人退变椎间盘软骨终板干细胞多向分化的研究

目的:为了分离和鉴定人退变椎间盘软骨终板干细胞。方法:收集因腰椎间盘退变性疾病行腰椎间盘摘除术并植骨融合的标本。在解剖显微镜下清理软骨终板组织,并消化软骨终板,提取软骨终板细胞。获得的软骨终板细胞经过琼脂糖三维筛选系统培养后,选取细胞克隆团并进行体外扩增,扩增后的细胞行流式细胞术检测干细胞标志物证实退变软骨终板中存在干细胞。结果:共聚焦免疫荧光提示退变椎间盘软骨终板组织中存在干细胞标志物STRO1、CD105、CD73、CD90阳性的细胞。经琼脂糖三维培养基筛选的CESCs在免疫表型上符合干细胞标准。结论:在人退变椎间盘的软骨终板中存在具有多向分化潜能的干细胞。     

Bcl2、Fas在人颈椎间盘软骨终板、纤维环及髓核中的表达及意义

目的 检测正常和突出的人颈椎间盘软骨终板、纤维环及髓核中Bcl2、Fas的表达情况,探讨其在各组中不同表达的意义。方法 先将各正常及突出颈椎间盘在解剖显微镜下分出软骨终板、纤维环、髓核并进行苏木精-伊红（HE）染色行形态学观察,再用免疫组化（SABC法）检测Bcl2、Fas在各组中的表达情况,并进行计算机显像系统图像分析。结果 Bcl2的表达在正常颈椎间盘的软骨终板、纤维环、髓核中均高于突出颈椎间盘的各相应组;Fas的表达在正常颈椎间盘的软骨终板、纤维环、髓核中均低于突出颈椎间盘的各相应组;在异常颈椎间盘的软骨终板中Bcl2的表达低于其在纤维环和髓核中的表达（P〈0.01）;Fas的表达高于其在纤维环和髓核中的表达（P〈0.01）;Bcl2及Fas的表达在纤维环和髓核中的差别无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。结论 细胞凋亡是椎间盘退变的重要原因,且凋亡可能始于软骨终板。     

PeroxiredoxinⅡ在退变椎间盘髓核中的表达及其临床意义

目的：检测PeroxiredoxinⅡ在腰椎间盘髓核组织中的表达,分析其在椎间盘退变中的临床意义。方法：用蛋白免疫印迹（Western blot）的方法检测PeroxiredoxinⅡ在正常、突出及脱出腰椎间盘髓核中的表达情况。结果：PeroxiredoxinⅡ在退变椎间盘髓核中表达丰富,而在正常椎间盘髓核中表达微弱,两者比较差异显著（P〈0.05）,在突出和脱出椎间盘髓核中表达无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。结论：PeroxiredoxinⅡ在正常及退变腰椎间盘髓核组织中差异表达。     

退变腰椎间盘中IL-17表达的变化及其意义

目的:研究退变的椎间盘组织中IL-17表达的变化及其与椎间盘退变严重程度之间的关系。方法:收集退变椎间盘标本23例,正常椎间盘标本12例,通过免疫组织化学染色、免疫荧光染色、实时-定量PCR(RT-PCR)和酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)从细胞、蛋白和基因水平检测椎间盘组织中IL-17和孤独受体(retinoid-related orphan receptor,RORγt)的表达。结果:免疫组化染色显示退变椎间盘组织中IL-17阳性细胞比例较对照组明显增高,有统计学差异(P<0.05);免疫荧光染色显示退变椎间盘组织中Th17细胞含量明显增多(P<0.05);退变的椎间盘组织中IL-17和RORγt m RNA的相对表达量较对照组增加,有统计学差异(P<0.001),且两者之间呈显著正相关(r=0.6919,P<0.001);退变的椎间盘组织中IL-17的含量较对照组明显增加(P<0.01),且与椎间盘退变的严重程度呈正显著相关(r=0.4714,P<0.01)。结论:IL-17含量增加参与了腰椎间盘退变的病理过程,并且可能对椎间盘退变起促进作用。     

Peroxiredoxin Ⅱ在退变椎间盘髓核中的表达及其临床意义

目的:检测PeroxiredoxinⅡ在腰椎间盘髓核组织中的表达,分析其在椎间盘退变中的临床意义。方法:用蛋白免疫印迹(Western blot)的方法检测PeroxiredoxinⅡ在正常、突出及脱出腰椎间盘髓核中的表达情况。结果:PeroxiredoxinⅡ在退变椎间盘髓核中表达丰富,而在正常椎间盘髓核中表达微弱,两者比较差异显著(P<0.05),在突出和脱出椎间盘髓核中表达无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:PeroxiredoxinⅡ在正常及退变腰椎间盘髓核组织中差异表达。     

Caspase-9抑制剂对SD大鼠椎间盘软骨终板细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨caspase-9抑制剂对低胎牛血清培养诱导的大鼠椎间盘软骨终板细胞凋亡影响的研究。方法取3月龄SD大鼠椎间盘软骨终板,序贯消化法获取细胞原代培养,以1%FBS培养48 h为诱导凋亡条件。实验分为1%FBS凋亡组、caspase-9抑制剂组（Z-LEHD-FMK）及DMSO对照组,分别处理细胞48 h,后经流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率、Western blot检测procaspase-9,active caspase-9及active caspase-3的表达。结果流式细胞仪检测显示,caspases-9抑制剂组细胞凋亡率（26.3±2.56）%与1%FBS组（40.8±0.84）%及DMSO组（40.2±1.56）%相比凋亡率较低,有显著统计学差异（P〈0.05）;Western blot检测caspases-9抑制剂组active caspase-9及active caspase-3较1%FBS凋亡组及DMSO对照组表达均明显减少,有显著统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论 Caspase-9抑制剂能明显抑制低胎牛血清培养诱导的大鼠椎间盘软骨终板细胞凋亡,有望成为治疗椎间盘退变的新型药物。     

不同月龄大鼠椎间盘退变与多效生长因子表达的关系

目的观察不同月龄大鼠椎间盘的形态学变化并检测椎间盘中多效生长因子（pleiotrophin,PTN）的表达,探讨PTN与椎间盘退变的关系。方法取Wistar大鼠50只,以1,3,6,12,18个月龄不同分为5组,每组10只。采用苏木精-伊红染色观察椎间盘的形态学变化。采用SABC免疫组织化学方法,检测椎间盘中PTN的表达情况;结果（1）随着月龄的增加,椎间盘组织结构紊乱的程度逐渐增加,髓核内基质降解、正中出现空腔,胶原纤维增生、粗大、排列紊乱、并可见纤维断裂或缺失。（2）随着大鼠月龄的增加（1-12月龄）,椎间盘细胞中PTN的表达有逐渐减低的趋势,但至18月龄,PTN表达又有所增加;6和12月龄组椎间盘细胞中PTN的表达显著低于1月龄组,而18月龄组PTN的表达显著高于12月龄组。同月龄组椎间盘细胞中,PTN在终板的表达高于髓核和纤维环,髓核和纤维环中PTN的表达未见明显差异。结论大鼠椎间盘结构随月龄增加发生退行性变,PTN参与了大鼠椎间盘的退变,并可能通过促进椎间盘组织中新生血管的形成,延缓椎间盘的退变。     

Peroxiredoxin Ⅱ在退变椎间盘髓核中的表达及临床意义

目的:检测Pcroximdoxin Ⅱ在腰椎间盘髓核组织中的表达,分析其在椎间盘退变中的临床意义.方法:用蛋白免疫印迹(Western blot)的方法检测Peroxiredoxin Ⅱ在正常、突出及脱出腰椎间盘髓核中的表达情况.结果:Peroxiredoxin Ⅱ在退变椎间盘髓核中表达丰富,而在正常椎问盘髓核中表达微弱,两者比较差异显著(P<0.05),在突出和脱出椎间盘髓核中表达无显著性差异(P>0.05).结论:Peroxiredoxin Ⅱ在正常及退变腰椎间盘髓核组织中差异表达.     

几种椎间盘退变动物模型的建立和应用

椎间盘退变是一种年龄相关的退行性疾病,是引起下腰痛的主要因素,严重影响病人的生活质量,并显著增加家庭的经济负担。目前,缺少椎间盘退变的有效干预和治疗手段,部分原因是其发病机制尚未阐明。椎间盘退变动物模型的构建对于阐明该疾病的病理机制至关重要。椎间盘退变是一个复杂的过程,受机械应力、结构损伤、生物化学与基因表达等多种因素的影响。本文总结了应用异常机械应力、结构损伤、生物化学或化学诱导和基因敲除等方式构建的椎间盘退变动物模型。生物力学是维持椎间盘稳态的重要因素,异常的机械应力会导致椎间盘退变。同时,椎间盘退变常伴随结构性损伤,椎间盘结构破坏也会导致椎间盘发生退变。此外,生物化学或化学诱导和关键基因敲除也会导致椎间盘退变。本文按照造成异常机械应力的因素将机械应力模型分为加压模型和失稳模型;按照椎间盘结构将结构损伤模型分为髓核与纤维环损伤模型和软骨终板损伤模型。总结了生物化学或化学诱导模型以及新型的基因敲除模型。讨论了不同类型椎间盘退变动物模型的可能应用和局限性。     

Cathepsin L与MMP-3在兔椎间盘退变中相关性研究

目的:探讨组织蛋白醇L(Cathepsin L)与基质金属蛋白酶-3(MMP-3)在兔椎间盘退变中的相关性.方法:健康大白兔60只随机分为实验组、阴性对照组、空白对照组,实验组分为三个亚组,椎间盘内注射3种不同浓度的Cathepsin L,阴性对照组中在椎间盘内注射生理盐水,空白对照组不做任何处理.采用HE粢色组织学观察椎间盘的退变特征,免疫组织化学S-P法检测椎间盘组织中MMP-3的表达.结果:HE染色组织学观察6周时在实验组椎间盘中,组织学观察到不同程度的椎间盘退变特征:□核脊索细胞逐渐减少,并逐渐被纤维软骨组织替代,纤维环与髓核之间失去明显的界限.免疫组织化学染色结果,3周、6周时实验组MMP-3的阳性率均高于空白对照组及阴性对照组(P＜0.05).结论:Cathepsin L与MMP-3共同参与了兔椎间盘的退变,Cathepsin L可能促进MMP-3在椎间盘内的生成,从而导致椎间盘的退变.     

Characteristics of stem cells derived from the degenerated human intervertebral disc cartilage endplate

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adult tissues are an important candidate for cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine due to their multipotential differentiation capability. MSCs have been identified in many adult tissues but have not reported in the human intervertebral disc cartilage endplate (CEP). The initial purpose of this study was to determine whether MSCs exist in the degenerated human CEP. Next, the morphology, proliferation capacity, cell cycle, cell surface epitope profile and differentiation capacity of these CEP-derived stem cells (CESCs) were compared with bone-marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs). Lastly, whether CESCs are a suitable candidate for BM-MSCs was evaluated. Isolated cells from degenerated human CEP were seeded in an agarose suspension culture system to screen the proliferative cell clusters. Cell clusters were chosen and expanded in vitro and were compared with BM-MSCs derived from the same patient. The morphology, proliferation rate, cell cycle, immunophenotype and stem cell gene expression of the CESCs were similar to BM-MSCs. In addition, the CESCs could be induced into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and are superior to BM-MSCs in terms of osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. This study is first to demonstrate the presence of stem cells in the human degenerated CEP. These results may improve our understanding of intervertebral disc (IVD) pathophysiology and the degeneration process, and could provide cell candidates for cell-based regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.     

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Inhibits the Migration of Cartilage End Plate-Derived Stem Cells by Reacting with CD74

Background

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates inflammatory reactions and the pathophysiology of many inflammatory diseases. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by an inflammatory reaction, but the potential role of MIF in IVD degeneration has not been determined. Recent studies have shown that MIF and its receptor, CD74, are involved in regulating the migration of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); Thus, MIF might impair the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to home to injured tissues. Our previous studies indicated that cartilage endplate (CEP)-derived stem cells (CESCs) as a type of MSCs exist in human degenerate IVDs. Here, we investigate the role of MIF in regulating the migration of CESCs.

Methods and Findings

CESCs were isolated and identified. We have shown that MIF was distributed in human degenerate IVD tissues and was subject to regulation by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Furthermore, in vitro cell migration assays revealed that nucleus pulposus (NP) cells inhibited the migration of CESCs in a number-dependent manner, and ELISA assays revealed that the amount of MIF in conditioned medium (CM) was significantly increased as a function of increasing cell number. Additionally, recombinant human MIF (r-MIF) inhibited the migration of CESCs in a dose-dependent manner. CESCs migration was restored when an antagonist of MIF, (S, R)-3(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-5-isoxazole acetic acid methyl ester (ISO-1), was added. Finally, a CD74 activating antibody (CD74Ab) was used to examine the effect of CD74 on CESCs motility and inhibited the migration of CESCs in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

We have identified and characterized a novel regulatory mechanism governing cell migration during IVD degeneration. The results will benefit understanding of another possible mechanism for IVD degeneration, and might provide a new method to repair degenerate IVD by enhancing CESCs migration to degenerated NP tissues to exert their regenerative effects.     

Nectin-3 expression is elevated in limbal epithelial side population cells with strongly expressed stem cell markers

Corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs) are essential for maintaining the ocular surface. However, the lack of surface markers for CESCs remains a serious obstacle in the identification of CESCs. Previously, we showed that rabbit limbal epithelial side population (rLE-SP) cells exhibited stem cell phenotypes including increased expression of CD61, a marker for mouse hematopoietic stem cells. Here, we demonstrate that nectin-3, an immunoglobulin-like cell-cell adhesion molecule, is highly expressed in rLE-SP cells. Additionally, nectin-3⁺ cells were significantly enriched among CD61⁺rLE-SP cells as compared to CD61⁻rLE-SP cells. In mouse bone marrow side population cells, a correlation between expression of nectin-3 and CD61 was also observed. These data strongly suggest that nectin-3 may contribute to the identification of CESCs.     

Association of Endothelin-1 Expression and Cartilaginous Endplate Degeneration in Humans

Background

Inflammatory cytokines are involved in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a 21-amino-acid cytokine implicated with cartilage degradation, is secreted by vascular endothelial cells and also by many other cell types. The expression of ET-1 in human IVD cartilage endplate (CEP) and its role in disc degeneration have not been explored.

Methods and Findings

The expression of ET-1 in degenerated CEP was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting; ET-1 was demonstrated in cartilaginous endplate cells (CECs) by immunofluorescent staining. The ET-1 mRNA expression and protein production by CECs stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, were determined by real-time PCR analysis and Western blotting, respectively. The matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1), MMP-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1) levels in the supernatant of cultured CECs treated with ET-1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Nitric oxide (NO) release and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity were measured using a spectrophotometric assay. The apoptosis of CECs by ET-1 was measured by an Annexin V-FITC detection assay. The production of ET-1 in degenerated cartilage endplate was significantly higher than normal CEP. The results showed that ET-1 was expressed by CECs and modulated by TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. ET-1 increased production of MMP-1 and MMP-13, decreased TIMP-1 production, and induced NO and NOS release by cultured CECs. The direct stimulation of CECs by ET-1 did not promote cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

The study results suggest that ET-1 played a pivotal role in human CEP degeneration, and may be a new target for development of therapies for this condition.     

Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST3) overexpression promotes cartilage endplate-derived stem cells (CESCs) to regulate molecular mechanisms related to repair of intervertebral disc degeneration by rat nucleus pulposus

To investigate the regulatory effect of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST3) in cartilage endplate-derived stem cells (CESCs) on the molecular mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration after nucleus pulposus repair in rats. We performed GO and KEGG analysis of GSE15227 database to select the differential genes CHST3 and CSPG4 in grade Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ intervertebral disc degeneration, IHC and WB to detect the protein profile of CHST3 and CSPG4, Co-IP for the interaction between CHST3 and CSPG4. Then, immunofluorescence was applied to measure the level of CD90 and CD105, and flow cytometry indicated the level of CD73, CD90 and CD105 in CESCs. Next, Alizarin red staining, Alcian blue staining and TEM were performed to evaluate the effects of CESCs into osteoblasts and chondroblasts, respectively, CCK8 for the cell proliferation of osteoblasts and chondroblasts after induction for different times; cell cycle of osteoblasts or chondroblasts was measured by flow cytometry after induction, and WB for the measurement of specific biomarkers of OC and RUNX in osteoblasts and aggrecan, collagen II in chondroblasts. Finally, colony formation was applied to measure the cell proliferation of CESCs transfected with ov-CHST3 or sh-CHST3 when cocultured with bone marrow cells, WB for the protein expression of CHST3, CSPG4 and ELAVL1 in CSECs, transwell assay for the migration of CESCs to bone marrow cells, TEM image for the cellular characteristics of bone marrow cells, and WB for the protein profile of VCAN, VASP, NCAN and OFD1 in bone marrow cells. CHST3 and CSPG4 were differentially expressed and interacted in grade Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ intervertebral disc degeneration; CD73, CD90 and CD105 were lowly expressed in CESCs, osteogenic or chondroblastic induction changed the characteristics, proliferation, cell cycle and specific biomarkers of osteoblasts and chondroblasts after 14 or 21 days,; CHST3 affected the cell proliferation, protein profile, migration and cellular features of cocultured CESCs or bone marrow cells. CHST3 overexpression promoted CESCs to regulate bone marrow cells through interaction with CSPG4 to repair the grade Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ intervertebral disc degeneration.     

Effect of Cartilage Endplate on Cell Based Disc Regeneration: A Finite Element Analysis

This study examines the effects of cartilage endplate (CEP) calcification and the injection of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells on the nutrition distributions inside the human IVD under physiological loading conditions using multiphasic finite element modeling. The human disc was modeled as an inhomogeneous mixture consisting of a charged elastic solid, water, ions (Na⁺ and Cl⁻), and nutrient solute(oxygen,glucose and lactate) phases. The effect of the endplate calcification was simulated by a reduction of the tissue porosity (i.e., water volume faction) from 0.60 to 0.48. The effect of cell injection was simulated by increasing the cell density in the nucleus pulposus (NP) region by 50%, 100%, and 150%. Strain-dependent transport properties(e.g., hydraulic permeability and solute diffusivities) were considered to couple the solute transport and the mechanical loading. The simulation results showed that nutrient solute distribution inside the discis maintained at a stable state during the day and night. The physiological diurnal cyclic loading does not change the nutrient environment in the human IVD. The cartilage endplate plays a significant role in the nutrient supply to human IVD. Calcification of the cartilage endplate significantly reduces the nutrient levels in human IVD. Therefore, in cell based therapy for IVD regeneration, theincreased nutrient demand as a result of cell injection needs to be addressed. Excessive numbers of injected cells may cause further deterioration of the nutrient environment in the degenerated disc. This study is important for understanding the pathology of IVD degeneration and providing new insights into cell based therapies for low back pain.     

胎盘间充质干细胞的体外培养及其生物学特性研究

目的：探讨胎盘间充质干细胞（PMSCs）的体外分离和培养方法,建立稳定的PMSCs体外培养扩增体系。方法：将胎盘组织经胶原酶消化、密度梯度离心、贴壁筛选法分离,获得并培养人PMSCs,观察细胞形态及其超微结构;应用流式细胞术测定细胞周期及CD14、CD29、CD34、CD44、CD45的表达,研究其增殖和生长特性。结果：在体外培养条件下,人PMSCs贴壁生长,为成纤维细胞样,与骨髓间充质干细胞相似;CD14/CD34/CD45阴性,CD29/CD44阳性,核浆比大,细胞周期检测G0/G1期约占95%,具有原始细胞的特征。结论：体外获得的PMSCs形态单一、生长稳定、增殖能力较强,具有与骨髓间充质干细胞相似的细胞形态、表面标志。由于其来源方便、丰富,无伦理学限制,因此可进一步用于细胞治疗的研究。     

Lycopersicon esculentum lectin is a marker of transient amplifying cells in in vitro cultures of isolated limbal stem cells

The maintenance of a healthy corneal epithelium under both normal and wound healing conditions is achieved by a population of stem cells (SCs) located in the basal epithelium at the corneoscleral limbus. In the light of the development of strategies for reconstruction of the ocular surface in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, a major challenge in corneal SCs biology remains the ability to identify stem cells in situ and in vitro. To date, not so much markers exist for the identification of different phenotypes. CESCs (corneal epithelial stem cells) isolated from limbal biopsies were maintained in primary culture for 14 days and stained with Hoechst and a panel of FITC-conjugated lectins. All lectins, with the exception of Lycopersicon esculentum, labelled CESCs irrespective of the degree of differentiation. Lycopersicon esculentum, that binds N-acetylglucosamine oligomers, labelled intensely only the surface of TACs (single corneal epithelial stem cells better than colonial cells). These results suggest that Lycopersicon esculentum lectin is a useful and easy-to-use marker for the in vitro identification of TACs (transient amplifying cells) in cultures of isolated CESCs.