Remote ischemic preconditioning and tacrolimus in the fetal small bowel transplant in mice

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC-R) in the fetal small bowel transplantation model. METHODS: Two groups were constituted: The Isogenic transplant (ISO, C57BL/6 mice, n=24) and the allogenic transplant (ALO, BALB/c mice, n=24). In each group, the animals were distributed with and without IPC-R. It was obtained the following subgroups: Tx, IPC-R, Fk, IPC-Fk, in both strains. Intestinal grafts were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The graft development evaluation in ISO group showed that IPC-R reduced the development compared with ISO-Tx (5.2±0.4 vs 9.0±0.8) and IPC-R-Fk increased the graft development compared with IPC-R (11.2±0.7 and 10.2±0.8). In ALO group, IPC-Fk increased the development compared with ALO-Tx and ALO with IPC-R (6.0±0.8, 9.0±1.2, 0.0±0.0, 0.5±0.3). The PCNA expression was increased in ISO group treated with Fk and IPC-R compared to other groups (12.2±0.8 vs Tx: 8.8±0.9, IPC-R: 8.0±0.4 and Fk: 9.0±0.6). The graft rejection was lower in groups treated with IPC-R (-18%), Fk (-68%) or both (-61%) compared with ALO-Tx. CONCLUSION: Remote ischemic preconditioning showed benefic effect even associate with Tacrolimus on the development and acute rejection of the fetal small bowel graft in the Isogenic and Allogenic transplants.

Trasplante renal con HLA idéntico de donante vivo y cadavérico: experiencia de la Fundación Valle de Lili, Cali, Colombia / Renal transplant with identical HLA with living and cadaver donor: Experience at Fundación Valle de Lili, Cali, Colombia

Introducción: En el trasplante renal con HLA idéntico los episodios de rechazo agudo son menores y tienen mejores tasas de supervivencia del injerto, comparado con los receptores con HLA no idéntico; a pesar de esto, persiste el dilema en cuanto al retiro o la disminución de la dosis de inmunosupresión. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia de los trasplantes renales con HLA idéntico de donante vivo y cadavérico que se han realizado en la Fundación Valle del Lili desde 1995 hasta 2014. Material y métodos. De los 1.462 trasplantes renales realizados se incluyeron aquellos con HLA idéntico. Se hizo un análisis estadístico descriptivo para todas las variables consideradas y, para subgrupos seleccionados, el análisis de supervivencia y de rechazo agudo se hizo con el método de Kaplan-Meier. Para el análisis se usó Stata 12.0®. Resultados. Se practicaron 29 trasplantes renales con HLA idénticos. La mayoría fueron en hombres de raza mestiza y lo más frecuente fue una etiología desconocida de la enfermedad renal terminal. Dos pacientes presentaron rechazo agudo, y la supervivencia de los injertos a 1, 5, 10 y 15 años, fue de 100%, 93,7 %, 75 % y 75 %, respectivamente; la supervivencia de los pacientes a los 1, 5, 10 y 15 años, fue de 100%, 93,7 %, 84,3 % y 84,3 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Los receptores HLA idénticos poseen una supervivencia prolongada del injerto con menos tasas de rechazo agudo.

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Graft rejection is much lower in terms of acute rejection and improved graft survival in renal transplantation with HLA-identical compared to non-identical HLA receptors. The aim of this work is to describe the experience of HLA identical kidney transplantation from live and deceased donors that have been performed at Valle de Lili Foundation since 1995 to 2014. Material and methods. From the 1,462 kidney transplants performed those with HLA-identical were identified, a descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all variables considered in the analysis and for selected subgroups, the analysis of survival and acute rejection was made with the Kaplan-Meier method. Stata 12.0 was used for the analysis. Results: A total of 29 HLA-identical kidney transplants were performed. Most were men of mixed race; the main etiology of ESRD was unknown. Two patients had acute rejection and graft survival at five, ten and fifteen years was 93.7%, 75% and 75% respectively, patient survival at five, ten and fifteen years was 93.7%, 84.3% and 84.3% respectively. Conclusion: HLA-identical receptors have a prolonged survival of the graft with less acute rejection rates.

Establishment and comparison of stoma and stoma-free heterotopic small intestine transplantation models in mice / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish stoma and stoma-free murine models of heterotopic small intestine transplantation in order to choose a more effective and reliable model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 140 male 8-10 weeks age C57BL/6(B6) mice weighted 25-30 g were enrolled in the experiment. Syngeneic heterotopic small intestine transplantation was performed between C57BL/6 mice, and recipient mice were divided into either stoma or stoma-free group. Heterotopic small intestine transplantation was performed in 70 mice, with 35 mice in each group. After closing the proximal end of the graft by ligation, the distal end of graft was exteriorized as a stoma then secured to the skin of the abdominal wall in stoma group. In stoma-free group, the distal end of graft was anastomosed end-to-side to the recipient ileum. Successful rate of operation, two-week survival rate, operation time, associated complications, postoperative care time and body weight change were recorded and compared between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The successful rate of stoma group was 65.7%, while it was 80.0% of stoma-free group (χ(2)=1.806, P=0.179). The operation time of donor in stoma group was (48.1±6.6) minutes, while it was (47.2±5.9) minutes in stoma-free group (t=0.598, P=0.552). The operation time of recipient in stoma group was (77.9±9.1) minutes, while it was (76.4±8.3) minutes in stoma-free group (t=0.683, P=0.497). The cold ischemic time of graft in stoma group was (34.7±4.0) minutes, while it was (33.9±4.6) minutes in stoma-free group(t=0.667, P=0.507). The two-week survival rate of stoma group was 45.7%, and it was 77.1% of stoma-free group(χ(2)=7.295, P=0.007). The stoma group had more complications[54.3%(19/35) vs. 22.9%(8/35), χ(2)=7.295, P=0.007], which needed more postoperative care time(191 min vs. 35 min). The weight loss in stoma group in the third day after operation was more significant [(81.52±5.20)% vs. (85.46±4.65)%, t=2.856, P=0.006]. By 2 weeks after operation, the weight of mice in both groups retruned to 95% of the postoperative wight.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The murine heteropotic small intestine transplantation model with stoma-free appears to be more reasonable and reliable.</p>

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound prompts tissue-engineered bone formation after implantation surgery / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>A practical problem impeding clinical translation is the limited bone formation seen in artificial bone grafts. Low-pressure/vacuum seeding and dynamic culturing in bioreactors have led to a greater penetration into the scaffolds, enhanced production of bone marrow cells, and improved tissue-engineered bone formation. The goal of this study was to promote more extensive bone formation in the composites of porous ceramics and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BMSCs/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composites were subcultured for 2 weeks and then subcutaneously implanted into syngeneic rats that were split into a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment group and a control group. These implants were harvested at 5, 10, 25, and 50 days after implantation. The samples were then biomechanically tested and analyzed for alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OCN) content and were also observed by light microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of ALP activity and OCN content in the composites were significantly higher in the LIPUS group than in the control group. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a greater degree of soft tissue repair, increased blood flow, better angiogenesis, and more extensive bone formation in the LIPUS groups than in the controls. No significant difference in the compressive strength was found between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>LIPUS treatment appears to enhance bone formation and angiogenesis in the BMSCs/β-TCP composites.</p>

Enhanced inhibition of murine prostatic carcinoma growth by immunization with or administration of viable human umbilical vein endothelial cells and CRM197

Vaccination with xenogeneic and syngeneic endothelial cells is effective for inhibiting tumor growth. Nontoxic diphtheria toxin (CRM197), as an immunogen or as a specific inhibitor of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, has shown promising antitumor activity. Therefore, immunization with or administration of viable human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) combined with CRM197 could have an enhanced antitumor effect. Six-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were vaccinated with viable HUVECs, 1 x 10(6) viable HUVECs combined with 100 μg CRM197, or 100 μg CRM197 alone by ip injections once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. RM-1 cells (5 x 10(5)) were inoculated by sc injection as a preventive procedure. During the therapeutic procedure, 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were challenged with 1 x 10(5) RM-1 cells, then injected sc with 1 x 10(6) viable HUVECs, 1 x 10(6) viable HUVECs + 100 μg CRM197, and 100 μg CRM197 alone twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Tumor volume and life span were monitored. We also investigated the effects of immunization with HUVECs on the aortic arch wall and on wound healing. Vaccination with or administration of viable HUVECs+CRM197 enhanced the inhibition of RM-1 prostatic carcinoma by 24 and 29 percent, respectively, and prolonged the life span for 3 and 4 days, respectively, compared with those of only vaccination or administration with viable HUVECs of tumor-bearing C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, HUVEC immunization caused some damage to the aortic arch wall but did not have remarkable effects on the rate of wound healing; the wounds healed in approximately 13 days. Treatment with CRM197 in combination with viable HUVECs resulted in a marked enhancement of the antitumor effect in the preventive or therapeutic treatment for prostatic carcinoma in vivo, suggesting a novel combination for anti-cancer therapy.

Immune changes in type 1 diabetes animal model after syngeneic bone marrow transplantation / 中国实验血液学杂志

Syngeneic bone marrow transplantation (syn-BMT), as a novel therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D), has been used more and more widely. This study was aimed to detect the changes of peripheral CD4(+) T lymphocytes, CD8(+) T lymphocytes, CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes and NK cells before and after T1D mice were treated with syn-BMT, and to investigate the effects of these cells in T1D and the effects of syn-BMT-inducing immunotolerance. T1D mouse model was established by multiple low dose streptozotocin injection, the syn-BMT was performed on 10 day after the onset of diabetes. The T1D model mice were divided into group of diabetic mice treated with syn-BMT and group of diabetic control mice (DC), 6 normal C57BL/6J mice were regarded as normal control group (NC). On 30 day after syn-BMT, peripheral proportion of CD4(+) T lymphocytes, CD8(+) T lymphocytes, CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes and NK cells were detected by flow cytometry. These cells of normal control mice (NC), diabetes control mice (DC) and diabetes mice treated by syn-BMT were also detected. Blood glucose level in three groups was assayed during the whole observation period. The results showed that syn-BMT could reduce blood glucose level of T1D mice to near normal (p > 0.05). Hematopoietic reconstitution happened in a month. The proportion of peripheral CD4(+) T lymphocytes, CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes, NK cells all increased in new-onset diabetic mice (p < 0.01), while the proportion of peripheral CD8(+) T lymphocytes decreased (p < 0.01). On 30 day after T1D mice were treated with syn-BMT, the proportion of peripheral CD4(+) T lymphocytes was significantly lower than that in DC mice (p < 0.01), but still higher than NC (p < 0.05). The proportion of CD8(+) T lymphocytes was higher than that in DC and NC mice (p < 0.01). The ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes and proportion of NK cells were both obviously lower than that in DC and NC mice (p < 0.01). It is concluded that the syn-BMT can reverse hyperglycemia and immune disorder in diabetic mice. On early period of diabetes onset, the proportions of CD4(+) T lymphocytes and NK cells, the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes increase, while proportion of CD8(+) T lymphocytes decreases in peripheral blood which mye be associated with onset of diabetes.

Avaliação do percentual de compatibilidade HLA entre membros da mesma família para pacientes à espera de transplante de medula óssea em Santa Catarina, Brasil / Evaluation of the percentage of HLA compatibility between members of the same family for patients awaiting bone marrow transplantation in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

O transplante de medula óssea (TMO) é uma terapia especial utilizada para tratarpacientes com doenças hematológicas e certas alterações genéticas. Para que umtransplante seja bem sucedido, é necessário, entre outros fatores, que haja compatibilidade para moléculas codificadas pelos genes HLA. Em geral, os transplantes de melhor prognóstico são aqueles realizados entre irmãos HLA idênticos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o percentual de compatibilidade de doadores de medula óssea (MO) nas famílias de pacientes que necessitam de TMO no estado de Santa Catarina. A coleta dos dados foi realizada no arquivo do Laboratório de Imunogenética do Hemocentro de Santa Catarina (Hemosc), compreendendo o período de 2000 a 2007. Foram totalizados 469 casos de pacientes à espera de TMO. Para estes, foram triados 2.463 possíveis doadores aparentados. Destes, 49,8% eram irmãos dos pacientes. Houve compatibilidade com algum membro da família do paciente em 213 (45,4%)casos, sendo que 99% das compatibilidades foram estabelecidas entre irmãos, 0,7% com mães e 0,3% com tios dos pacientes. Avaliando-se os doadores, obteve-se um total de 1.230 irmãos tipificados para doação, dos quais 296 (24,06%) apresentaram compatibilidade com o paciente para o qual realizaram a tipificação. Os dados encontrados neste estudo mostram que a possibilidade de que seja encontrado um doador compatível para TMO dentro da família do paciente, em Santa Catarina, é bastante promissora, principalmente entre irmãos do paciente.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a special therapy used to treat patients with hematological diseases and certain genetic disorders. For a transplant to be successful, it is necessary, among others factors, to have compatibility of the molecules coded by HLA genes. In general, the best prognosis for BMT is obtained with HLAidentical siblings. The aim of this work was to evaluate the percentage of compatibility between patients and possible related bone marrow donors in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The data were collectedfrom the records of patient treated between 2000 and 2007 in the Immunogenetic Laboratory of the Hematology Centre of Santa Catarina (Hemosc). A total of 469 cases of patients waiting for BMT were identified. For these, 2463 possible related donors were screened with 49.8% being siblings of the patients. There was compatibility with a member of the patient's family in 213 (45.4%) cases: 99% of the compatibility was established with siblings, 0.7% with the mother and 0.3% with an uncle. Evaluating the donors, a total of 1230 siblings were screened for donation of which 296 (24.06%) presented compatibility with the patient for whom HLA typing had been carried out. These data show that the possibility of finding a compatible donor in the patient's family, in the State of Santa Catarina, is somewhat promising, especially among siblings.

Proteomics analysis of lymphocyte involving in acute rejection after liver transplantation within rats / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen specific functional proteins from lymphocyte involved in acute rejection using differential proteomics research.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two groups of rat liver transplantation models were established (isograft as control and allograft as acute rejection groups) by transplantation within Wistar rats, and between Wistar and SD. Morphology study were performed by histochemistry tech, followed by serum cytokine detection with ELISA. With 2-dimensional electrophoresis, proteomes of lymphocyte from the rats of different groups were separated and 2 proteome profiles were established. Comparing with the 2 profiles, 25 spots were selected and picked for in gel digestion, followed for analysis by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-time of fly (TOF)/TOF MS. Two of the proteins were detected with Western blot to verify the changing profiles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of morphology analysis and detection of cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) indicate that the animal models were established successfully and acute rejection happened after transplantation for 3 days. Twenty-five differential proteins were found out to be associated with acute rejection, among which 13 proteins were upregulated and 12 downregulated. The expression alterations of 2 proteins (beta-actin and carbonic anhydrase) are consistent with proteomics analysis results showing in Western blot.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Twenty-five specific proteins exploiting mechanism of acute rejection are screened out, including IL-2 and carbonic anhydrase, which maybe benefit for the further works.</p>

Mechanism of ligustrazine promoting hematopoietic reconstitution in syngenic bone marrow transplanted mice / 中国实验血液学杂志

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ligustrazine on the expression of stem cell factor mRNA (SCF) in bone marrow tissue and explore the mechanism of hematopoietic reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The colony forming unit of spleen (CFU-S) were counted, the survival rate at days 7, 14 and 21 after BMT were measured, as well as the expression level of SCF mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that in ligustrazine group CFU-S counts on day 10 and survival rate, expression level of SCF mRNA on day 7, 14 and 21 after BMT were higher than that in the control group (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). In conclusion, ligustrazine promotes the recovery of hematopoietic cells in bone marrow, enhances the repair of bone marrow microvessels, and then improves bone marrow microenvironment and promotes hematopoietic reconstitution.

Trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en anemia aplástica / Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in aplastic anemia

Severe aplastic anemia is a rare syndrome characterized by bone marrow failure with cytopenias and hypocellular bone marrow biopsy (usually 10-15%), without blasts or myelodysplasia. The first choice treatment for these patients is allogene-ic bone marrow transplantation from a sibling matched for HLA-A, HLA-B y HLA-DR. Unfortunately only 30% of patients have an HLA-matched sibling (a 25% chance per sibling). The alternative treatment for severe aplastic anemia for the rest of the patients (70%) is immunosuppression with antithymocyte globuline and cyclosporine. The evolution of bone marrow transplantation since 1970's has been positive in terms of survival and transplant success (initial overall survival 43% vs. 90% lately, and graft rejection of 29% vs. 4%). The favorable outcome of bone marrow transplantation for severe or very severe aplastic anemia is due to: the use of conditioning with antithymocyte globuline and cyclophosphamide, the use of graft-vs.-host disease prophylaxis with short curse methotrexate and cyclosporine and the use of filtrated and irradiated blood products. For those patients without an HLA-matched related donor the first treatment to use is the immunosuppression with antithymocyte globuline and cyclosporine. Another option emerged in the late 80's is the unrelated bone marrow transplantation, with survival hardly half of the HLA-identical related bone marrow transplants. In our country, the first allogeneic bone marrow transplant was done in the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán, in a patient with aplastic anemia, making possible to perform this procedure safely in our country.

La anemia aplástica grave (AAG) es una enfermedad poco frecuente caracterizada por un síndrome de falla medular con citopenias periféricas y médula ósea hipo o acelular, en ausencia de blastos y de mielodisplasia. El tratamiento de elección es el trasplante alogénico de médula ósea de donador relacionado. Este procedimiento sólo es posible en 30% de los pacientes, ya que el resto no cuenta con un donador. La otra alternativa de tratamiento es la inmunosupresión combinada, a base de ciclosporina A y globulina antitimocito (GAT). El trasplante alogénico de donador relacionado en AAG ha evolucionado favorablemente desde sus inicios en la década de los 70 a la fecha (supervivencia global inicial de 43% versus 90% actualmente, frecuencia de rechazo del injerto de 29 a 4%). Los factores que han condicionado este avance son: la utilización de acondicionamiento a base de ciclofosfamida/GAT, la utilización de profilaxis injerto contra huésped con ciclosporina A y metotrexato en curso corto (que han permitido una disminución en la tasa de rechazo y de enfermedad injerto contra huésped aguda) y la utilización de productos sanguíneos radiados y filtrados que disminuyen la sensibilización del receptor a antígenos menores de histocompatibilidad. Para aquellos pacientes que no cuentan con un donador HLA idéntico relacionado, la primera opción de tratamiento es la inmunosupresión combinada, sin embargo, desde finales de los 80s el trasplante alogénico de donadores no relacionados surgió como una opción de tratamiento, aunque sus resultados hasta hoy son inferiores a los obtenidos con trasplante alogénico de donador relacionado. En nuestro país se llevó a cabo el primer trasplante de médula ósea en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, lo que demostró que es factible realizar este procedimiento en nuestro medio.

Alotransplante de ilhotas de Langerhans no fígado de ratos submetidos a manipulação tímica com células dendríticas / Alogenic islet transplantation on the rat liver after alogenic dendritic cells injection in the thymus

RACIONAL: A maior indicação do transplante de pâncreas ou de ilhotas de Langerhans é o diabetes mellitus do tipo I. O processo deve suprir as necessidades de insulina, mantendo os níveis glicêmicos dentro da normalidade. OBJETIVOS: Estudou-se o alotransplante de ilhotas de Langerhans no fígado de ratos Lewis, tendo como doadores de ilhotas ratos Wistar. No grupo controle (n = 8) injetava-se, no timo, solução de Hanks e no grupo de estudo (n = 9), células dendríticas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: No grupo controle com o método de separação e purificação das ilhotas de Langerhans obteve-se 3637 ± 783,3 ilhotas com pureza de 85 por cento ± 3,52 por cento. No grupo de estudo obteve-se 3268 ± 378 ilhotas de Langerhans com pureza de 87 por cento ± 4,47 por cento e com o método de isolamento e purificação das células dendríticas do baço obteve-se 3,34 x 105 ± 1,16 células. RESULTADOS: No grupo controle, o transplante de 3637 ± 783,3 ilhotas de Langerhans no fígado, normalizou a glicemia que chegou a 7,21 ± 0,57 mmol/L no segundo pós-operatório (diferença significativa com relação ao pré-operatório). Do pós-operatório imediato até o 8° pós-operatório a glicemia não se elevou significativamente, porém a partir do 10° pós-operatório houve aumento significativo deste parâmetro, o que pode ser compatível com rejeição aguda do enxerto. No grupo de estudo, o transplante de 3258 ± 378 ilhotas de Langerhans no fígado, normalizou a glicemia, que chegou a 9,3 ± 2,85 mmol/L no segundo pós-operatório (diferença significativa com relação ao pré-operatório). Do 4° ao 10° pós-operatório, a glicemia elevou-se significativamente, o que pode ser compatível com quadro de rejeição aguda do enxerto e certamente precoce. CONCLUSÃO: A inoculação de células alogênicas apresentadoras de antígenos (células dendríticas) no timo de ratos imunossuprimidos e diabéticos, antes do alotransplante de ilhotas de Langerhans no fígado, ao contrário de inibir a reação do receptor contra o enxerto, prolongando a sobrevida média das ilhotas e, possivelmente, levando ao estado de tolerância imunológica, induziu ao processo de rejeição aguda precoce.

Effects of ligustrazine on expression of VCAM-1/VLA-4 in syngenic bone marrow transplantation of mice / 中国实验血液学杂志

To explore the effect of ligustrazine on the expression of adherent molecule VCAM-1/VLA-4 of bone marrow cells in syngenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) mice, the mice were divided into 3 groups: normal group (which received no treatment), BMT control group and ligustrazine-treated groups. BMT mouse models were established. The BMT control group and the ligustrazine-treated group were orally administered 0.2 ml saline per mouse and 2 mg ligustrazine per mouse, respectively, twice a day. On the day 7, 14, 21, 28 after BMT, mice were respectively killed. Bone marrow nucleated cells were detected, and then the expression of VCAM-1/VLA-4 was assayed by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The results showed that in ligustrazine-treated group, the accounts of bone marrow nucleated cells on the day 7, 14, 21, 28 after BMT were all higher than that in BMT control group. The expression level in the ligustrazine-treated group was significantly higher than that in the BMT control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). It is concluded that ligustrazine can enhance VCAM-1/VLA-4 expression in bone marrow after syngenic bone marrow transplantation in mice, which may be related to the mechanisms underlying the ligustrazine accelerating hematopoietic reconstitution in allogenic bone marrow transplantation.

Combined Treatment of an Intratumoral Injection of Dendritic Cells and Systemic Chemotherapy (Paclitaxel) for Murine Fibrosarcoma

A novel combined treatment of conventional chemotherapy with an intratumoral injection of syngeneic dendritic cells (DCs) has emerged as a potent cancer treatment strategy. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a chemotherapeutic drug, paclitaxel, and an intratumoral (i.t.) injection of syngeneic bone marrow- derived DCs for the treatment of pre-existing fibrosarcoma. Subcutaneous tumors were established using MCA102 fibrosarcoma cells in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. The results demonstrated that the combined treatment of paclitaxel chemotherapy and the injection of DCs led to complete tumor regression, in contrast to only partial eradication of the tumors with chemotherapy or DCs alone. Furthermore, the tumor-free mice were able to resist a repeat challenge with the same type of tumor. These findings suggest that a combination therapy of systemic chemotherapy along with the intratumoral administration of DCs is a potent treatment strategy for fibrosarcoma.

In vivo Recombinant Adenovirus-mediated p53 Gene Therapy in a Syngeneic Rat Model for Colorectal Cancer

The p53 gene has a significant role in controlling genomic stability of cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tumor response of allograft colorectal tumor treated with Ad5CMV-p53 in a syngeneic rat model. Two weeks after the inoculation of WB-2054-M5 tumor cells in the flank of rats, rats were randomly assigned by tumor size to one of three groups (n=18 in each): phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Ad5CMV, and Ad5CMV-p53. Recombinant adenovirus or PBS was administered through intratumoral injection at three divided doses every other day for 4 weeks. Apoptosis of the tumors was evaluated using TUNEL assay. After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the volume (cm3) of tumors in PBS, Ad5CMV, and Ad5CMV-p53 was as follows: 2 week: 1.66 +/-0.43, 1.40 +/-0.47, 0.75 +/-0.26 (p<0.001), 4 week: 4.41 +/-0.88, 3.93 +/-1.86, 2.33 +/-0.51 (p<0.001). Tumor growth showed no statistically significant difference between the PBS and Ad5CMV groups (6-week vol. p=0.32). The TUNEL assay results revealed more apparent apoptotic cells in Ad5CMV-p53-treated tumors than in other groups. Growth of allograft colorectal cancer in the syngeneic rat model was significantly suppressed by intratumoral Ad5CMV-p53 gene therapy. These results demonstrate that gene replacement therapy with p53 may provide a novel modality of treatment in conjunction with other present treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Vanishing Pancreatic Grafts

Comparison of pancreaticoduodenal transplants (PDT) and duct-ligated pancreas transplant (DLPT) were performed using syngeneic and allogeneic studies in rats. Both DLPT and PDT allogeneic grafts showed mild rejection. DLPT groups showed disorganized pathology and acini replaced by fat. Eventually, massive fibrosis was seen in the Islets of Langerhans, as well as rejection cellular infiltrates. In both PDT groups, normal histology was observed in the same period. Thus the effect of duct occlusion is highly detrimental for the grafts.

Effects of ligustrazine on expression of PECAM-1/CD31 and hematopoietic reconstitution in syngenic bone marrow transplantation of mice / 中国实验血液学杂志

To estimate the effect of ligustrazine on the expression of PECAM-1/CD31 and hematopoietic reconstitution in syngenic bone marrow transplanted mice, 56 BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups: normal control group, BMT control group, ligustrazine treated group (BMT + Ligustrazine) and syngenic BMT mouse models were established according to the literatures. The BMT control group and the ligustrazine treated group were given orally 0.2 ml saline and 2 mg ligustrazine twice a day respectively. On days 7, 14, 21 after BMT, mice were killed and peripheral blood cells, bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) were detected. Histological observation of bone marrow was made and the CD31 expression was assayed by flow cytometry. The results showed that in ligustrazine treated group the peripheral blood cell, BMNC counts on days 7, 14, 21 after BMT were higher than in the BMT control group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The expression of CD31 in ligustrazine treated group on days 7, 14, 21 after BMT was also higher than in the BMT control group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). In conclusion, ligustrazine enhances CD31 expression in bone marrow cells after syngenic bone marrow transplantation of mice, which may be related to the mechanisms underlying the ligustrazine accelerating hematopoietic reconstitution in syngeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Chronic kidney isograft and allograft rejection / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In this study antigen-independent factor in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection of organ transplants was examined. Kidney isografts and allografts were transplanted orthotopically into bilaterally nephroectomized rat recipients and studied functionally, morphologically and immunohistologically, at serial intervals up to 52 weeks after transplantation. Allograft recipients developed progressive proteinuria after 12 weeks, with gradual renal failure ultimately leading to death. At the same time, morphological changes, including progressive arteriosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, developed. Immunohistologically, macrophages infiltrated glomeruli during this period and cytokines became unregulated. Our results showed that antigen-independent functional and morphological changes occurred in long-term kidney isografts and mimicked those appearing much earlier in allografts that reject chronically. Initial injury and extent of functioning renal mass is suggested to be important factor for such late changes.

An observation of repair of burn wound with consanguineous skin pretreated with Tripterygium wilfordii / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore new source of skin for burn wound coverage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Split-thickness consanguineous skin was harvested from New Zealand white rabbit and was soaked in 200 g/L of multi-peptides of Tripterygium wilfordii, 50 g/L of dexamethasonel, on 9 g/L of normal saline solution for 15 - 30 mins, respectively. The consanguineous skin was thereafter grafted onto the whole layer skin defects in filial generation of rabbits with non-consanguineous skin as the control. The survival time and rejection of the grafted skin was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rejection appeared evidently less intense and survived significantly longer (43 +/- 3.5 days) when the consanguineous skin was pretreated by Tripterygium wilfordii. However the grafted consanguineous skin survived for 30 +/- 2.5 days when it was pretreated by dexamethasone. The grafted skin was quickly rejected and survived only for 11 +/- 1.6 days when the skin was pretreated by normal saline or the skin was non-consanguineous.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Consanguineous skin possessed partial compatibility with the recipient due to similar antigen, which was beneficial to the its survival, especially after the skin was pretreated.</p>

Rotor Off Fraction Might Contribute Early Platelet Recovery after Syngeneic Transplantation in Mouse / 대한혈액학회지

BACKGROUND: Rotor off (R/O) fraction obtained by counterflow centrifugal elutriation (CCE) contains small number of T cells and many hematopoietic stem cells. Since megakaryocytes and its progenitors are larger than other cells in bone marrow, it may be easier to be separated by CCE and newly applied to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for early megakaryocytes reconstitution. METHODS: The marrow cells of BALB/c mice in each group (17, 25, 28mL/min, and R/O fraction) were cultured for quantifying CFU-MK and measured after 10 days. BALB/c mice were lethally irradiated and transplanted with R/O cells. The dosages of transplanted cells were 5x104 in Group A, 5x105 in Group B, and 5x106 in Group C. The platelet counts in peripheral blood were measured up to post-transplant day 14. RESULTS: After CCE, recovery rate of the loaded cells was 82.2% and the R/O fraction was 35.9%. Most CFU-MK were formed in R/O fraction, and Group C showed the fastest recovery. Group A couldn't reach the level of 100x109/L until post-transplant day 14, and Group B showed slower recovery compared to Group C. All 5 mice survived in Group C, but 2 out of 5 mice survived in Group A and B. CONCLUSIONS: R/O fraction contains higher number of megakaryocyte progenitors, and CCE could be an effective method for separating megakaryocyte progenitors essential for reconstituting platelet after HSCT. The cell dose of 5x106 was required for the effective recovery of platelet and the survival of BALB/c mice in syngeneic bone marrow transplantation with R/O cells.

Non-neuronal cells are not the limiting factor for the low axonal regeneration in C57BL/6J mice

Peripheral axonal regeneration was investigated in adult male mice of the C57BL/6J (C), BALB/cJ (B) and A/J (A) strains and in their F1 descendants using a predegenerated nerve transplantation model. Four types of transplants were performed: 1) isotransplants between animals of the C, B and A strains; 2) donors of the C strain and recipients of the C x B and C x A breeding; 3) donors of the B strain and recipients of the C x B breeding, and 4) donors of the A strain and recipients of the C x A breeding. Donors had the left sciatic nerve transected and two weeks later a segment of the distal stump was transplanted into the recipient. Four weeks after transplantation the regenerated nerves were used to determine the total number of regenerated myelinated fibers (TMF), diameter of myelinated fibers (FD) and myelin thickness (MT). The highest TMF values were obtained in the groups where C57BL/6J mice were the donors (C to F1 (C x B) = 4658 + OR - 304; C to F1 (C x A) = 3899 + OR - 198). Also, A/J grafts led to a significantly higher TMF (A to F1 (C x A) = 3933 + OR - 565). Additionally, isotransplant experiments showed that when the nerve is previously degenerated, C57BL/6J mice display the largest number of myelinated fibers (C to C = 3136 + OR - 287; B to B = 2759 + OR - 170, and A to A = 2835 + OR - 239). We also observed that when C57BL/6J was the graft donor, FD was the highest and MT did not differ significantly when compared with the other groups. These morphometric results reinforce the idea that Schwann cells and the nerve environment of C57BL/6J provide enough support to the regenerative process. In this respect, the present results support the hypothesis that the non-neuronal cells, mainly Schwann cells, present in the sciatic nerve of C57BL/6J mice are not the main limiting factor responsible for low axonal regeneration