in bone mass. Tibia specimens were taken for HE staining to calculate the number and area of bone marrow adipocytes in the marrow cavity area. ELISA was used to detect the expression of bone turnover markers in the serum. Liver samples were subjected to real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect the expression of key genes related to bile acid metabolism, including cyp7a1, cyp7b1, cyp8b1, and cyp27a1. BMSCs were isolated by centrifugation from 2 C57BL/6J female mice (10-week-old). The third-generation cells were exposed to 0, 1, 10, and 100 μmol/L LCA, following which cell viability was evaluated using the cell counting kit 8 assay. Subsequently, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and oil red O staining were conducted after 7 days of osteogenic and adipogenic induction. RT-qPCR was employed to analyze the expressions of osteogenic-related genes, namely ALP, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteocalcin (OCN), as well as adipogenic-related genes including Adiponectin (Adipoq), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ).@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the body mass of the mice in the experimental group increased, the uterus atrophied, the bone mass decreased, the bone marrow fat expanded, and the bone metabolism showed a high bone turnover state. RT-qPCR showed that the expressions of cyp7a1, cyp8b1, and cyp27a1, which were related to the key enzymes of bile acid metabolism in the liver, decreased significantly ( P<0.05), while the expression of cyp7b1 had no significant difference ( P>0.05). Intervention with LCA at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μmol/L did not demonstrate any apparent toxic effects on BMSCs. Furthermore, LCA inhibited the expressions of osteogenic-related genes (ALP, Runx2, and OCN) in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a reduction in ALP staining positive area. Concurrently, LCA promoted the expressions of adipogenic-related genes (Adipoq, FABP4, and PPARγ), and an increase in oil red O staining positive area.@*CONCLUSION@#After menopause, the metabolism of bile acids is altered, and secondary bile acid LCA interferes with the balance of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs, thereby affecting bone remodelling.

Diferencia en la expresión del ligando de receptor activador para el factor nuclear K B, en tejido tumoral frente a la infección por diferentes patógenos periodontales / Difference in receptor activator of nuclear factor K B expression in tumoral tissue by different periodontal pathogens

La enfermedad periodontal es una de las principales causas de pérdida dentaria. Clínicamente, esta patología, mediada por la desregulación del sistema inmune producto de una disbiosis ocurrida en el surco gingival, inicia con la inflamación de la encía y evoluciona con el daño irreversible de los tejidos que rodean el diente. El hueso alveolar es uno de los tejidos afectados esta patología, esto debido a la activación de osteoclastos por la sobreexpresión de la proteína RANKL en el huésped. El propósito de este trabajo es determinar el nivel de sobreexpresión de RANKL, en un modelo de células tumorales U2OS, frente a la infección con Porphyromonas gingivalis y Prevotella intermedia. Para identificar el nivel de RANKL, se definieron cuatro grupos: Un grupo control, no tratado; Grupo PG, tratado con P. gingivalis; Grupo PI, tratado con P. Intermedia; y un grupo PG+PI, tratado con ambas bacterias. El nivel relativo de la proteína RANKL fue determinado en el sobrenadante y en los extractos celulares de manera independiente, mediante la técnica Western blot. En sobrenadantes, el grupo PG mostró mayores niveles de RANKL comparados con PI (p < 0,05). En extractos celulares los niveles fueron mayores en el grupo PG+PI (p < 0,05). El grupo PI mostró los niveles más bajos de RANKL. La infección polimicrobiana resulta en una mayor expresión de RANKL en células tumorales U2OS, mientras que frente a la infección P. gingivalis, se observó mayor cantidad de RANKL soluble.

SUMMARY: Periodontal disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Clinically, this pathology, mediated by the deregulation of the immune system due to a dysbiosis occurred in the gingival sulcus, begins with the inflammation of the gum and evolves with the irreversible damage of the tissues that surround the tooth. Alveolar bone is one of the most affected tissues by this disease, due to the activation of osteoclasts by the upregulation of RANKL in the host. The aim of this study is to determine the increase of RANKL, in a U2OS tumor cells model, inoculated with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. To identify the level of RANKL, four groups were defined: A control group, not treated; PG group, treated with P.gingivalis; PI group, treated with P. intermedia; and a PG+PI group, treated with both bacteria. The relative level of RANKL was determined in the supernatant and cell extracts independently, using the Western blot technique. In supernatants, the PG group showed higher RANKL levels compared to PI (p < 0.05). In cell extracts the levels were higher in the PG+PI group (p < 0.05.). The PI group showed the lowest levels of RANKL.Polymicrobial infection results in a greater expression of of soluble RANKL was observed.

Protective effect of linoleic acid on liver toxicity induced by methotrexate / Efecto protector del ácido linoleico sobre la toxicidad hepática inducida por metotrexato

SUMMARY: We aimed to investigate the protective effect of linoleic acid on liver toxicity induced by methotrexate. The study was carried out in partnership with the Department of Anatomy and Department of Medical Pharmacology of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, using the laboratory facilities of the Department of Medical Pharmacology. Human hepatocyte cell line (CRL- 11233) cells obtained from the American Type Culture Collection Organization (ATCC) were used. Expressions of apoptotic pathway markers, apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), BAX, BCL 2, GADD 153, 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), and CASPASE-3 were evaluated. All analyzes were examined in four groups (Group 1; control, Group 2; linoleic acid given, Group 3; methotrexate given and Group 4; linoleic acid and methotrexate given). The mean ± standard error values of the obtained results as nanogram / milliliter (ng / ml) are in Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV, respectively; AIF values, 0.4150 ± 0.1208, 0.3633 ± 0.2389, 1.792 ± 0.3611 and 1.077 ± 0.1646, BAX values, 0.900 ± 0.1864, 1.002 ± 0.2098, 8.352 ± 1.467 and 4.295 ± 1.522, BCL 2 values, 13.93 ± 1.198, 13.92 ± 1.739, 2.938 ± 1.059 and 9.250 ± 1.492, GADD 153, 0.7333 ± 0.1751, 0.7067 ± 0.2115, 1.650 ± 0.2950 and 1.237 ± 0.1805, GRP78, 0.4767 ± 0.1804, 0.5233 ± 0.1590, 2.183 ± 0.2639 and 1.112 ± 0.2693, CASPASE-3 values , 1.127 ± 0.2033, 0.8317 ± 0.3392, 13.50 ± 1.871 and 8.183 ± 1.030. It was determined that linoleic acid has a protective effect on methotrexate-induced liver toxicity.

Nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto protector del ácido linoleico sobre la toxicidad hepática inducida por metotrexato. El estudio se llevó a cabo en colaboración con el Departamento de Anatomía y el Departamento de Farmacología Médica de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Çukurova, utilizando las instalaciones del laboratorio del Departamento de Farmacología Médica. Se usaron células de la línea celular de hepatocitos humanos (CRL-11233) obtenidas de la American Type Culture Collection Organisation (ATCC). Se evaluaron las expresiones de marcadores de vías apoptóticas, factor inductor de apoptosis (AIF), BAX, BCL 2, GADD 153, proteína regulada por glucosa de 78 kDa (GRP78) y CASPASE-3. Todos los análisis se examinaron en cuatro grupos (Grupo 1; control, Grupo 2; se administró ácido linoleico, Grupo 3; se administró metotrexato y Grupo 4; se administró ácido linoleico y metotrexato). Los valores medios ± error estándar de los resultados obtenidos como nanogramo/mililitro (ng/ml) se encuentran en el Grupo I, Grupo II, Grupo III y Grupo IV, respectivamente; Valores de AIF, 0,4150 ± 0,1208, 0,3633 ± 0,2389, 1,792 ± 0,3611 y 1,077 ± 0,1646, valores de Bax, 0,900 ± 0,1864, 1,002 ± 0,2098, 8,352 ± 1,467 y 4,295 ± 1,522, BCL 2 valores, 13,93 ± 1,199. 2,938 ± 1,059 y 9,250 ± 1,492, GADD 153, 0,7333 ± 0,1751, 0,7067 ± 0,2115, 1,650 ± 0,2950 y 1,237 ± 0,1805, Grp78, 0,4767 ± 0,1804, 0,5233 ± 0,1590, 2,183, ± 1,263. 1,127 ± 0,2033, 0,8317 ± 0,3392, 13,50 ± 1,871 y 8,183 ± 1,030. Se determinó que el ácido linoleico tiene un efecto protector sobre la toxicidad hepática inducida por metotrexato.

Spontaneous spheroids from alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cells maintain pluripotency of stem cells by regulating hypoxia-inducible factors

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous spheroid culture is a novel three-dimensional (3D) culture strategy for the rapid and efficient selection of progenitor cells. The objectives of this study are to investigate the pluripotency and differentiation capability of spontaneous spheroids from alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AB-MSCs); compare the advantages of spontaneous spheroids to those of mechanical spheroids; and explore the mechanisms of stemness enhancement during spheroid formation from two-dimensional (2D) cultured cells. METHODS: AB-MSCs were isolated from the alveolar bones of C57BL/6 J mice. Spontaneous spheroids formed in low-adherence specific culture plates. The stemness, proliferation, and multi-differentiation capacities of spheroids and monolayer cultures were investigated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and oil-red O staining. The pluripotency difference between the spontaneous and mechanical spheroids was analyzed using RT-qPCR. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIFs) inhibition experiments were performed to explore the mechanisms of stemness maintenance in AB-MSC spheroids. RESULTS: AB-MSCs successfully formed spontaneous spheroids after 24 h. AB-MSC spheroids were positive for MSC markers and pluripotency markers (Oct4, KLF4, Sox2, and cMyc). Spheroids showed higher Ki67 expression and lower Caspase3 expression at 24 h. Under the corresponding conditions, the spheroids were successfully differentiated into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. AB-MSC spheroids can induce neural-like cells after neurogenic differentiation. Higher expression of osteogenic markers, adipogenic markers, and neurogenic markers (NF-M, NeuN, and GFAP) was found in spheroids than in the monolayer. Spontaneous spheroids exhibited higher stemness than mechanical spheroids did. HIF-1α and HIF-2α were remarkably upregulated in spheroids. After HIF-1/2α-specific inhibition, spheroid formation was significantly reduced. Moreover, the expression of the pluripotency genes was suppressed. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous spheroids from AB-MSCs enhance stemness and pluripotency. HIF-1/2α plays an important role in the stemness regulation of spheroids. AB-MSC spheroids exhibit excellent multi-differentiation capability, which may be a potent therapy for craniomaxillofacial tissue regeneration.

Characterization and identification of primarily cultured astrocytes and microglia / 生物工程学报

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth characteristics of primarily cultured astrocytes and microglia of different generations and then optimize the method for obtaining primary astrocytes and microglia effectively. Primarily cultured microglia were isolated and purified from the cortices of neonatal mice. The proliferation curve of mixed glia cells was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, the proportion of astrocytes and microglia was detected by flow cytometry, and the polarization of the two types of glia cells was identified by immunofluorescence staining. Cell growth results showed that the mixed glia cells of P0 and P1 generation had the best proliferative activity; 97.3% of the high purity microglia could be obtained by mechanical shaking at 170 r/min for 30 min, and there was no significant difference in the morphology of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) positive microglia and the proportion of M1 and M2 phenotype among the P0, P1 and P2 generations of microglia isolated by the above methods. Moreover, 95.7 % of the high purity astrocytes could be obtained by astrocyte cell surface antigen-2 (ACSA-2) magnetic beads separation, and there was no significant difference in the morphology of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive astrocyte and the proportion of A1 and A2 phenotype among the P0, P1 and P2 generations of astrocyte isolated by the above methods. Taken together, this study observed the growth characteristics of primarily cultured microglia and astrocyte in vitro, and then proved the best generations for purifying microglia and astrocytes. Finally, we optimized the methods of obtaining microglia and astrocyte, and verified that continuous culture within 2 generations will not affect the functional phenotypes of glia cells. These results provide technical support for studying the molecular mechanism of inflammation-associated diseases in nervous system.

Effect of glycosaminoglycans with different degrees of sulfation on chondrogenesis / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), and heparin (HEP) on chondrogenesis of murine chondrogenic cell line (ATDC5) cells and the maintenance of murine articular cartilage in vitro.@*METHODS@#ATDC5 and articular cartilage tissue explant were cultured in the medium containing different sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Cell proliferation, differentiation, cartilage formation, and mechanism were observed using cell proliferation assay, Alcian blue staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Results showed that HEP and DS primarily activated the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal pathway, while CS primarily activated the protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathway, further promoted ATDC5 cell proliferation and matrix production, and increased Sox9, Col2a1, and Aggrecan expression.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study investigated the differences and mechanisms of different sulfated glycosaminoglycans in chondrogenesis and cartilage homeostasis maintenance. HEP promotes cartilage formation and maintains the normal state of cartilage tissue in vitro, while CS plays a more effective role in the regeneration of damaged cartilage tissue.

Impaired autophagy activity-induced abnormal differentiation of bone marrow stem cells is related to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis osteopenia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Osteopenia has been well documented in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are a crucial regulator of bone homeostasis. Our previous study revealed a decreased osteogenic ability of BMSCs in AIS-related osteopenia, but the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains unclear.@*METHODS@#A total of 22 AIS patients and 18 age-matched controls were recruited for this study. Anthropometry and bone mass were measured in all participants. Bone marrow blood was collected for BMSC isolation and culture. Osteogenic and adipogenic induction were performed to observe the differences in the differentiation of BMSCs between the AIS-related osteopenia group and the control group. Furthermore, a total RNA was extracted from isolated BMSCs to perform RNA sequencing and subsequent analysis.@*RESULTS@#A lower osteogenic capacity and increased adipogenic capacity of BMSCs in AIS-related osteopenia were revealed. Differences in mRNA expression levels between the AIS-related osteopenia group and the control group were identified, including differences in the expression of LRRC17 , DCLK1 , PCDH7 , TSPAN5 , NHSL2 , and CPT1B . Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed several biological processes involved in the regulation of autophagy and mitophagy. The Western blotting results of autophagy markers in BMSCs suggested impaired autophagic activity in BMSCs in the AIS-related osteopenia group.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study revealed that BMSCs from AIS-related osteopenia patients have lower autophagic activity, which may be related to the lower osteogenic capacity and higher adipogenic capacity of BMSCs and consequently lead to the lower bone mass in AIS patients.

Effect of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Ectopic High OCT4 Expression on T Lymphocyte Function / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with ectopic high OCT4 expression on T-cell proliferation, activation and secretion in vitro.@*METHODS@#Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy children. Anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies were used to activate T lymphocytes, which were stimulated by interleukin (IL)-2 for one week in vitro. Then MSCs with ectopic high OCT4 expression (MSC-OCT4) were co-cultured with activated T lymphocytes. After one week of co-culture, the supernatant was collected and the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines [IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ] were determined by flow cytometry. The lymphocytes after one week of co-culture were collected and counted by Countstar software. After the proportions of activated/inactivated T cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry, the absolute lymphocyte counts were calculated and expressed as mean ± standard deviation.@*RESULTS@#Compared with control T cell alone culture group, the proliferation of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, and CD3+CD8+ T cells were significantly inhibited in MSC group and MSC-OCT4 group. Compared with MSC, MSC-OCT4 could inhibit CD3+CD8+ T cell proliferation better (P =0.049), and mainly inhibited early T cell activation. Compared with control T cell alone culture group, the levels of IL-2 and INF-γ were significantly down-regulated both in MSC group and MSC-OCT4 group.After co-culture with T cells for one week, the level of IL-6 significantly increased in MSC group and MSC-OCT4 group compared with that before co-culture. Compared with control MSC group, MSC-OCT4 group had higher viable cell numbers after 1 week of co-culture (P =0.019), and could resist the inhibition of proliferation by higher concentration of mitomycin C.@*CONCLUSION@#Both MSC and MSC-OCT4 can inhibit the proliferation and activation of IL-2-stimulated T cells in vitro. After overexpression of OCT4, MSC has better proliferation ability in vitro and can inhibit the proliferation of CD3+CD8+ T cells more effectively, which may have a better and more lasting immunosuppressive ability to regulate the balance of Th1/Th2.

Preliminary study of TRPV4 affects chondrocyte degeneration / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore and verify that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4) affects chondrocyte degeneration.@*METHODS@#Neonatal SD rats were selected, primary chondrocytes were extracted, and identified by toluidine blue staining and alcian blue staining;an in vitro chondrocyte inflammation model was constructed by IL-1β, and TRPV4 inhibitor was used to treat chondrocytes under inflammatory conditions, and the chondrocytes were treated by RT-PCR method was used to detect matrix metallopeptidase 13(MMP-13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin 5, (ADAMTS-5)、nitric oxide synthase 2(NOS2)、Collagen, type II alpha 1(Col2α1)and aggrecan (Acan) mRNA in chondrocytes; primary chondrocytes were treated with different concentrations of TRPV4 overexpression plasmid, and the optimal overexpression dose was screened. The mRNA expressions of TRPV4, MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, NOS2, Col2α1 and Acan in chondrocytes under the optimal TRPV4 overexpression dose were detected.@*RESULTS@#Toluidine blue staining and Alcian blue staining identified the extracted cells as primary chondrocytes;RT-PCR showed that TRPV4, MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, NOS2 mRNA in chondrocytes treated with TRPV4 inhibitor under inflammatory conditions. The expression of Col2α1 mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of Col2α1 mRNA was increased (P<0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the expression of Acan mRNA, the overall trend was also increasing. The expression of Col2α1 and Acan mRNA in chondrocytes was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of NOS2 mRNA was increased(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Inhibiting the expression of TRPV4 can down-regulate the expression of genes related to chondrocyte degeneration.

Effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in neural differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and the combination of bFGF and EGF in the neural differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), and the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in this process.@*METHODS@#The identified 4th-generation hBMSCs were divided into five groups according to different induction conditions, namely control group (group A), EGF induction group (group B), bFGF induction group (group C), EGF and bFGF combined induction group (group D), and EGF, bFGF, and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) combined induction group (group E). After 7 days of continuous induction, the cell morphology was observed by inverted fluorescence phase contrast microscopy, levels of genes that were related to neural cells [Nestin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)] and key components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (β-catenin and Cyclin D1) were detected by RT-PCR, and the levels of proteins that were related to neural cells (Nestin and GFAP) as well as genes that were involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway [β-catenin, phosphorylation β-catenin (P-β-catenin), Cytoplasmic β-catenin, and Nuclear β-catenin] were explored by cellular immunofluorescence staining and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#When compared to groups A and B, the typical neuro-like cell changes were observed in groups C-E, and most obviously in group D. RT-PCR showed that the relative expressions of Nestin, NSE, and MAP-2 genes in groups C-E, the relative expressions of GFAP gene in groups D and E, the relative expression of NSE gene in group B, the relative expressions of β-catenin gene in groups C and D, and the relative expressions of Cyclin D1 gene in groups B-D significantly increased when compared with group A ( P<0.05). Compared with group E, the relative expressions of Nestin, NSE, MAP-2, GFAP, β-catenin, and CyclinD1 genes significantly increased in group D ( P<0.05); compared with group C, the relative expression of Nestin gene in group D significantly decreased ( P<0.05), while NSE, MAP-2, and GFAP genes significantly increased ( P<0.05). The cellular immunofluorescence staining showed that the ratio of NSE- and GFAP-positive cells significantly increased in groups C-E than in group A, in group D than in groups C and E ( P<0.05). Western blot assay showed that the relative expression of NSE protein was significantly higher in groups C and D than in group A and in group D than in groups C and E ( P<0.05). In addition, the relative expression of GFAP protein was significantly higher in groups C-E than in group A and in group D than in group E ( P<0.05). Besides, the relative expressions of β-catenin, Cytoplasmic β-catenin, Nuclear β-catenin, and the ratio of Nuclear β-catenin to Cytoplasmic β-catenin were significantly higher in groups C and D than in group A and in group D than in group E ( P<0.05), whereas the relative expression of P-β-catenin protein was significantly lower in groups C and D than in group A and in group D than in group E ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Different from EGF, bFGF can induce neural differentiation of hBMSCs. In addition, EGF can enhance the hBMSCs neural differentiation of bFGF, while the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may play a positive regulatory role in these processes.

Berberine inhibits autophagy and promotes apoptosis of fibroblast-like synovial cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients through the ROS/mTOR signaling pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the regulatory effect of berberine on autophagy and apoptosis balance of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore the mechanism.@*METHODS@#The inhibitory effect of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 μmol/L berberine on RA-FLS proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 method. Annexin V/PI and JC-1 immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the effect of berberine (30 μmol/L) on apoptosis of 25 ng/mL TNF-α- induced RA-FLSs, and Western blotting was performed to detect the changes in the expression levels of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins. The cells were further treated with the autophagy inducer RAPA and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine to observe the changes in autophagic flow by laser confocal detection of mCherry-EGFP-LC3B. RA-FLSs were treated with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mimic H2O2 or the ROS inhibitor NAC, and the effects of berberine on ROS, mTOR and p-mTOR levels were observed.@*RESULTS@#The results of CCK-8 assay showed that berberine significantly inhibited the proliferation of RA-FLSs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and JC-1 staining showed that berberine (30 μmol/L) significantly increased apoptosis rate (P < 0.01) and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of RA-FLSs (P < 0.05). Berberine treatment obviously decreased the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax (P < 0.05) and LC3B-II/I (P < 0.01) and increased the expression of p62 protein in the cells (P < 0.05). Detection of mCherry-EGFP-LC3B autophagy flow revealed obvious autophagy flow block in berberine-treated RA-FLSs. Berberine significantly reduced the level of ROS in TNF-α-induced RA-FLSs and upregulated the expression level of autophagy-related protein p-mTOR (P < 0.01); this effect was regulated by ROS level, and the combined use of RAPA significantly reduced the pro-apoptotic effect of berberine in RA-FLSs (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Berberine can inhibit autophagy and promote apoptosis of RA-FLSs by regulating the ROS-mTOR pathway.

Directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into midbrain / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To establish an efficient protocol for directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into functional midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells (DAPs) in vitro.@*METHODS@#hiPSCs were induced to differentiate into DAPs in two developmental stages. In the first stage (the first 13 days), hiPSCs were induced into intermediate cells morphologically similar to primitive neuroepithelial cells (NECs) in neural induction medium containing a combination of small molecule compounds. In the second stage, the intermediate cells were further induced in neural differentiation medium until day 28 to obtain DAPs. After CM-DiI staining, the induced DAPs were stereotactically transplanted into the right medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of rat models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Eight weeks after transplantation, the motor behaviors of PD rats was evaluated. Immunofluorescence assay of brain sections of the rats was performed at 2 weeks after transplantation to observe the survival, migration and differentiation of the transplanted cells in the host brain microenvironment.@*RESULTS@#hiPSCs passaged stably on Matrigel showed a normal diploid karyotype, expressed the pluripotency markers OCT4, SOX2, and Nanog, and were positive for alkaline phosphatase. The primitive neuroepithelial cells obtained on day 13 formed dense cell colonies in the form of neural rosettes and expressed the neuroepithelial markers (SOX2, Nestin, and PAX6, 91.3%-92.8%). The DAPs on day 28 highly expressed the specific markers (TH, FOXA2, LMX1A and NURR1, 93.3-96.7%). In rat models of PD, the hiPSCs-DAPs survived and differentiated into TH+, FOXA2+ and Tuj1+ neurons at 2 weeks after transplantation. Eight weeks after transplantation, the motor function of PD rats was significantly improved as shown by water maze test (P < 0.0001) and apomorphine-induced rotation test (P < 0.0001) compared with rats receiving vehicle injection.@*CONCLUSION@#HiPSCs can be effectively induced to differentiate into DAPs capable of differentiating into functional neurons both in vivo and in vitro. In rat models of PD, the transplanted hiPSCs-DAPs can survive for more than 8 weeks in the MFB and differentiate into multiple functional neurocytes to ameliorate neurological deficits of the rats, suggesting the potential value of hiPSCs-DAPs transplantation for treatment of neurological diseases.

Mechanism of gigantol in transmembrane transport in human lens epithelial cells / 中国中药杂志

Gigantol is a phenolic component of precious Chinese medicine Dendrobii Caulis, which has many pharmacological activities such as prevent tumor and diabetic cataract. This paper aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of gigantol in transmembrane transport in human lens epithelial cells(HLECs). Immortalized HLECs were cultured in vitro and inoculated in the laser scanning confocal microscopy(LSCM) medium at 5 000 cells/mL. The fluorescence distribution and intensity of gigantol marked by fluorescence in HLECs were observed by LSCM, and the absorption and distribution of gigantol were expressed as fluorescence intensity. The transmembrane transport process of gigantol in HLECs were monitored. The effects of time, temperature, concentration, transport inhibitors, and different cell lines on the transmembrane absorption and transport of gigantol were compared. HLECs were inoculated on climbing plates of 6-well culture plates, and the ultrastructure of HLECs was detected by atomic force microscopy(AFM) during the transmembrane absorption of non-fluorescent labeled gigantol. The results showed that the transmembrane absorption of gigantol was in time and concentration-dependent manners, which was also able to specifically target HLECs. Energy and carrier transport inhibitors reduced gigantol absorption by HLECs. During transmembrane process of gigantol, the membrane surface of HLECs became rougher and presented different degrees of pits, indicating that the transmembrane transport of gigantol was achieved by active absorption of energy and carrier-mediated endocytosis.

Human Platelet-Rich Plasma-Derived Exosomes Promote the Proliferation of Schwann Cells Cultured in Vitro / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the effect of human platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes(PRP-exos)on the proliferation of Schwann cell(SC)cultured in vitro. Methods PRP-exos were extracted by polymerization-precipitation combined with ultracentrifugation.The morphology of PRP-exos was observed by transmission electron microscopy,and the concentration and particle size distribution of PRP-exos were determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis.Western blotting was employed to determine the expression of the marker proteins CD63,CD81,and CD9 on exosome surface and the platelet membrane glycoprotein CD41.The SCs of rats were isolated and cultured,and the expression of the SC marker S100β was detected by immunofluorescence staining.The fluorescently labeled PRP-exos were co-cultured with SCs in vitro for observation of their interaction.EdU assay was employed to detect the effect of PRP-exos on SC proliferation,and CCK-8 assay to detect the effects of PRP-exos at different concentrations(0,10,20,40,80,and 160 μg/ml)on SC proliferation. Results The extracted PRP-exos appeared as uniform saucer-shaped vesicles with the average particle size of(122.8±38.7)nm and the concentration of 3.5×1012 particles/ml.CD63,CD81,CD9,and CD41 were highly expressed on PRP-exos surface(P<0.001,P=0.025,P=0.004,and P=0.032).The isolated SCs expressed S100β,and PRP-exos could be taken up by SCs.PRP-exos of 40,80,and 160 μg/ml promoted the proliferation of SCs,and that of 40 μg/ml showed the best performance(all P<0.01). Conclusions High concentrations of PRP-exos can be extracted from PRP.PRP-exos can be taken up by SCs and promote the proliferation of SCs cultured in vitro.

Effects of Foxp3 gene silencing on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the proliferation and migration of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts in an inflammatory environment / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to clarify the effects of Foxp3 silencing on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLFs) in an inflammatory environment and on cell proliferation and invasiveness, as well as to explore the role of Foxp3 gene in the development of periodontitis.@*METHODS@#An small interfering RNA (siRNA) construct specific for Foxp3 was transfected into hPDLFs. Foxp3 silencing efficiency was verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, and the siRNA with the optimum silencing effect of Foxp3 gene was screened. Using lipopolysaccharide to simulate an inflammatory environment in vitro, CCK-8 detected the effect of silencing Foxp3 on hPDLFs proliferation under inflammatory conditions. Wound-healing experiments and transwell assays were conducted to detect the effect of silencing Foxp3 on hPDLF migration under inflammatory conditions. The expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting under inflammatory conditions.@*RESULTS@#After siRNA transfection, RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses showed that the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in the Foxp3-si3 group decreased significantly (t=21.03, P<0.000 1), and the protein expression of Foxp3 also decreased significantly (t=12.8, P<0.001). In the inflammatory environment, Foxp3 gene silencing had no significant effect on hPDLFs proliferation (P>0.05), and Foxp3 gene silencing promoted hPDLFs migration (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In an inflammatory environment, Foxp3 gene silencing promoted hPDLFs migration but had no significant effect on hPDLFs proliferation. The expression of inflammatory factors expressed in hPDLFs increased after Foxp3 gene silencing, indicating that Foxp3 gene inhibited inflammation in periodontitis.

Hippo-YAP signaling pathway regulates autophagy of human periodontal ligament cells under cyclic tensile stress / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This work aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of cyclic tensile stress (CTS) stimulating autophagy in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs).@*METHODS@#hPDLCs were isolated and cultured from normal periodontal tissues. hPDLCs were loaded with tensile stress by force four-point bending extender to simulate the autophagy of hPDLCs induced by orthodontic force du-ring orthodontic tooth movement. XMU-MP-1 was used to inhibit the Hippo signaling pathway to explore the role of the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway in activating hPDLC autophagy by tensile stress. The expression levels of autophagy-related genes (Beclin-1, LC3, and p62) in hPDLCs were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, and p62) and Hippo-YAP pathway proteins (active-YAP and p-YAP) in hPDLCs. Immunofluorescence was used to locate autophagy-related proteins (LC3-Ⅱand p62) and Hippo-YAP pathway proteins (active-YAP) of hPDLCs.@*RESULTS@#CTS-activated autophagy in hPDLCs and expression of autophagy-related proteins initially increased and then decreased; it began to increase at 30 min, peaked at 3 h, and decreased (P<0.05). CTS increased the expression of active-YAP protein and decreased the expression of p-YAP protein (P<0.05). When XMU-MP-1 inhibited the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway (P<0.05), active-YAP protein was promoted to enter the nucleus and autophagy expression was enhanced (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The Hippo-YAP signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of autophagy activation in hPDLCs under CTS.

Effect of naringenin on the anti-inflammatory, vascularization, and osteogenesis differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells via the stromal cell-derived factor 1/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 signaling axis stimulated by lipopolysaccharide / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to investigate how naringenin (Nar) affected the anti-inflammatory, vascula-rization, and osteogenesis differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#Cell-counting kit-8 (CCK8), cell scratch test, and Transwell assay were used to investigate the proliferation and migratory capabilities of hPDLSCs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red staining, lumen-formation assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative timed polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot were used to measure the expression of osteopontin (OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), vascular endothlial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), von Willebrand factor (vWF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-6.@*RESULTS@#We observed that 10 μmol/L Nar could attenuate the inflammatory response of hPDLSCs stimulated by 10 μg/mL LPS and promoted their proliferation, migration, and vascularization differentiation. Furthermore, 0.1 μmol/L Nar could effectively restore the osteogenic differentiation of inflammatory hPDLSCs. The effects of Nar's anti-inflammatory and promotion of osteogenic differentiation significantly decreased and inflammatory vascularization differentiation increased after adding AMD3100 (a specific CXCR4 inhibitor).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Nar demonstrated the ability to promote the anti-inflammatory, vascularization, and osteogenic effects of hPDLSCs stimulated by LPS, and the ability was associated with the stromal cell-derived factor/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 signaling axis.

Isolation, culture and validation of CD34+ vascular wall-resident stem cells from mice / 生理学报

Vascular wall-resident stem cells (VW-SCs) play a critical role in maintaining normal vascular function and regulating vascular repair. Understanding the basic functional characteristics of the VW-SCs will facilitate the study of their regulation and potential therapeutic applications. The aim of this study was to establish a stable method for the isolation, culture, and validation of the CD34+ VW-SCs from mice, and to provide abundant and reliable cell sources for further study of the mechanisms involved in proliferation, migration and differentiation of the VW-SCs under various physiological and pathological conditions. The vascular wall cells of mouse aortic adventitia and mesenteric artery were obtained by the method of tissue block attachment and purified by magnetic microbead sorting and flow cytometry to obtain the CD34+ VW-SCs. Cell immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the stem cell markers (CD34, Flk-1, c-kit, Sca-1), smooth muscle markers (SM22, SM MHC), endothelial marker (CD31), and intranuclear division proliferation-related protein (Ki-67). To verify the multipotency of the isolated CD34+ VW-SCs, endothelial differentiation medium EBM-2 and fibroblast differentiation medium FM-2 were used. After culture for 7 days and 3 days respectively, endothelial cell markers and fibroblast markers of the differentiated cells were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and q-PCR. Furthermore, the intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ entry signaling were evaluated by TILLvisION system in Fura-2/AM loaded cells. The results showed that: (1) High purity (more than 90%) CD34+ VW-SCs from aortic adventitia and mesenteric artery of mice were harvested by means of tissue block attachment method and magnetic microbead sorting; (2) CD34+ VW-SCs were able to differentiate into endothelial cells and fibroblasts in vitro; (3) Caffeine and ATP significantly activated intracellular Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum of CD34+ VW-SCs. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) was activated by using thapsigargin (TG) applied in Ca2+-free/Ca2+ reintroduction protocol. This study successfully established a stable and efficient method for isolation, culture and validation of the CD34+ VW-SCs from mice, which provides an ideal VW-SCs sources for the further study of cardiovascular diseases.

4E-BP1 counteracts human mesenchymal stem cell senescence via maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis

Although the mTOR-4E-BP1 signaling pathway is implicated in aging and aging-related disorders, the role of 4E-BP1 in regulating human stem cell homeostasis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the expression of 4E-BP1 decreases along with the senescence of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genetic inactivation of 4E-BP1 in hMSCs compromises mitochondrial respiration, increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accelerates cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the absence of 4E-BP1 destabilizes proteins in mitochondrial respiration complexes, especially several key subunits of complex III including UQCRC2. Ectopic expression of 4E-BP1 attenuates mitochondrial abnormalities and alleviates cellular senescence in 4E-BP1-deficient hMSCs as well as in physiologically aged hMSCs. These f indings together demonstrate that 4E-BP1 functions as a geroprotector to mitigate human stem cell senescence and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, particularly for the mitochondrial respiration complex III, thus providing a new potential target to counteract human stem cell senescence.