Mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium protects PC12 cells against 2,5-hexanedione-induced apoptosis via inhibiting mitochondria-dependent caspase 3 pathway.

Studies suggested that the conditioned medium of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-CM) inhibited the increased apoptosis in various cells. However, there are no reports underlying the protection of MSC-CM against 2,5-hexanedione (HD)-induced apoptosis in neural cells. In the present study, the viability was observed in PC12 cells that received HD alone or with MSC-CM by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis was estimated by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was examined by rhodamine 123. Moreover, we investigated the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, cytochrome c translocation, and caspase 3 activity by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunochemistry. Nerve growth factor (NGF) was examined in MSCs and MSC-CM. Our results showed that MSC-CM promoted cell survival and reduced apoptosis in HD-exposed PC12 cells. Moreover, MSC-CM significantly reversed disturbance of Bax and Bcl-2, ameliorated disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and reduced release of cytochrome c and activity of caspase 3 in HD-exposed PC12 cells. In the meantime, NGF was detected in MSCs and MSC-CM. These findings demonstrate that MSC-CM protects against HD-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells via inhibiting mitochondrial pathway. Our results indicate that NGF in MSC-CM may be involved in the protection of MSC-CM against HD-induced apoptosis. Our study clarifies the protection of MSC-CM on HD neurotoxicity and its underlying mechanism.

Treatment of severe, disabling spasticity with continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy following acquired brain injury: the experience of a tertiary institution in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a proven, effective treatment for disabling cortical spasticity. We describe the first local series of five patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) who received ITB and were followed up for 63.8 months. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical and rehabilitation records of patients who received ITB therapy was carried out. Data studied included baseline demographic and injury variables, implantation data, spasticity and function, ITB dosage over time and complications. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2010, a total of five patients received ITB therapy via implanted pumps about 39.4 months after ABI. Four out of five patients experienced significant reductions in their lower limb spasticity scores and improvements in global function and dependency. One patient had minor adverse events associated with baclofen-related sedation. The mean ITB dose at one year was 182.7 ± 65.6 mcg/day. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary study showed encouraging long-term outcomes and safety for ITB therapy after ABI-related intractable spasticity. Individual ITB responses over time were variable, with gender differences. The outcomes experienced by our centre were comparable to those in the general ABI population, supporting the efficacy of ITB therapy for chronic disabling spasticity.

[Diagnostic value of double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in preoperative staging of gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using oral and intravenous contrast agents in preoperative staging of gastric cancer. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with biopsy-proven gastric cancer were enrolled into this study, and were examined by double contrast-enhanced gastric ultrasonography preoperatively. The results were compared with postoperative pathologic findings. RESULTS: The accuracy of oral contrast-enhanced gastric ultrasonography and double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in determining the T stage of gastric cancer was 72.9% (T1: 66.7%, T2: 60.0%, T3: 76.9%, T4: 71.4%) and 88.1% (T1: 66.7%, T2: 80.0%, T3: 89.7%, T4: 100%), respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the two methods (P = 0.036). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and Youden index of oral contrast-enhanced gastric ultrasonography and double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in assessment of lymph node metastasis were 74.5%, 66.7%, 72.9%, and 0.41 versus 89.4%, 75.0%, 86.4%, 0.76, respectively. No significant difference in the accuracy of assessment for lymph node metastasis was observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is useful for preoperative staging of gastric cancer, especially for T staging.