Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of fucoidan from the brown alga Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) on breast cancer spheroids / Actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora de fucoidan del alga parda Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) en esferoides de cáncer de mama

Abstract Introduction: The therapeutic benefits of the brown algae fucoidan in the treatment of breast cancer have attracted considerable interest in recent years. However, research using spheroids which provide relevant results in trials for antitumor and immunomodulatory products because they adequately simulate the tumor microenvironment, is limited. Objective: To evaluate the antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of Lessonia trabeculata fucoidan (LtF), native to the Peruvian Sea, on two types of multicellular tumor spheroids. Methods: The study was conducted from January to December 2021. Two types of spheroides were elaborated: from 4T1 tumor cells (MTS), and from 4T1 tumor cells+mouse splenocytes (MTSs). The antitumor activity of LtF was evaluated in MTS by quantifying cell viability with MTT. Immunomodulatory activity was determined in MTSs using the IC50 for two types of treatment: simple, fucoidan alone (LtF) and combined, fucoidan+doxorubicin (LtF+Dox). Pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-β) cytokine production was quantified by sandwich ELISA 72 h after treatment. Dox was used as positive control in all assays. Results: LtF exerted antitumor activity as evidenced by increased necrotic zone and cell debris formation compared to the untreated control. Antitumor activity was concentration dependent between 100 and 6 000 μg/ml. In MTSs, simple treatment increased IL-6 and decreased IL-10 and TGF-β production. The combined treatment significantly reduced TGF-β production. In both treatments and Dox, there was an increase in IL-6 compared to the untreated control. The highest production of IL-10 and TGF-β was observed in the untreated control, compatible with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Conclusions: LtF is a good candidate for the treatment of breast cancer and can immunomodulate the tumor microenvironment alone or in combination with Dox.

Resumen Introduccción: Los beneficios terapéuticos del fucoidan de algas pardas en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama han despertado gran interés en los últimos años. Sin embargo, las investigaciones con esferoides son limitadas, éstos proporcionan resultados relevantes en ensayos de productos antitumorales e inmunomoduladores porque simulan adecuadamente el microambiente tumoral. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora del fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata (LtF), nativa del Mar Peruano, en dos tipos de esferoides tumorales multicelulares. Métodos: El estudio se realizó de enero a diciembre de 2021. Se elaboraron dos tipos de esferoides: con células tumorales 4T1 (MTS) y con células tumorales 4T1+esplenocitos de ratón (MTSs). La actividad antitumoral de LtF se evaluó en MTS cuantificando la viabilidad celular con MTT. La inmunomodulación se determinó en MTSs utilizando la IC50 para dos tipos de tratamiento: simple, fucoidan solo (LtF) y combinado, fucoidan+doxorubicina (LtF+Dox). La producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias (TNF-α, IL-6) y antiinflamatorias (IL-10, TGF-β) se cuantificó mediante ELISA sándwich 72 h post-tratamiento. En todos los ensayos se utilizó Dox como control positivo. Resultados: En los MTS, el LtF ejerció actividad antitumoral evidenciada por aumento de la zona necrótica y formación de restos celulares respecto al control no tratado. La actividad antitumoral fue concentración-dependiente entre 100 y 6 000 μg/ml. En los MTSs, con el tratamiento simple se incrementó IL-6 y disminuyeron IL-10 y TGF-β. El tratamiento combinado redujo significativamente la producción de TGF-β. Los dos tratamientos y Dox incrementaron IL-6 respecto al control no tratado. La mayor producción de IL-10 y TGF-β se observó en los no tratados, compatible con un microambiente tumoral altamente inmunosupresor. Conclusiones: El LtF es un buen candidato para tratar el cáncer de mama y puede inmunomodular el microambiente tumoral solo o en combinación con Dox.

Spatiotemporal pharmacometabolomics based on ambient mass spectrometry imaging to evaluate the metabolism and hepatotoxicity of amiodarone in HepG2 spheroids / 药物分析学报

Three-dimensional(3D)cell spheroid models combined with mass spectrometry imaging(MSI)enables innovative investigation of in vivo-like biological processes under different physiological and patho-logical conditions.Herein,airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization-MSI(AFADESI-MSI)was coupled with 3D HepG2 spheroids to assess the metabolism and hepatotoxicity of amiodarone(AMI).High-coverage imaging of＞1100 endogenous metabolites in hepatocyte spheroids was achieved using AFADESI-MSI.Following AMI treatment at different times,15 metabolites of AMI involved in N-desethylation,hydroxylation,deiodination,and desaturation metabolic reactions were identified,and according to their spatiotemporal dynamics features,the metabolic pathways of AMI were proposed.Subsequently,the temporal and spatial changes in metabolic disturbance within spheroids caused by drug exposure were obtained via metabolomic analysis.The main dysregulated metabolic pathways included arachidonic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism,providing considerable evidence for the mechanism of AMI hepatotoxicity.In addition,a biomarker group of eight fatty acids was selected that provided improved indication of cell viability and could characterize the hepatotoxicity of AMI.The combination of AFADESI-MSI and HepG2 spheroids can simultaneously obtain spatiotemporal infor-mation for drugs,drug metabolites,and endogenous metabolites after AMI treatment,providing an effective tool for in vitro drug hepatotoxicity evaluation.

Advances in three-dimensional tumor models for colorectal cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Conventional tumor culture models include two-dimensional tumor cell cultures and xenograft models. The former has disadvantages including lack of tumor heterogeneity and poor clinical relevance, while the latter are limited by the slow growth, low engraftment successful rate, and high cost. In recent years, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor models have emerged as the tool to better recapitulate the spatial structure and the in vivo environment of tumors. In addition, they preserve the pathological and genetic features of tumor cells and reflect the complex intracellular and extracellular interactions of tumors, which have become a powerful tool for investigating the tumor mechanism, drug screening, and personalized cancer treatment. 3D tumor model technologies such as spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic devices are maturing. Application of new technologies such as co-culture, 3D bioprinting, and air-liquid interface has further improved the clinical relevance of the models. Some models recapitulate the tumor microenvironment, and some can even reconstitute endogenous immune components and microvasculature. In recent years, some scholars have combined xenograft models with organoid technology to develop matched in vivo/in vitro model biobanks, giving full play to the advantages of the two technologies, and providing an ideal research platform for individualized precision therapy for specific molecular targets in certain subtypes of tumors. So far, the above technologies have been widely applied in the field of colorectal cancer research. Our research team is currently studying upon the application of patient-derived tumor cell-like clusters, a self-assembly 3D tumor model, in guiding the selection of postoperative chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer. A high modeling success rate and satisfactory results in the drug screening experiments have been achieved. There is no doubt that with the advancement of related technologies, 3D tumor models will play an increasingly important role in the research and clinical practice of colorectal cancer.

Three-dimensional cell culture for the study of nasal polyps

Abstract Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures have many applications such as stem cell biology research, new drug discovery, cancer, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). This disease is characterized by a significant impact on quality of life and productivity. The diversity of factors that act in the progression of CRSwNP point to the creation of a cell culture model that allows the integration of different cell types with extracellular matrix. This work aimed to create a cell culture model in 3 dimensions (spheroids) for the study of Nasal Polyposis. Methods: Nasal polyp tissue from patients diagnosed with CRSwNP was mechanically dissociated using tweezers and a scalpel and the solution containing cells and small aggregates of nasal polyps was transferred to a Petri dish containing 5 mL of culture medium at the concentration of 106 cells/mL. Results: The spheroids were cultivated for 20 days, fixed and analyzed using confocal microscopy. In a 3D culture environment, the spheroids were formed both by clustering cells and from small tissue fragments. In the cultures analyzed, the ciliary beat was present from the dissociation of the cells up to 20 days in culture. Conclusion: Our findings also point to these characteristics showing the environment generated in our study, the cells remained differentiated for a longer time and with ciliary beating. Thus, this work shows that nasal polyp-derived cells can be maintained in a 3D environment, enabling better strategies for understanding CRSwNP in situations similar to those found in vivo. Level of evidence: Laboratory studies.

A Young Woman with Leukoencephalopathy and Significant Corpus Callosum Atrophy / 罕见病研究

Adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP) is a rare autosomal-dominant progressive leukodystrophy, caused by mutations of colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) gene. Age of onset is usually between 40 and 50 years old and the clinical presentations include dementia, apraxia, behavioral changes, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs. Varying clinical manifestations have led to misdiagnoses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically reveals white matter changes with T2-Flair/DWI hyperintensity and atrophy especially for thinning of the corpus callosum. Here, we report a young woman experiencing hypomnesia for 2 years with lower extremities weakness and rigidity for 1 month. Considering the evidence of clinical manifestations, imaging and genetic test, this patient was diagnosed with ALSP.

The Potentiality of Citral in Targeting Breast Cancer Multicellular Tumour Spheroids (MTS)

@#Introduction: As the high incidence of breast cancer has a profound impact on a global scale, there is a critical need to improve the clinical outcome of the patients, including efforts to utilize bioactive natural products as treatment or preventive measures. Citral, the essential oil of lemongrass has been reported to possess cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell line . The aim of present study was to determine the capability of citral in targeting aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive (ALDH+) cells in breast cancer cells. Methods: Both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in serum-free media to generate multicellular tumour spheroids for the evaluation of citral as an antiproliferative agent. The cells were treated with identified IC50 (50±4.30 µM and 56±3.17 µM of citral, respectively) to investigate the cytotoxicity of citral. Staining using Propidium Iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33342 was carried out to determine cell proliferation and viability. Finally, ALDH+ cells were quantified via ALDEFLUOR assay. Analysis of differences was carried out by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The size of spheroids in both cancer cell lines were reduced after treatment with the citral. PI and Hoechst 33342 staining also revealed that citral gave rise to a mixture of cells that are normal and undergoing apoptosis and necrosis. ALDEFLUOR assay analysis revealed citral significantly (p <0.05 ) inhibited the population of ALDH+ cells in MCF7 cells. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that citral reduced the ALDH+ cell population in MCF7 breast cancer spheroids by inhibiting the ALDH activity.

Progress of multi-cellular tumor spheroids culture technique for treatment of bladder cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Cell culture is an important tool for biological research.To better understand the pathogenesis and therapeutic methods of the tumors,the three-dimensional cell culture is applied by more and more researchers to create a culture environment that closes to the tumor microoenvironment.Thanks to the advances in the tissue engineering technology,many kinds of models of the three-dimensional cell culture achieve wide accessibility.Compared with the traditional two-dimensional cell culture,the three-dimensional cell culture is better in simulating physiological features of the human histology and cells,including cell proliferation and differentiation,the interaction of cell to cell and cell to matrix.This paper reviews the progress of multi-cellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) culture technique of the three-dimensional cell culture for treatment of bladder cancer.

Analysis of clinical and neuroimaging features in a Chinese family with hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with neuroaxonal spheroids / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical and neuroimaging features in a Chinese family with hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with neuroaxonal spheroids (HDLS) caused by mutation of the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor gene (CSF1R). Methods The proband and another patient from a HDLS pedigree were assessed respectively through standardized clinical evaluation (medical history inquiry, physical examination),neuropsychology assessment,MRI,genetic sequencing, as well as brain PET imaging with carbon11-labelled Pittsburgh compound-B(11C-PIB). Results A HDLS pedigree with three patients was recruited to this study. Apathy, memory decline, slow behavior were the first symptoms for two of the patients. Being bedridden, urinary incontinence and epilepsy were developed at the later stage. A missense mutation c. 2381T>C(p. I794T) in exon 18 of the CSF1R gene of chromosome 5 was identified in the proband. The brain DWI illustrated multiple patchy high signal in periventricular white matter and centrum semiovale which was characterized by persistence, and the corpus callosum was affected in the early stage. Conclusion The multiple patchy high signal with persistence in periventricular white matter and centrum semiovale of DWI is helpful for the early diagnosis of HDLS.

Suspected Perinatal Depression Revealed to be Hereditary Diffuse Leukoencephalopathy with Spheroids

Early motor symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases often appear in combination with psychiatric symptoms, such as depression or personality changes, and are in danger of being misdiagnosed as psychogenic in young patients. We present the case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with rapid-onset depression, followed by a hypokinetic movement disorder and cognitive decline during pregnancy. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor gene, which led to the diagnosis of hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids. Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS) is probably an under-recognized disease. HDLS should be considered in patients with rapidly progressing parkinsonian symptoms and dementia accompanied by white matter lesions.

Primary exploration of conditions for hypothermic preservation of rat hepatocyte spheroids / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To optimize conditions for hypothermic preservation of rat hepatocyte spheroids without freezing in order to facilitate the application of biological artificial liver. Methods Rat hepatic cells were isolated by a two-step perfusion method, and hepatocyte spheroids formed after 48 hours of rocking culture in serum free medium (SFM). Spheroids were then maintained in rocking culture at 37°C(control condition), or cold stored at 4°Cfor 24 or 48 hours in four different cold storage solutions: SFM alone; SFM+1mmol/L deferoxamine (Def); SFM+1|xmol/L cyclosporin A (CsA); and SFM+1mmol/L Def+1|xmol/L CsA. After culturing for another 4 or 5 days, survival rate, changes in ultrastructure, and the production of albumin and urea were observed. Results Cold-induced injury could be reduced significantly by the addition of the iron chelators Def and CsA. The function and structure of hepatocyte spheroids stored in SFM+Def+CsA or SFM+Def for 24 hours were similar to those in control conditions. But the function was significantly reduced after hypothermic preservation in SFM alone. After cold storage for 48 hours, the ultrastructure of hepatocyte spheroids obviously changed and the number of dead cells increased. The survival rate of hepatocyte spheroids stored in SFM+Def+CsA or SFM+Def was significantly higher than that stored in SFM or SFM+CsA(P0.05). Conclusions Hepatocyte spheroids tolerate 24 hours of cold storage with stable viability and function. Hypothermic preservation increases the availability of cell-based therapy for liver diseases.

Three-dimensional spherical culture of adipose-derived stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Many types of mammalian cells aggregate and display three-dimensional multicellular spheroids when they are in normal physiological conditions. In order to observe and explore cellular natural states, many researchers try to use spherical cellculture in vitro, a common three-dimensional culture pattern. OBJECTIVE:To use three different methods for spherical culture in vitro of adipose-derived stem cells and to observe their biological features. METHODS:Adipose-derived stem cells were confirmed by the analysis of the markers for cellphenotypes as wel as adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential assays. Three different methods of sphere cultures were used as fol ows:(1) ultra low attachment culture;(2) hanging-drop culture and (3) Eppendorf tube culture. The sphere formation was compared among above three methods. We used Imagej to calculate mean areas of these spheres. And we used Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay Kit for Animal Live&Dead cells to detect their vitality. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Adipose-derived stem cells were confirmed by the analysis of the markers for cellphenotypes, CD29, CD44, CD59 were positive, as wel as adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential assays were positive. The conventional monolayer cultures of adipose-derived stem cells showed spindle and cloning growth within three passages. (2) Ultra low attachment culture, hanging-drop culture, Eppendorf tube culture al could elicit adipose-derived stem cells spherical growth. However, spherical size, shape and uniformity differed depending on cellnumbers, culture time and spherical culture methods. The ultra low attachment culture was comparatively difficult to control spherical shape and uniformity of adipose-derived stem cells. But hanging-drop culture and Eppendorf tube culture were able to form even cellspheres. (3) Spherical formation of adipose-derived stem cells using our three methods displayed good cellvitality.

Anti-apoptosis competence and drug-resistance protein expression of tumor spheres from lung cancer cell line A549 / 肿瘤

Objective: To investigate the anti-apoptosis competence and the expression of glutathione- S-transferase-π (GST-π) of tumor spheres from lung cancer cell line A549. Methods: The tumor spheres were achieved from lung cancer cell line A549 cultured in serum-free medium. The apoptosis rates of both tumor spheres and primary A549 cells after treatment with cisplatin were detected by immunofluorescence assay with Annexin V-FITC+PI and JC-1 stainings, and the expressions of GST-π protein were also examined in the tumor spheres and the primary A549 cells as well as their grafted tumors in nude mice by Western blotting and fluorescence immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: Immunofluorescence assay showed that the apoptosis rate was significantly higher in tumor spheres than that in primary A549 cells. Compared with the primary A549 cells and their corresponding grafted tumors, the expression levels of GST-π protein were significantly higher in the tumor spheres and their corresponding grafted tumors. Conclusion: Tumor spheres from lung cancer cell line A549 have a strong capability of drug-resistance, which is probably associated with the up-regulated expressions of drug-resistance proteins in these tumor spheres.

Metastasis-related characteristics of tumor spheres derived from human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 / 肿瘤

Objective: To generate tumor spheres from colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 in serum-free medium (SFM) and to observe the location of the cancer stem cell surface marker CD133 as well as the ratio of CD133+ cells so as to investigate the possible relationship between the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastatic ability of tumor spheres. Methods: Human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells were cultured in SFM supplemented with cell growth factors. The location of cancer stem cell marker CD133 in tumor spheres was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the content of CD133 + cells in tumor spheres was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Transwell chamber assay, immunofluorescence and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were applied to examine the metastatic ability of tumor spheres in vitro and the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal-related key markers. Results: The surface marker CD133 was located on cell membrane, and the content of CD133+ cells was significantly increased in HCT116 tumor spheres. The expressions of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and Vimentin were highly elevated, while the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin was reduced. The metastatic ability of cell sphere was higher than that of monolayer cells. Conclusion: HCT116 tumor spheres are enriched with CD133+ cells. The surface marker CD133 is located on the cell membrane. The cell spheres may get higher metastatic ability through epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Copyright© 2011 by TUMOR.

Effect of CD147 monoclonal antibody on paclitaxel resistance in HCE1 multicellular spheroids / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the effect of CD147 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the natural resistance to paclitaxel (TAX) in the human cervical cancer line (HCE1) multicellular spheroid (HCE1/MCS) model and if CD147 mAb can reverse the HCE1/MCS resistance to TAX. Methods HCE1/MCS was obtained by liquid overlay and rotating technique. HCE1/MCS morphological changes were observed before or after the interference of CD147 mAb. The effects of TAX on HCE1/MCS (including inhibition ratio, IC50 and index of multicellular resistance) before or after CD147 mAb treatment were determined by the method of WST-1 and the inhibition ratio curve was mapped. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometer (FCM). The expression of CD147 and P-gp of both HCE1/MC and HCE1/MCS was detected by immunocytochemistry. Results HCE1/MCS was established successfully. CD147 mAb could inhibit HCE1/MCS from forming spheroids. CD147 mAb could enhance the sensitivity of HCE1/MCS to TAX. IC50 in different concentrations of CD147 mAb (5,10,20 μg/mL) HCE1/MCS group were (40.31±3.73), (32.43±1.56), and (30.69±1.01) μg/mL. CD147 mAb resulted in G1/G0 arrest in HCE1/MCS. CD147 mAb of low concentrations (0-10 μg/mL) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of HCE1/MCS (P<0.05). Combined with TAX, CD147 mAb could also induce HCE1/MCS cell cycle arrest in both G1/S and G2/M stage. The expression of CD147 and P-gp was consistent in HCE1/MCS groups. Conclusion CD147 plays an important role in muliticellular resistance of cervical cancer and inhibition of CD147 can synergistically reverse the multicellular drug resistance (MCR) in cervical cancer. The MCR of HCE1/MCS mediated by CD147 is related to P-gp.

A quantitative assessment of the morphological characteristics of BeWo cells as an in vitro model of human trophoblast cells / Una evaluación cuantitativa de las características morfológicas de las células BeWo como un modelo in vitro de las células de trofoblasto humano

In order to study the detailed morphology of trophoblast cells during human implantation, BeWo cells were cultured as spheroids in suspension culture. These cultures were then processed for light and electron microscopical examination. The present study showed that the BeWo spheroids consist of two cell types which are cytotrophoblast-like and syncytiotrophoblast-like. The cells with larger nuclear diameter made up only about 1 percent of the cell population and appear to be those of syncytiotrophoblast. Therefore the predominant cell type of the BeWo spheroids appeared to be relatively undifferentiated and cytotrophoblast-like. About 10 percent of the BeWo cells in the present study were mitotic, indicating a highly proliferative population. Total cell number increased about 12 times during the culture period from 107 +/- 9 on day 1 to 1211 +/- 145 on day 7 whereas the volume per cell increased about 2 times, from 1300 um3 on day 1 to 2400 um3 on day 7. Therefore overall growth of BeWo spheroids is due to both hyperplasia and hypertrophy. However, it appears that cell proliferation outstrips volumetric growth. These quantitative data show that BeWo cells grow mainly by hyperplasia and provide baseline values for further studies. In addition, the results show that BeWo cell morphology has marked similarities to that reported for human trophoblast, making it a useful model for subsequent in vitro studies.

En un cultivo de suspensión se estudió la morfología de las células durante la implantación del trofoblasto humano, células BeWo. Estos cultivos fueron procesados y examinados a través de microscopía de luz y electrónica. El estudio mostró que los esferoides BeWo constan de dos tipos de células, citotrofoblasto y sincitiotrofoblasto. Las células con mayor diámetro nuclear parecen ser los sincitiotrofoblasto que representaban sólo el 1 por ciento de la población celular. Por tanto, el tipo celular predominante de los esferoides BeWo parecían ser relativamente indiferenciados como citotrofoblasto. Alrededor del 10 por ciento de las células BeWo fueron mitóticas, lo que indica una población altamente proliferativa. El número de células totales aumentó alrededor de 12 veces durante el período de cultivo de 107 +/- 9 días en el día 1 a 1211 +/- 145 en el día 7, mientras que el volumen de la célula creció alrededor de 2 veces, desde 1300 mm3 el día 1 hasta 2400 mm3 el día 7. Por lo tanto, el crecimiento global de esferoides BeWo se debe tanto a la hiperplasia como a la hipertrofia. Sin embargo, parece que la proliferación celular supera al crecimiento volumétrico. Estos datos cuantitativos muestran que las células BeWo crecen principalmente por hiperplasia y proporcionan valores de referencia para estudios posteriores. Además, los resultados muestran que la morfología celular BeWo ha marcado similitudes con los reportado para el trofoblasto humano, por lo que es un modelo útil para posteriores estudios in vitro.

Biological characteristics of human breast cancer mammospheres cultured in serum-free medium over long term / 肿瘤

Objective:To isolate breast cancer stem/progenitor cells from human breast cancer and study their proliferation and differentiation biological characteristics over long-term passages in vitro. Methods:Human breast cancer stem/progenitor cells were enriched in suspension cultures as nonadherent mammospheres(MS). Serial sphere formation assay was performed to determine self-renewal ability of mammosphere-derived cells (MSDC). Differentiation was induced by culturing MSDC in DMEM-F12 supplemented with serum but without growth factors. The ratio of CD44~+/CD24~(-/low) cell population was evaluated by flow cytometry(FCM). Results:The mammospheres were formed after inoculation of primary breast cancer cells into culcutre medium with growth factors but without serum. The mammospheres contained undifferentiated cells similar to stem cells, which had self-renewal and extensive proliferation capabilities. With increasing passages, the cells tended to adhere and differentiate. The number of adhering and differentiating cells increased, and the amount and size of mammospheres decreased. The CD44~+/CD24~(-/low) cell population was enriched in the basal-like molecular subtype of human breast tumors. The biological behaviors of mammospheres varied between different specimens.Conclusion:Cancer cells with stem cell properties of self-renewal, indefinite proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation widely existed in human breast cancer tissues. The biological behaviors varied because of different origin of specimens and changed under the effects of environmental factors.

Reversion of resistance to cisplatin induced by MG132 in cervical cancer cell HCE1 multicellular spheroid / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway inhibitor MG132 on the natural resistance to cisplatin in the human cervical cancer line (HCE1) muhicellular spheroid (HCE1/MCS) model and to probe it if MG132 could reverse the HCE1/MCS resistance to cisplatin, as well as the possible mechanism of drug resistance.Methods (1) HCE1/MCS was obtained using liquid overlay and rotating technique.(2)Four groups were established (MG132 group, cisplatin group, MG132 + cisplatin group, the control group).Cell viability were measured by trypan blue exclusion assay.Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.(3) The expression of nuclear factor (NF) kB of both HCE1 monolayer cells (HCEI/MC) and HCE1/MCS was detected by western blot, and the expression of B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (bcl-2) was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results (1) HCE1/MCS was established successfully.(2) Cell inhibited rate of HCE1/MC and HCE1/MCS was: in MG132 group, (11.67 ± 2.34) % vs (10.78 ± 1.17) % (P > 0.05) ; in MG132 + cisplatin group, (92.67 ± 2.52)% vs (91.33 ±2.18)% (P>0.05); in cisplatin group, (45.01±7.44)% vs (9.45±5.98)% (P<0.05).(3)The rate of apoptosis of HCE1/MC and HCE1/MCS were: in MG132 group, 8.14% and 5.97% ; in MG132 + cisplatin group, 99.01% and 95.22% ; in cisplatin group, 33.61% and 0.88%.(4)The expression level of NF-kB and the high expression rate of bcl-2 were: in HCE1/MCS of control group, 0.67 and 60% ; in HCE1/MCS of cisplatin group, 0.85 and 83% ; in HCE1/MCS of MG132 group, 0.39 and 20% ; in HCE1/MCS of MG132 + cisplatin group, 0.47 and 33%.Conclusions (1) HCE1/ MCS present natural resistance to cisplatin and may become a good model for the study of cervical cancer drug resistance in vitro.(2) MG132 could induce the inhibition and apoptosis of HCE1/MCS cells and partially reverse the natural resistance of HCE1/MCS to cisplatin, of which partially reverse the natural resistance may be in relation to the down-regulation of NF-kB and bcl-2 expression.

Chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cell in multicellular spheroids / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective To investigate the feasibility of pancreatic cancer muhieellular spheroids in chemosensitivity study. Methods Pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines SW1990, PCT-3 and ASPC-1 were cultured in collagen gel. When the muhicellular spheroids were formed, the drug chemosensitivities of Fluorouracil ( 5-FU ), Gemzar ( GEM ) and Oxaliplatin ( OXA ) were detected by CD-DST and CCK-8 methods. The results were compared with those of scattered cells model. Results The chemosensitivities of three pancreatic lines in form of multicellular spheroids were significantly lower than those of scattered cells model (P < 0. 05). The inhibitory rates of 50 μg/ml 5-FU on SW1990, PCT-3, ASPC-1 were (53.96 ±4.32)% ,(58.49±5.98)%, (49.57±4.36)% ;the inhibitory rates of 25 μg/ml GEM on SWI990,PCT-3, ASPC-1 were (53.02 ± 4.06) %, (61.90 ± 4.80) %, (38.09 ± 4.88 ) % ;the inhibitory rates of 10 μg/ml OXA on SW1990, PCT-3, ASPC-1 were (57.33 ± 6.27 ) %, (50.90 ± 4.80) %, (47.26 ± 4.29) % ;which were significantly lower than those of scattered cells model ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusions In collagen gel, formation of the multicellular spheroids of pancreatic cells caused less chemosensitivity and promoted anticancer drug resistance, which was consistent with in vivo state.

Study on preparation of indomethacin pellets with released action by push back method of forming spheroids

Optimum formula of indomethacin sustained release pellets prepared by extrusion and spheronization method was obtained by using an artificial neural network. In the pellets, Avicel PH 101 was used as a matrix excipient for sustained release and HPMC E15, PVP K30, polysorbat 80 was used to enhance the solubility of indomethacin from the matrix. The capsules containing prepared indomethacin sustained release pellets showed an in vitro drug release similar to that of CHRONO-INDOCID capsules which were used as a reference product. The studied products were stable during 6 months when preserving in urgent aged condition

The Viability and Function of Cryopreserved Hepatocyte Spheroids with Different Cryopreservation Solutions

PURPOSE: The bioartificial liver via extracorporeal circulation and the hepatocyte transplantation have been studied due to donor organ shortage. Hepatocyte spheroids, which are tightly packed multicellular aggregates, showed enhanced liver specific activities. The authors have studied the bioartificial liver system using hepatocyte spheroids. For the effective application of this system, the effective cryopreservation technique is necessary. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the viability and function of cryopreserved hepatocyte spheroids with different cryopreservation solutions and to elucidate the efficiency of cryopreservation. METHODS: Hepatocytes were isolated Sprague-Dawley rat. The hepatocyte spheroids were formed with 24 hours by rotational culturing. The hepatocyte spheroids were frozen in different cryopreservation solutions (UW solution, William E media, FBS and mixture) by programmed linear freezer, preserved in liquid nitrogen tank for 24 hours and cultured for 4 days after thawing. For the viabilities of each hepatocyte spheroids, the MTT assay was made and for their hepatocyte specific functions, ammonia clearance, urea nitrogen synthesis and albumin secretion of the spheroids were evaluated. RESULTS: The viabilities of the cyropreserved hepatocyte spheroids after culturing for 4 hours following thawing were 64.8+/-10.2, 33.2+/-9.7, 69.3+/-8.7 and 48.4+/-15.5% in the UW, WE, FBS and MIX media, respectively. The ammonia clearance of the spheroids cyropreserved in the UW solution was 0.93+/-0.13 mM/well/day, which was not significantly different from that of the freshly cultured spheroids. With regard to the urea nitrogen synthesis, the cryopreserved spheroids in the UW, FBS and MIX solutions were not significantly different from the freshly cultured spheroids. The amount of albumin secretion of the cryopreserved spheroids in the UW solution was significantly higher than those of cryopreserved spheroids in the other solutions. CONCLUSION: With regard to the viability and function, the hepatocyte spheroids cryopreserved in the UW solution were not significantly different from the freshly cultured spheroids, which were superior to the other cryopreserved spheroids. Further studies relating to the optimal culture and cryopreservation environments, such as freezing rate or cryoprotectant from damage during freezing, are needed.