Dynamic changes in key factors of the blood-brain barrier in early diabetic mice.

Chronic hyperglycemia can result in damage to the hippocampus and dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), potentially leading to neurological disorders. This study examined the histological structure of the hippocampus and the expression of critical genes associated with the BBB at 2 early stage time points in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) mouse model. Routine histology revealed vascular congestion and dilation of Virchow-Robin spaces in the hippocampal CA1 region of the DM group. Neuronal alterations included rounding and swelling and reduction in Nissl bodies and increased apoptosis. Compared to the control group, TJP1 mRNA expression in the DM group was significantly lower (P < .05 or P < .01), while mRNA levels of JAM3, TJP3, CLDN5, CLDN3, and OCLN initially increased and then decreased. At 7, 14, and 21 days, mRNA levels of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGER) were greater in the DM group than in the control group (P < .05 or P < .01). These findings indicate that early-stage diabetes may cause structural and functional impairments in hippocampal CA1 in mice. These abnormalities may parallel alterations in the expression of key BBB tight junction molecules and elevated AGER expression in early DM patients.

Identifying Potential Drug Targets for Keloid: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Keloids are a skin fibrosis disease characterized by troublesome symptoms, a varying degree of recurrence and inevitable side effects from treatments. Thus, identifying their drug targets is necessary. A 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using proteins from the intersection of the deCODE database and "The Druggable Genome and Support for Target Identification and Validation in Drug Development" as the exposure variable. The outcome variable was based on recently published GWAS of keloids. Summary data-based Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis was employed to distinguish pleiotropy from linkage. Candidate targets underwent drug target analysis. The primary findings were validated through single-cell RNA-sequencing data, Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining on keloids. Seven proteins were identified as potential drug targets for keloids. Among these proteins, Hedgehog-interacting protein, neurotrimin [NTM], KLKB1, and CRIPTO showed positive correlations with keloids, while PLXNC1, SCG3 and PDGFD exhibited negative correlations. Combined with the single-cell RNA-sequencing data, NTM, PLXNC1, and PDGFD were found highly expressed in the fibroblasts. NTM showed a significant increase in keloids as compared to normal scars. In accordance with the analysis, higher levels of protein expression of NTM in keloids compared to normal skin was observed. The identified proteins may be appealing drug targets for keloids treatment with a special emphasis on NTM.

Biomass-Based, Dual Enzyme-Responsive Nanopesticides: Eco-friendly and Efficient Control of Pine Wood Nematode Disease.

Pine wood nematode (PWN) disease is a globally devastating forest disease caused by infestation with PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which mainly occurs through the vector insect Japanese pine sawyer (JPS), Monochamus alternatus. PWN disease is notoriously difficult to manage effectively and is known as the "cancer of pine trees." In this study, dual enzyme-responsive nanopesticides (AVM@EC@Pectin) were prepared using nanocoating avermectin (AVM) after modification with natural polymers. The proposed treatment can respond to the cell wall-degrading enzymes secreted by PWNs and vector insects during pine tree infestation to intelligently release pesticides to cut off the transmission and infestation pathways and realize the integrated control of PWN disease. The LC50 value of AVM@EC@Pectin was 11.19 mg/L for PWN and 26.31 mg/L for JPS. The insecticidal activity of AVM@EC@Pectin was higher than that of the commercial emulsifiable concentrate (AVM-EC), and the photostability, adhesion, and target penetration were improved. The half-life (t1/2) of AVM@EC@Pectin was 133.7 min, which is approximately twice that of AVM-EC (68.2 min). Sprayed and injected applications showed that nanopesticides had superior bidirectional transportation, with five-times higher AVM contents detected in the roots relative to those of AVM-EC when sprayed at the top. The safety experiment showed that the proposed treatment had lower toxicity and higher safety for nontarget organisms in the application environment and human cells. This study presents a green, safe, and effective strategy for the integrated management of PWN disease.

Different Size Formulations of Fluopyram: Preparation, Antifungal Activity, and Accumulation in the Fungal Pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the efficient production and sustainable development of modern agriculture. Understanding the pesticide activity of both nano- and conventional methods is useful for developing new pesticide formulations. In this study, three solid fluopyram formulations with varying particle sizes were developed, and the mechanisms underlying the difference in the antifungal activity among these formulations were investigated. Wet media milling combined with freeze drying was used to prepare fluopyram nanoparticles (FLU-NS) and a micron-sized solid formulation (FLU-MS), and a jet grinding mill was employed to fabricate fluopyram wettable powder (FLU-WP). The mean particle sizes of FLU-NS, FLU-MS, and FLU-WP were 366.8 nm, 2.99 µm, and 10.16 µm, respectively. Notably, FLU-NS displayed a toxicity index against Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) that was approximately double those of FLU-MS and FLU-WP. Similar trends were noticed in the antifungal tests on Alternaria solani. The uptake of FLU-NS by B. cinerea was approximately twice that of FLU-MS and FLU-WP, indicating that fluopyram nanoparticles are more easily taken up by the pathogen (B. cinerea), and display better bioactivity than the larger fluopyram particles. Therefore, the nanosizing of pesticides appears to be a viable strategy to enhance efficiency without increasing the amount of pesticide used.

ROS-responsive modified chitosan oligosaccharide nanocapsules for improving pesticide efficiency and intelligent release.

BACKGROUND: Some traditional pesticide formulations are inefficient, leading to excessive use and abuse of pesticides, which in turn effects environment. Intelligent release pesticide formulations are ideal for improving pesticide utilization and persistence while reducing environmental pollution. RESULTS: We designed a benzil-modified chitosan oligosaccharide (CO-BZ) to encapsulate avermectin (Ave). Ave@CO-BZ nanocapsules are prepared based on a simple interfacial method via cross-linking of CO-BZ with diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). The Ave@CO-BZ nanocapsules have an average particle size of 100 nm and exhibited a responsive release performance for ROS. The cumulative release rate of nanocapsules at 24 h with ROS increased by about 11.4% compared to that without ROS. The Ave@CO-BZ nanocapsules displayed good photostability. Ave@CO-BZ nanocapsules can penetrate root-knot nematodes more easily and exhibited better nematicidal activity against root-knot nematodes. The pot experiment showed that the control effect of Ave CS at low concentration was 53.31% at the initial stage of application (15 d), while Ave@CO-BZ nanocapsules was 63.54%. Under the same conditions, the control effect of Ave@CO-BZ nanocapsules on root-knot nematodes was 60.00% after 45 days of application, while Ave EC was only 13.33%. The acute toxicity experiments of earthworms showed that the toxicity of nanocapsules was significantly lower than that of EC. CONCLUSION: The ROS-responsive nanocapsules can improve the utilization of pesticides and non-target biosafety. This modified chitosan oligosaccharide has great potential as a bio stimuli-responsive material, and this simple and convenient method for preparing Ave@CO-BZ nanocapsules provides a direction for the effective utilization of pesticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation of enzyme-responsive composite nanocapsules with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose to improve the control effect of root-knot nematode disease.

Developing an efficient drug delivery system to mitigate the harm caused by root-knot nematodes is crucial. In this study, enzyme-responsive release abamectin nanocapsules (AVB1a NCs) were prepared using 4, 4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as response release factors. The results showed that the average size (D50) of the AVB1a NCs was 352 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency was 92 %. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of AVB1a NCs for Meloidogyne incognita activity was 0.82 mg L-1. Moreover, AVB1a NCs improved the permeability of AVB1a to root-knot nematodes and plant roots and the horizontal and vertical soil mobility. Furthermore, AVB1a NCs greatly reduced the adsorption of AVB1a by the soil compared to AVB1a emulsifiable concentrate (EC), and the effect of the AVB1a NCs on controlling root-knot nematode disease was increased by 36 %. Compared to the AVB1a EC, the pesticide delivery system significantly reduced the acute toxicity to the soil biological earthworms by approximately 16 times that of the AVB1a and had a lower overall impact on the soil microbial communities. This enzyme-responsive pesticide delivery system had a simple preparation method, excellent performance, and high level of safety, and thus has great application potential for plant diseases and insect pests control.

Surgical Correction of a Bifid Nose Deformity with a Split M-Shaped Flap.

Background: Bifid nose is a representative indicator of a facial cleft in patients with frontonasal dysplasia. There is no consensus on effective methods to correct bifid nose deformities due to their varied expressions and limited reports of surgical treatments. In this article, we propose using a split M-shaped flap to treat severe dorsal and alar deformities in patients with a bifid nose. Methods: From 2012 to 2021, a total of 26 bifid nose patients underwent surgical correction of their nasal deformities, which were characterized by cleft and board dorsum, alar defects, shortened nose, and shortened or absent nasal tip. These surgeries were performed with the transposition of an M-shaped split flap. Nasal length and nasolabial angle were assessed before and after surgery. Indications, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a self-assessment survey. Results: Postoperative evaluation showed stable results with increased nasal length and improved nasal appearance. Complications were seen in difficulty breathing through the nose and persistent nostril deformities. The majority of patients (92.3%) were satisfied with their surgical outcome. Conclusion: Split M-shaped flap for bifid nose treatment provides improved nasal appearance with a high patient acceptance and stable postoperative results. Clinical Trial registration: chictr.org identifier ChiCTR2000039275.

A Comparative Study on Two Types of Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix Sponges Prepared by Thermal Crosslinking and Thermal-Glutaraldehyde Crosslinking Matrix Microparticles.

Common commercial porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM) products take the form of a thin membrane. Given its dense structure, delaying vascularization after implantation remains an issue to be solved. In addition, overlaying multiple sheets to address deep wounds and large tissue defects that are difficult to repair by self-tissues could hinder tissue ingrowth, angiogenesis, and integration. Here, we creatively prepared PADM microparticles through a homogenizing treatment and crosslinked them to ADM sponges by thermal crosslinking (VT-ADM) and thermal-glutaraldehyde crosslinking (GA-ADM). The resulting VT-ADM was thicker than GA-ADM, and both maintained the natural dermal matrix microstructure and thermal stability. The porosity of GA-ADM (mean 82%) was lower than that of VT-ADM (mean 90.2%), but the mechanical strength and hydrophilicity were significantly higher. The two types of ADM sponges showed no obvious difference in cell adhesion and proliferation without cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the human adipose stem cells were co-cultured with ADM sponges which promoted proliferation, tube formation, and migration of endothelial cells, and the GA-ADM group exhibited better migration behavior. There were no markable differences among expressions of pro-angiogenesis genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and epidermal growth factor. In a nude mouse model, the VT-ADM and GA-ADM pre-cultured with human adipose stem cells for 1 week in advance were implanted subcutaneously. The VT-ADM and the GA-ADM showed great histocompatibility without local redness, swelling, or necrosis. The vascular density of the local skin flap above the material was visualized using indocyanine green and showed no statistical difference between the two groups. The collagen tissue deposition in the pores and vessel formation within the sponges increased with time. Although VT-ADM had a higher degradation rate in vivo, the integrity of the two scaffolds was preserved. Collectively, the VT-ADM and the GA-ADM retained a natural matrix structure and presented biocompatibility. Thus, the above-mentioned two crosslinking methods for ADM sponges are safe and practicable. The novel ADM sponges with good physicochemical and biological properties are no longer limited to membrane tissue regeneration but could also realize structure remodeling where they act as scaffolds for a soft tissue filler and three-dimensional reconstruction of the tissue with strength requirements.

Reconstruction of Facial Multiunit Defects Using Expanded Scalp Flap with Laser Depilation in a Group of Predominantly Pediatric Patients.

Background: The cervical or thoracic region is currently the main donor site for repair of facial multiunit defects (FMUDs); however, its extensive clinical utilization encompasses the need for flap prefabrication and microsurgical techniques. Objective: To illuminate the feasibility of treating FMUD with expanded scalp flaps and laser depilation. Methods: From 2016 to 2020, 17 patients with facial giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) underwent scalp expansion for FMUD reconstruction. A three-stage surgical treatment plan was attempted and laser depilation was scheduled during the expansion period and postrepair surgeries. Results: All the flaps survived successfully and were able to cover the entire facial defect. The average three-stage treatment time was 4.5 ± 1.3 months. The defect sites included the forehead, nose, cheek, temporal, and eye areas. The maximum defect area was 9 × 30 cm. The average number of laser treatments was 4.6 ± 2.9 times. The average treatment period was 26.8 months. Sixteen patients (94.1%) reported satisfactory outcome. Conclusion: Expanded scalp flap combined with laser depilation is feasible for FMUD repair and warrants further investigation. Clinical Trail Registration Information: Translational Medicine Ethics Review Committee, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine (SH9H-2021-T144-3).

Investigation of miR-126-3p loaded on adipose stem cell-derived exosomes for wound healing of full-thickness skin defects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the function of miR-126-3p loaded on adipose stem cell (ADSC)-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) in wound healing of full-thickness skin defects. METHODS: ADSCs transfected with miR-126-3p mimic, miR-126-3p inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-PIK3R2, or PKH26-marked ADSC-Exos were cultured with fibroblasts or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The proliferation and migration rates of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs were measured. Rats with full-thickness skin defects were injected with ADSC-Exos or exosomes extracted from ADSCs transfected with miR-126-3p inhibitor and the wound healing rates were measured. The wound bed, collagen deposition and angiogenesis in injured rats were assessed. RESULTS: ADSC-Exos could be ingested by fibroblasts and HUVECs. Co-incubation with ADSCs or ADSC-Exos promoted the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs, which was further enhanced by miR-126-3p overexpression. Inhibition of ADSC-Exos or miR-126-3p or PIK3R2 overexpression suppressed the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs. ADSC-derived exosomal miR-126-3p increased wound healing rate, collagen deposition and newly formed vessels in the injured rats. CONCLUSION: ADSC-derived exosomal miR-126-3p promotes wound healing of full-thickness skin defects by targeting PIK3R2.

Impact of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells on dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans cells in an indirect co-culture: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Autologous adipose tissue transfer may be performed for aesthetic needs following the resection of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), the most common cutaneous soft tissue sarcoma, excluding Kaposi sarcoma. The regenerative effectiveness of cell-assisted lipotransfer is dependent on the presence of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs). This is the first study to evaluate the potential oncological risks as ADSCs could unintentionally be sited within the proximity of the tumor microenvironment of DFSP cells. METHODS: Primary DFSP cells were indirectly co-cultured with ADSCs in a conditioned medium or in a Transwell system. The impact was analyzed by assessing proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor-associated genes and proteins. Results of these assays were compared between co-culture and mono-culture conditions. RESULTS: Our experimental results showed that ADSCs were able to promote proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of DFSP cells; this was accompanied by a significant increase in the expression levels of beta-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor. CONCLUSIONS: The current report clearly demonstrates that ADSCs can enhance different malignant properties of DFSP cells in vitro, which should not be neglected when considering the clinical use of human ADSCs and its related derivatives in skin regenerative therapies.

Adipose-derived cellular therapies prolong graft survival in an allogenic hind limb transplantation model.

BACKGROUND: The long-term survival after vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is often limited by systemic rejection as well as the adverse effects of immunosuppressants. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) can be expanded to produce adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) which represents a combination of endothelial cells, preadipocytes, immune cells, and ADSC. It has been demonstrated that ADSC possess consistently reliable clinical results. However, literature is scarce regarding SVF in VCA. This study seeks to determine the impact of ex vivo allograft pretreatment in combination with SVF cells in the ability to promote composite tissue allotransplantation immunotolerance. METHODS: A rat hind limb allotransplant model was used to investigate the influence of ex vivo pretreatment of SVF and ADSC on VCA survival. Intravascular cell-free saline, ADSC, or SVF was infused into the models with immunosuppressants. The histopathological examination and duration that the allografts went without displaying symptoms of rejection was documented. Peripheral T lymphocytes and Tregs were quantified with flow cytometry while allotissue expressions of CD31 were quantified with immunohistochemical staining (IHC). ELISA was used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A as well as anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: We demonstrated that ex vivo treatment of allografts with SVF or ADSC prolonged allograft survival in contrast to medium control cohorts. There were also enhanced levels of immunomodulatory cytokines and increased VEGF-A and CD31 expression as well as reduced infiltration and proliferation of T lymphocytes along with raised Treg expressions. CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrated that adipose-derived cellular therapies prolong graft survival in an allogenic hind limb transplantation model and have the potential to establish immunotolerance.

Ex-vivo treatment of allografts using adipose-derived stem cells induced prolonged rejection-free survival in an allogenic hind-limb transplantation model.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation (VCA) has increasingly been adopted for the reconstruction of tissues following severe injury. However, the side effects of the post-operative use of immunosuppressants may outweigh the benefits of VCA. In order to overcome this obstacle, ex-vivo pretreatment of allografts combined with mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy may help induce immunotolerance in composite tissue allotransplantation. METHODS: A hind-limb allotransplantation model of Brown-Norway to Lewis rats was established, and the allografts were infused with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and hypoxia primed ADSCs, which were injected through the vascular system along with short-term immunosuppressant treatment. The rejection-free survival of the allografts was monitored, and the histopathological examination of allografts was performed. The peripheral T lymphocytes and cytokines were analyzed using flow cytometry and ELISA, while Tregs infiltration in allotissue was detected using immunohistochemical staining (IHC). RESULTS: This study found that the ex-vivo treatment of allografts using ADSCs prolonged the survival of the allografts, compared with the medium control, suppressed the proliferation and infiltration of T lymphocytes and improved the secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines, such as IL-10, as well as induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) expression in the allografts. CONCLUSIONS: The ex-vivo pretreatment of allografts using ADSCs may function as an important adjunctive therapy for the induction of immunotolerance in VCA.

Combined surgical excision and electron external beam radiation improves the treatment of keloids: A descriptive study.

Keloids are firm, fibrous nodules that form on an individual's skin and are associated with difficult symptoms as well as high recurrence rates. This study aims to improve the surgical techniques that reduce local tension after surgical excision of keloids as well as applying adjuvant radiotherapy to suppress scar formation. A total of 58 patients aged between 21 and 76 years received surgical incision of keloid and immediate postoperation low-dose radiotherapy. All patient follow-ups were performed at the out-patient department. Any sign of a keloid at the incision site was defined as treatment failure or keloid recurrence, regardless of the size. At a median follow-up of 22 months, the overall recurrence for all lesions was 8.6%, which is improved compared with previous study. In addition, all incisions performed during surgeries were healed and no signs of necrosis or the development of ulcers was observed. Our study suggests that this combined therapy provides excellent local control of keloids and shows promise for future therapy.

Evaluation of PLGA microspheres with triple regimen on long-term survival of vascularized composite allograft - an experimental study.

Systemic immunosuppression is indispensable for vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Daily administration of standard triple therapy regimen of tacrolimus (FK506), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and steroid has severe side effects and reduces the compliance of VCA recipients. To overcome these hurdles, FK506/MMF/prednisolone (PDNN) was loaded into PLGA microspheres (PGLA MS). A single injection of FK506/MMF/PDNN-PLGA MS significantly prolonged the survival time of allograft in a rat hind limb transplantation model with a median survival time (MST) of more than 150 days compared to 34.5 days in the group treated orally with FK506/MMF/PDNN and 11 days in the nontreatment allograft and MS control groups. Analysis of showed that FK506/MMF/PDNN-PLGA MS could maintain relatively higher plasma and tissue drug concentrations for a long time. Moreover, histopathology and flow cytometry of circulating mononuclear cells revealed significantly prolonged immunosuppression by the FK506/MMF/PDNN-PLGA MS compared with the orally given FK506/MMF/PDNN. In conclusion, a single injection of FK506/MMF/PDNN-PLGA MS may provide a new approach for long-term prevention of immune rejection in VCA.

Three Dimensional Printing Bilayer Membrane Scaffold Promotes Wound Healing.

Full-thickness skin wounds are common and could be a heavy physical and economic burden. With the development of three dimensional (3D) printing technology, skin-like constructs have been fabricated for skin wound healing and regeneration. Although the 3D printed skin has great potential and enormous advantages before vascular networks can be well-constructed, living cells are not recommended for 3D skin printing for in vivo applications. Herein, we designed and printed a bilayer membrane (BLM) scaffold consisting of an outer poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) membrane and a lower alginate hydrogel layer, which respectively mimicked the skin epidermis and dermis. The multi-porous alginate hydrogel of the BLM scaffolds promoted cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro, while the PLGA membrane prevented bacterial invasion and maintained the moisture content of the hydrogel. Skin regeneration using the bilayer scaffold was compared with that of PLGA, alginate hydrogel and the untreated defect in vivo. Tissue samples were analyzed using histopathological and immunohistochemical staining of CD31. In addition, mRNA expression levels of collagen markers [collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1a1) and collagen type 3 alpha 1 (COL3a1)] and inflammatory markers [interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)] were measured. Conclusively, the application of BLM scaffold resulted in highest levels of best skin regeneration by increasing neovascularization and boosting collagen I/III deposition. Taken together, the 3D-printed BLM scaffolds can promote wound healing, and are highly suitable for a wide range of applications as wound dressings or skin substitutes.

On the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous and soft tissue tumours misdiagnosed as scars: Lessons from four cases.

Some types of skin and soft tissue tumours may be misdiagnosed as scars because of the scar-like manifestation or the history of injury. It is generally believed that injuries will activate wound healing, ultimately ending in fibrosis. Because of the tumour-promoting properties of both the microenvironment of the wound and the wound-healing process that may go awry, there is a likelihood that injuries may trigger tumour growth. From 2012 to 2016, we treated four patients who underwent unsuccessful treatments because of the misdiagnosis of scars or keloids. Upon the pathological diagnoses of skin and soft tissue tumours in the four cases, extended resection of the tumours was performed. Recurrence was not observed up to the last follow up. Since then, soft tissue tumours have much greater visibility and are considered during diagnosis if a wound is presented with the atypical appearance of scar after injuries. Under these circumstances, biopsy should be conducted.

Suppressive effect mediated by human adipose-derived stem cells on T cells involves the activation of JNK.

Adipose­derived stem cells (ADSCs) have an immunomodulatory role in vascularized composite tissue allo­transplantation (VCA). However, the specific effects of ADSCs on lymphocytes remain to be fully elucidated. The present study examined the changes in T cells co­cultured with ADSCs in terms of the proliferation by Cell Counting Kit­8 assay, cell cycle profile and apoptosis by flow cytometry, inflammatory cytokine production by polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, in addition to the expression of survival proteins by western blotting. The ADSCs reduced the viability of Jurkat T cells and downregulated the transcription of tumor necrosis factor­α and transforming growth factor­ß1. Co­culture with ADSCs also induced apoptosis and increased the levels of phosphorylated c­Jun N­terminal kinase in the T cells. Taken together, these findings confirmed that ADSCs modulate the host immune response by suppressing T cells.

Conditioned Medium from Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Inhibits Jurkat Cell Proliferation through TGF-ß1 and p38/MAPK Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Since the first report on the immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs), many studies have elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism of their suppressive activity on mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). However, a gap exists in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of ADSC-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) on MLR. METHODS: ADSCs were isolated from Human Adipose Tissues, and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to identify the concentration of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) in ADSC-CM. The transcript abundance of TGF-ß1, as well as that of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGF-BP3), was evaluated using qRT-PCR on Jurkat cells cultured in ADSC-CM for 24 hours. The proliferation of the Jurkat cells was assessed using cell cycle assay. Western blotting was performed to identify potential signaling molecules involved in the ADSC-CM-induced inhibition of Jurkat cell proliferation. RESULTS: The findings confirm that the isolated ADSCs demonstrate classic ADSC characteristics. The level of TGF-ß1 was found to be low in ADSC-CM, as assessed by ELISA. Jurkat cells grown in ADSC-CM show reduced gene expression of TGF-ß1 and IGF-BP3 compared with that of the control group. Furthermore, western blotting of ADSC-CM grown Jurkat cells that were blocked at the G0/G1 stage indicates that ADSC-CM decreases the protein expression of pP38 in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: ADSC-CM can inhibit Jurkat cell proliferation through the TGF-ß1-p38 signaling pathway.

Effect of Enhanced Thermal Stability of Alumina Support Layer on Growth of Vertically Aligned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Application in Nanofiltration Membranes.

We investigate the thermal stability of alumina supporting layers sputtered at different conditions and its effect on the growth of aligned single-walled carbon nanotube arrays. Radio frequency magnetron sputtering of alumina under oxygen-argon atmosphere produces a Si-rich alumina alloy film on a silicon substrate. Atomic force microscopy on the annealed catalysts reveals that Si-rich alumina films are more stable than alumina layers with low Si content at the elevated temperatures at which the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes is initiated. The enhanced thermal stability of the Si-rich alumina layer results in a narrower (< 2.2 nm) diameter distribution of the single-walled carbon nanotubes. Thanks to the smaller diameters of their nanotube pores, membranes fabricated with vertically aligned nanotubes grown on the stable layers display improved ion selectivity.