ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) mediated contactin-1 (CNTN1) gene silencing on growth of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 transplanted tumors in nude mice.MethodsEighteen nude mice (4-week-old male BALB/c) were randomly equally divided into three groups: blank control group, empty vector group, and silencing group. The MDA-MB-468 cells (blank control group), MDA-MB-468 cells transfected by nonsense shRNA (empty vector group), and MDA-MB-468 cells transfected by shRNA (silencing group) were collected in the logarithmic growth period, respectively. The subcutaneous tumor models of nude mice were prepared by the subcutaneous injection of the different group cells. The tumor growth was observed and the expressions of CNTN1 and Ki-67 proteins in the transplanted tumor were detected by the immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe xenograft models of human breast cancer cells were established successfully. The tumor growth in the silencing group was significantly slower than that of the other two groups at every 3 d point (P<0.05). The tumor volume and the tumor weight in the silencing group were significantly smaller or slighter than those of the other two groups at day 18 (P<0.05). The positive rates of CNTN1 and Ki-67 protein expressions in the tumor tissues of the silencing group were lower than those of the other two groups (P<0.05), respectively.ConclusionSilencing expression of CNTN1 gene might inhibit growth of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 transplanted tumors in mude mice.
ObjectiveTo explore the endothelial cells from human peripheral blood and islet of rat co-transplantation under the renal capsule of diabetic nude mice to improve the survival and function of transplanted islet. MethodsThe endothelial cells from human peripheral blood(5×105)and freshly isolated rat islet cells were co-transplanted under the renal capsule of diabetic nude mice model, then the fasting blood glucose, body weight, peripheral blood C-peptide level, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT) were measured to evaluated the islet graft survival and function. ResultsCompared with the control group, the fasting blood glucose level significantly decreased(P < 0.01), peripheral blood C-peptide level rised(P < 0.01), and body weight increased(P < 0.01) of receptor nude mice in experience group, the IPGTT also improved. ConclusionThe endothelial cells from human peripheral blood and islet of rat co-transplan-tation can obviously improve the survival and function of transplanted islet of nude mice.
【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the impact of dermal papillary cells on vascularization of tissue engineered skinsubstitutes consisting of epidermal stem cells and allogeneic acellular dermal matrix. Methods Human foreskins from routinecircumcisions were collected to separate epidermal cells by using dispase with trypsogen. Collagen type IV was used to isolateepidermal stem cells from the 2nd and 3rd passage keratinocytes. Dermal papilla was isolated by the digestion method of collagenaseI from fetus scalp and cultured in routine fibroblast medium. Tissue engineered skin substitutes were reconstructed by seedingepidermal stem cells on the papillary side of allogeneic acellular dermis with (the experimental group) or without (the controlgroup) seeding dermal papillary cells on the reticular side. The two kinds of composite skin substitutes were employed to cover skindefects (1 cm × 1 cm in size) on the back of the BALB/C-nu nude mice (n=30). The grafting survival rate was recorded 2 weeks aftergrafting. HE staining and immunohistochemistry method were employed to determine the expression of CD31 and calculate themicrovessel density at 2 and 4 weeks after grafting. Results Those adhesion cells by collagen type IV coexpressed Keratin 19 andβ1 integrin, indicating that the cells were epidermal stem cells. The cultivated dermal papillary cells were identified by expressinghigh levels of α-smooth muscle actin. The grafting survival rate was significantly higher in experimental group (28/30, 93.3%), thanthat in control group (24/30, 80.0%). HE staining showed that the epithelial layer in experimental group was 12-layered with largeepithelial cells in the grafted composite skin, and that the epithelial layer in control group was 4-6-layered with small epithelial cells.At 2 and 4 weeks after grafting, the microvessel density was (38.56 ± 2.49)/mm2 and (49.12 ± 2.39)/mm2 in experimental group andwas (25.16 ± 3.73)/mm2 and (36.26 ± 3.24)/mm2 in control group respectively, showing significant differences between 2 groups(P lt; 0.01). Conclusion Addition of dermal papillary cells to the tissue engineered skin substitutes can enhance vascularization,which promotes epidermis formation and improves the grafting survival rate.
Objective Col I A1 antisense oligodeoxyneucleotide (ASODN) has inhibitory effect on collagen synthesis in cultured human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. To investigate the effects of intralesional injection of Col I A1 ASODN on collagen synthesis in human hypertrophic scar transplanted nude mouse model. Methods The animal model of humanhypertrophic scar transplantation was established in the 60 BALB/c-nunu nude mice (specific pathogen free grade, weighing about 20 g, and aged 6-8 weeks) by transplanting hypertrophic scar without epidermis donated by the patients into the interscapular subcutaneous region on the back, with 1 piece each mouse. Fifty-eight succeed models mice were randomly divided into 3 groups in accordance with the contents of injection. In group A (n=20): 5 μL Col I A1 ASODN (3 mmol/L), 3 μL l iposome, and 92 μL Opti-MEM I; in group B (n=20): 3 μL l iposome and 97 μL Opti-MEM I; in group C (n=18): only 100 μL Opti-MEM I. The injection was every day in the first 2 weeks and once every other day thereafter. The scar specimens were harvested at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after injection, respectively and the hardness of the scar tissue was measured. The collagens type I and III in the scar were observed under polarized l ight microscope after sirius red staining. The ultrastructures of the scar tissues were also observed under transmission electronic microscope (TEM). Additionally, the Col I A1 mRNAs expression was determined by RT-PCR and the concentrations of Col I A1 protein were measured with ELISA method. Results Seventeen mice died after intralesional injection. Totally 40 specimens out of 41 mice were suitable for nucleic acid and protein study, including 14 in group A, 13 in group B, and 14 in group C. The hardness of scars showed no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) among 3 groups at 2 weeks after injection, whereas the hardness of scars in group A was significantly lower than those in groups B and C at 4 and 6 weeks (P lt; 0.05), and there was no significant difference between groups B and C (P gt; 0.05). The collagen staining showed the increase of collagentype III in all groups, especially in group A with a regular arrangement of collagen type I fibers. TEM observation indicated that there was degeneration of fibroblasts and better organization of collagen fibers in group A, and the structures of collagen fibers in all groups became orderly with time. The relative expressions of Col I A1 mRNA and the concentrations of Col I A1 protein at 2 and 4 weeks after injection were significant difference among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05), and they were significantly lower in group A than in groups B and C (P lt; 0.05) at 6 weeks after injection, but no significant difference was found between groups B and C (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Intralesional injection of Col I A1 ASODN in the nude mice model with human hypertrophic scars can inhibit the expression of Col I A1 mRNA and collagen type I, which enhances the mature and softening of the scar tissue. In this process, l iposome shows some assistant effect.
Objective To establish a xenograft model of hydroxycamptothecine (HCPT)-resistant human gastric cancer cell line (SGC-7901/HCPT) in nude mice and study its biological characteristics. Methods The SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/ HCPT cells were cultured in vitro. The cell suspension was injected subcutaneously into the nude mice. When the subcutaneous carcinoma was 1.0 cm in diameter, it was cut off and divided into pieces of 0.1-0.2 cm in diameter． Then the small pieces of tumor were re-transplanted subcutaneously into the second generation nude mice until the fourth generation. The morphological feature, ultramicro-structure, and growth characteristics of the fourth generation transplanted tumor were examined. The drug resistance was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results The transplanted tumor in nude mice was round or oval, and many blood vessels were on its surface. Under the light microscope, the sizes of SGC-7901 transplanted tumor cells were similar, and sizes of cell nuclei were also similar; Meanwhile, the morphous of SGC-7901/HCPT transplanted tumor cells were irregular and in disorder, and the size of the cell nuclei was different from each other. Under the electron microscope, the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of SGC-7901 transplanted tumor cells were nearly normal and no swelling in cell nuclei; Meanwhile the cell nuclei of SGC-7901/HCPT transplanted tumor cells were lightly swelled, a the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were obviously swelled. By MTT assay, compared with SGC-7901 transplanted tumor cells, the resistance index of SGC-7901/HCPT transplanted tumor cells was 9.02±0.78 in HCPT, and resistance index to Adriamycin， Mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil, and Etoposide was 1.24±0.09, 1.31±0.17, 0.96±0.12, and 1.07±0.16, respectively. Conclusions A transplanted tumor model of SGC-7901/HCPT in nude mice is established successfully， and showing stable drug resistance to HCPT and no cross-resistance to other chemotherapeutics, which can be used for further experiments.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of circulating estrogen level on the outcome of free fat grafting in nude mice.MethodsEighteen female nude mice aged 6-8 weeks (weighing, 20-25 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6). The nude mice in the ovariectomized group were treated with ovariectomy. The nude mice in the high estrogen group and the normal estrogen group only made the same incision to enter the peritoneum without ovariectomy. The nude mice in the high estrogen group were given the estradiol (0.2 mg/g) every 3 days for 30 days. The other two groups were given the same amount of PBS every 3 days. At 30 days after operation, the tail vein blood of nude mice in 3 groups were detected by estradiol ELISA kit, and the free fat (0.3 mL) donated by the females was injected into the sub-scalp of nude mice. After 8 weeks of fat grafting, the samples were taken for gross observation and weighing, and the prepared slices were stained with HE staining, CD31-perilipin fluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and immunofluorescence staining of estrogen receptor α. The diameter of adipocytes and vascular density of adipose tissue were measured. The mRNA expressions of UCP1 and estrogen receptor α were detected by realtime fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).ResultsAll nude mice survived during experiment. ELISA test showed that the concentration of estradiol significantly decreased in the ovariectomized group and increased in the high estrogen group compared with the normal estrogen group (P<0.05). At 8 weeks after fat grafting, the graft volume from large to small was ovariectomized group, normal estrogen group, and high estrogen group. There was significant difference in wet weight between the ovariectomized group and high estrogen group (P<0.05). Section staining showed that compared with the normal estrogen group, the adipocytes in the ovariectomized group were larger, the expression of peri-lipoprotein was weaker, the vascular density decreased, and the expressions of UCP1 was negative, and the estrogen receptor α positive cells reduced. The above observation results in the high estrogen group were contrary to those in the ovariectomized group. There were significant differences in the diameter of adipocytes, the vascular density of adipose tissue, the number of the estrogen receptor α positive cells between groups (P<0.05). The results of qRT-PCR showed that the mRNA expressions of UCP1 and estrogen receptor α significantly increased in the high estrogen group and decreased in the ovariectomized group compared with the normal estrogen group, and the differences were significant (P<0.05).ConclusionThe level of circulating estrogen has a significant effect on the outcome of free fat grafting in nude mice. Low estrogen level leads to hypertrophy of graft adipocytes, while high estrogen level leads to the production of a large amount of beige fat and high vascular density in fat grafts, which may be related to the activation of estrogen receptor α on adipocytes.
Objective Tissue engineered bone (TEB) lacks of an effective and feasible method of storage and transportation. To evaluate the activity of osteogenesis and capabil ity of ectopic osteogenesis for TEB after freeze-dried treatment in vitro and in vivo and to explore a new method of preserving and transporting TEB. Methods Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and decalcified bone matrix (DBM) were harvested from bone marrow and bone tissue of the healthy donators. TEB was fabricated with the 3rd passage hBMSCs and DBM, and they were frozen and dried at extremely low temperatures after 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 15 days of culture in vitro to obtain freeze-dried tissue engineered bone (FTEB). TEB and FTEB were observed by gross view and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Western blot was used to detect the changes of relative osteogenic cytokines, including bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and insul in-l ike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) between TEB and FTEB. The ectopic osteogenesis was evaluated by the methods of X-ray, CT score, and HE staining after TEB and FTEB were transplanted into hypodermatic space in athymic mouse. Results SEM showed that the cells had normal shape in TEB, and secretion of extracellular matrix increased with culture time; in FTEB, seeding cells were killed by the freeze-dried process, and considerable extracellular matrix were formed in the pore of DBM scaffold. The osteogenic cytokines (BMP-2, TGF-β1, and IGF-1) in TEB were not decreased after freeze-dried procedure, showing no significant difference between TEB and FTEB (P gt; 0.05) except TGF-β1 15 days after culture (P lt; 0.05). The ectopic osteogenesis was observed in TEB and FTEB groups 8 and 12 weeks after transplantation, there was no significant difference in the calcified level of grafts between TEB and FTEB groups by the analysis of X-ray and CT score. On the contrary, there was no ectopic osteogenesis in group DBM 12 weeks after operation. HE staining showed that DBM scaffold degraded and disappeared 12 weeks after operation. Conclusion The osteogenic activity of TEB and FTEB is similar, which provides a new strategy to preserve and transport TEB.
ObjectiveTo discuss the possibility of constructing injectable tissue engineered adipose tissue, and to provide a new approach for repairing soft tissue defects.MethodsHuman adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were extracted from the lipid part of human liposuction aspirate by enzymatic digestion and identified by morphological observation, flow cytometry, and adipogenic induction. The hADSCs underwent transfection by lentivirus vector expressing hepatocyte growth factor and green fluorescent protein (HGF-GFP-LVs) of different multiplicity of infection (MOI, 10, 30, 50, and 100), the transfection efficiency was calculated to determine the optimum MOI. The hADSCs transfected by HGF-GFP-LVs of optimal MOI and being adipogenic inducted were combined with injectable fibrin glue scaffold, and were injected subcutaneously into the right side of the low back of 10 T-cell deficiency BALB/c female nude mice (transfected group); non-HGF-GFP-LVs transfected hADSCs (being adipogenic inducted) combined with injectable fibrin glue scaffold were injected subcutaneously into the left side of the low back (untransfected group); and injectable fibrin glue scaffold were injected subcutaneously into the middle part of the neck (blank control group); 0.4 mL at each point. Twelve weeks later the mice were killed and the implants were taken out. Gross observation, wet weight measurement, HE staining, GFP fluorescence labeling, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to assess the in vivo adipogenic ability of the seed cells and the neovascularization of the grafts.ResultsThe cultured cells were identified as hADSCs. Poor transfection efficiency was observed in MOI of 10 and 30, the transfection efficiency of MOI of 50 and 100 was more than 80%, so the optimum MOI was 50. Adipose tissue-like new-born tissues were found in the injection sites of the transfected and untransfected groups after 12 weeks of injection, and no new-born tissues was found in the blank control group. The wet-weight of new-born tissue in the transfected group [(32.30±4.06) mg] was significantly heavier than that of the untransfected group [(25.27±3.94) mg] (t=3.929, P=0.001). The mature adipose cells in the transfected group [(126.93±5.36) cells/field] were significantly more than that in the untransfected group [(71.36±4.52) cells/field] (t=30.700, P=0.000). Under fluorescence microscopy, some of the single cell adipocytes showed a network of green fluorescence, indicating the presence of GFP labeled exogenous hADSCs in the tissue. The vascular density of new-born tissue of the transfected group [(16.37±2.76)/field] was significantly higher than that of the untransfected group [(9.13±1.68)/field] (t=8.678, P=0.000).ConclusionThe hADSCs extracted from the lipid part after liposuction can be used as seed cells. After HGF-GFP-LVs transfection and adipose induction, the hADSCs combined with injectable fibrin glue scaffold can construct mature adipose tissue in vivo, which may stimulate angiogenesis, and improve retention rate of new-born tissue.
ObjectiveTo investigate the survival rate of core fat tissue with different diameters by advanced fat harvesting instrument. MethodsBased on core fat transfer by 1 mL syringe, the fat harvesting instrument was modified with different diameters, including 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm respectively. Between May 2014 and April 2015, the fat harvesting instrument with diameters of 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm was respectively used to harvest abdominal fat in 3 of 12 patients undergoing autologous fat transplantation. The glucose transportation quantities and the fat cell viability were measured. Then 64 nude mice at the age of 3-4 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C, and D, n=16). And 0.5 mL fat harvested with diameters of 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm was implanted into the dorsal subcutaneous space. After fat transplantation, the mice survival and the appearance at the recipient site were observed. At 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after fat transplantation, the grafted fat was harvested for gross, histological and immunohistochemical observations; the intact adipocytes and capillary were counted. ResultsThe glucose transportation quantities gradually increased with increased diameter, showing significant difference among groups (P<0.05). And the fat cell viability had a rising tendency, showing significant differences when comparing groups A and B with group D (P<0.05). With the time passing by, the protuberant appearance became flat at the recipient site, but the appearance of groups C and D was better than groups A and B. Normal shape of the fat and capillary were found in groups C and D. At immediate and 1 week after fat transplantation, there was no significant difference in fat weight among 4 groups (P>0.05); the fat weight of group A was significantly less than that of groups B, C, and D (P<0.05) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after fat transplantation, and it was significantly less in group B than groups C and D (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups C and D (P>0.05). Histological and immunohistochemical observations showed better integrity of the cells, less necrosis, and higher vascular density in group D than groups A, B, and C as time extension. The adipocyte integrity of group A was significantly worse than that of other 3 groups at other time points (P<0.05) except at 1 week (P>0.05). At each time point, the capillary counting had an increasing trend with increased diameter in all groups, showing significant difference among groups (P<0.05). ConclusionWith diameters within 10 mm, the thicker the core fat is transferred, the better integrlity, higher vessel density, and quicker revascularization time can be predicted. So the postoperative appearance could be maintained longer.
ObjectiveTo evaluate therapeutic effect of the targeting recombinant adenovirus Ad-EAFP-PALB/r-Caspase-3 on primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and subcutaneous implanted tumors of nude mice. MethodsHepG 2 cells, breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells， and normal hepatic L-02 cells were infected with the previously constructed targeting recombinant adenovirus Ad-EAFP-PALB/r-Caspase-3, then morphological change was observed and apoptosis index was detected by cell morphologic assay. Tumor growth and pathological changes were observed after the implanted tumors model of nude mice were injected with the recombinant adenovirus. Results Both apoptosis and obvious apoptotic peak of cells were observed by flow cytometry (FCM) in HepG 2 cell group. The apoptosis index of MDA-MB-231 and L-02 cells was 0 and 7.3%, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of HepG2 cells (48.2%), Plt;0.01. The volume of subcutaneous tumor of nude mice was (0.26±0.31) cm 3 in HepG2 cell group, (0.25±0.15) cm 3 in MDA-MB-231 cell group， and (0.26±0.28) cm 3 in control group on two weeks after implantation of cancer cells, and no statistical difference was found among them (Pgt;0.05). The volume of subcutaneous tumor of nude mice was (0.53±0.12) cm 3 in HepG 2 cell group, (0.49±0.22) cm 3 in MDA-MB-231 cell group， and (0.54±0.13) cm 3 in control group on four weeks after implantation of cancer cells, and the difference was not significant among them (Pgt;0.05). But on eight weeks after implantation of cancer cells, the volume of tumor was (0.65±0.13) cm 3 in HepG 2 cell group, (1.27±0.32) cm 3 in MDA-MB-231 cell group， and (1.43±1.09) cm 3 in control group, which suggested that the growth of tumor in HepG 2 cell group slowed down significantly when compared with MDA-MB-231 cell group and control group (Plt;0.01), although the difference in the latter two groups was not significant (Pgt;0.05). The necrosis regions were found with lymphocytic infiltration and apoptosis cells in HepG2 cell group after injection of recombinant adenovirus Ad-EAFP-PALB/r-Caspase-3, but no pathological change of cells was found in control group after injection. It was found that the cells in MDA-MB-231 cell group were solidly arranged with small glandular lumenlike structure, marked cellular atypia, multinucleated tumor cells and megakaryocytic tumor cells, which was not different from that before injection. ConclusionThe targeting recombinant adenovirus Ad-EAFP-PALB/r-Caspase-3 induces the apoptosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo and in vitro, which may provide new ways of targeted gene therapy.