增殖细胞核抗原在低氧大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞中表达

目的通过建立低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠模型,探讨增殖细胞核抗原(proliferating cell nuclear antigen,PCNA)在大鼠低氧性肺血管平滑肌细胞中的表达。方法将SPF级SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组(n=10)、模型组(n=10),通过间断常压低氧法建立大鼠低氧性肺动脉高压模型,肺组织切片经HE染色后图像分析技术定量检测大鼠肺小动脉的形态改变;免疫组织化学染色法测定肺血管平滑肌细胞内PCNA蛋白表达,并经图像分析半定量检测其表达强度。结果 4周后,模型组SD大鼠MT%、MA%与对照组比较,差异具有显著性(P<0.05);模型组SD大鼠肺血管平滑肌细胞内PCNA核蛋白表达(积分面积、累积光密度)与对照组比较,差异具有显著性(P<0.05)。结论常压低氧4周可成功建立肺动脉高压大鼠模型,PCNA在肺血管平滑肌细胞中的表达量具有差异性提示其可能在肺动脉高压形成过程中起重要作用。     

新型硼酸盐生物玻璃修复兔股骨缺损的实验研究

目的:通过观察3种生物玻璃材料在修复兔股骨缺损中的差异,来比较新型硼酸盐生物玻璃球粒与生物玻璃球粒和生物玻璃颗粒成骨能力和降解性能的差异,为其进一步应用于临床提供理论依据.方法:成年新西兰大白兔18只,双侧股骨髁部制造直径0.6 cm,深1.2 cm的贯穿型缺损.根据缺损部位植入材料的不同随机分为3组,每组6只12侧:实验对照组(A组)植入生物玻璃颗粒(The NovaBone Bioactive Glass Morsels),实验组(B组)植入生物玻璃球粒(The NovaBone Bioactive Glass Spheres),实验组(C组)植入硼酸盐玻璃球粒(The Borate Glass Morsels)三种材料,于术后第6周,第12周取材,通过大体观察,组织病理学染色来评价新型生物活性玻璃的骨缺损修复能力和降解性能.结果:第6周时,ABC组均可见有新骨生成,并且向材料内部生长.在第12周时,ABC组成骨量显著增多,而且可见成熟的骨小梁塑形.组织切片定量分析:1、成骨能力比较:术后6周,12周时,新生骨量,B组和C组多于A组(P＜0.05),且C组多于B组(P＜0.05).术后12周与6周比较,ABC三组新生骨显著增多,(P＜0.05).2、降解性能比较:术后6周,12周时,残余材料量,B组和C组少于A组(P＜0.05),且C组少于B组(P＜0.05).术后12周与6周比较,ABC三组残余材料显著减少,(P＜0.05).结论:具有球体外观设计的新型硼酸盐玻璃球粒与其它两种材料相比,不仅具有良好的成骨能力,而且具有良好降解性能,能有效的修复腔隙性骨缺损,有望成为新型骨缺损修复材料.     

ARTP诱变对三角帆蚌外套膜细胞生长活性及其生物矿化相关因子的影响

为获取高活力的外套膜细胞, 研究通过常压室温等离子体(Atmospheric and room temperature plasma, ARTP)诱变和流式细胞术等技术分析了不同诱变气量组(10、12和15 SLM组)和处理时间对三角帆蚌(Hyriopsis cumingii)体外培养的外套膜细胞的细胞活性及生物矿化相关功能的影响。结果表明: ARTP诱变360—900s能显著升高各组三角帆蚌外套膜细胞活力, 且在900s时达到最大值(P<0.05); 渗透压稳定剂的添加, 显著提高了诱变过程中12和15 SLM组在360—900s作用时间下的细胞活力(P<0.05), 其中12 SLM组外套膜细胞增殖指数显著上升至最大值(P<0.05); 诱变后细胞体外培养24h时结果显示, 12 SLM组720s的外套膜细胞活力显著达到最高(P<0.05); 15 SLM组(诱变时间为720s, 下同)SOD活力随着诱变气量的增大呈显著下降趋势, 且在15 SLM组显著降至最低水平(P<0.05), 相反, 微核率在15 SLM组达到最大值; 生物矿化分析表明, 外套膜细胞Ca2+的浓度、生物矿化相关的关键酶(碳酸酐酶、碱性磷酸酶)和钙调蛋白基因(Calmodulin, CAM)基因均在12 SLM组达到最大值(P<0.05), 而EFCB1(EF-hand calcium-binding domain-containing protein 1)基因结果显示在10 SLM组达到最大值(P<0.05), 12 SLM次之; 以上分析表明, 氦气诱变在气量为12 SLM, 处理720s时与渗透压稳定剂连用对外套膜细胞活性及其他生物学活性影响最为显著, 暗示氦气诱变可有效作用于外套膜细胞的离体培养, 为三角帆蚌建立细胞系提供生物学基础与新思路。     

细胞色素c在后处理抗大鼠肠缺血-再灌注损伤细胞凋亡中的变化

本文旨在研究细胞色素c在后处理抗大鼠肠缺血-再灌注损伤细胞凋亡中的变化。将Sprague-Dawley大鼠32只随机分为4组(n=8):假手术(Sham)组、缺血-再灌注(I/R)组、缺血预处理(IPC)组、缺血后处理(IPOST)组。应用激光共聚焦扫描显微镜检测各组大鼠肠黏膜细胞线粒体跨膜电位的变化。用Western blot方法检测肠黏膜细胞线粒体内细胞色素c及caspase-3表达的变化。末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)和DNA琼脂糖凝胶电泳方法检测大鼠肠黏膜细胞凋亡发生情况。实验结果显示,与缺血-再灌注组相比,缺血后处理组大鼠肠黏膜细胞线粒体跨膜电位显著升高(P0.05),线粒体内细胞色素c蛋白表达水平显著增加(P0.05),caspase-3蛋白表达降低(P0.05),细胞凋亡率明显降低(P0.05)。缺血后处理组与缺血预处理组相比各项指标差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。上述结果提示缺血后处理可通过阻止线粒体释放细胞色素c抑制凋亡发生,减轻大鼠肠缺血-再灌注损伤。     

β-TCP三维支架用于骨髓间充质干/基质细胞的研究最新进展

β-TCP(β-磷酸三钙)是一种近年来研究渐热的人工合成生物陶瓷材料,该原料制备的生物载体具有高生物相容性、良好生物吸收性、自发诱导骨细胞分化和扩增等优势,因此多用于骨损伤修复领域。将β-TCP作为三维支架材料的主料进行体外扩增骨髓间充质干/基质细胞(MSC)并进行成骨分化检测或移植修复骨损伤的研究已取得一定进展。无论是以β-TCP为支架影响MSC成骨分化的因素和工艺基础研究;还是在移植修复骨损伤方面;甚至三维灌注进行工业化扩增,均显示该材料颇具应用价值。拟围绕上述领域简要介绍和评述国内外近年来的最新研究进展。     

糖尿病大鼠ghrelin和nesfatin-1表达动力学及其调控

目的:探讨STZ诱导糖尿病大鼠ghrelin和nesfatin-1动力学及分泌调节变化。方法:STZ诱导糖尿病大鼠模型;采用葡糖糖脱氢酶分析法测量血浆葡萄糖水平;免疫放射分析检测血浆ghrelin、nesfatin-1、胰岛素、胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF-1)、生长激素(GH)含量;采用real-time PCR检测ghrelin m RNA水平变化;免疫组化观察ghrelin和nesfatin-1免疫活性细胞数量。结果:糖尿病大鼠体重显著降低(t=23.16,P<0.01),血糖水平显著升高(t=22.55,P<0.01),血浆胰岛素和IGF-1水平显著降低(t=6.50,t=24.13,P<0.01),但GH水平显著升高(t=3.30,P<0.05)。糖尿病大鼠血浆总ghrelin(t=7.03,P<0.01)和活性ghrelin(t=3.33,P<0.05)水平均显著升高,血浆nesfatin-1水平则显著降低(t=6.24,P<0.01);糖尿病大鼠血浆总ghrelin与GH(r=0.81,P<0.01)和IGF-1水平(r=-0.58,P<0.01)呈显著相关性;与对照组大鼠相比,糖尿病大鼠胃总ghrelin(t=16.86,P<0.01)和活性ghrelin(t=3.30,P<0.05)水平均显著降低;而胃nesfatin-1(t=7.93,P<0.01)水平则显著升高。胃总ghrelin水平与血浆IGF-1水平呈明显相关性(r=0.65,P<0.01);与对照组大鼠相比,糖尿病大鼠胃ghrelin m RNA表达水平显著升高(t=16.8,P<0.01),胃底ghrelin免疫活性细胞数量显著减少(t=3.98,P<0.01);实验中给予大鼠自由饮食,糖尿病大鼠血浆总ghrelin水平显著增加(t=7.53,P<0.01),nesfatin-1水平显著降低(t=5.46,P<0.01)。糖尿病大鼠注射胰岛素后,可使增加的ghrelin水平(t=1.76,P=0.11)和降低的nesfatin-1水平接近正常(t=1.96,P=0.06);且胰岛素可显著反转糖尿病大鼠胃总ghrelin(t=8.54,P<0.01)和nesfatin-1水平(t=2.42,P<0.05);以及注射胰岛素后,糖尿病大鼠胃底ghrelin细胞显著增加,nesfatin-1细胞明显减少(t=3.21,t=2.59,P<0.05)。结论:Ghrelin或nesfatin-1参与糖尿病大鼠能量平衡调控。     

甲状旁腺激素对成骨细胞中ClC-3 氯通道表达及成骨分化影响的研究

目的:观察甲状旁腺激素(PTH)对成骨细胞中Cl C-3氯通道表达及成骨分化影响,初步探索Cl C-3介导PTH在细胞成骨分化中的作用。方法:采用10-8M、10-9M、10-10M PTH持续刺激和间断刺激MC3T3-E1细胞72 h后,通过CCK-8试剂盒法检测MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖情况,Real-Time PCR法检测MC3T3-E1细胞中Clcn3及成骨相关基因Alp、Runx2的表达情况,免疫荧光法检测10-9M PTH不同给药方式下对Cl C-3蛋白表达的影响。结果 :经不同浓度PTH连续和间断处理72 h后,结果显示10-9 M PTH间断刺激的MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖能力最强,且其Alp、Runx2 m RNA表达均高于10-8 M组和10-10 M组(P<0.05),而相同浓度间断刺激的MC3T3-E1细胞成骨相关基因的表达均高于持续刺激组,以10-9M间断刺激组差异最显著(P<0.05),而10-8 M和10-10M均无统计学差异(P>0.05),10-9 M PTH刺激的MC3T3-E1细胞中Cl C-3蛋白表达也显著增加(P<0.05)。结论 :成骨细胞的Cl C-3氯通道能够响应PTH的刺激发生变化,并伴随着成骨相关基因Alp、Runx2表达的增强。     

不同孔径CPC 材料对大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞增殖的影响

目的:评价不同大小孔径的磷酸钙骨水泥(Calcium phosphate cement,CPC)材料对大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(Bone mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)增殖能力的影响。方法:用盐析法制备三种不同孔径的(200-300μm、300-450μm、450-600μm)CPC材料,利用Micro-CT测量三种材料的平均孔径、孔隙率。无菌条件下取新生大鼠BMSCs原代培养并传代;将三组材料分别放置于24孔板内,每个材料接种5×104个细胞后,37℃、饱和湿度环境下静置培养。于接种后第1、4、7、14、21天用picogreen试剂盒测定细胞增值率;并在第14天、21天戊二醛固定材料并干燥喷金,扫描电镜观察材料表面细胞生长情况。结果:micro-CT测量结果显示:三种CPC材料孔径间相互连通,孔隙率均大于68%,平均孔径分别为235μm、422μm、505μm。细胞在三组材料上均呈对数增长趋势,在第14天到达平台期,在第1天三组细胞数量无明显差异,第4天450-600μm组细胞数量明显高于其余两组(P<0.05),在第7天细胞数量随孔径的增加而增加,3组间均有统计学差异(P<0.05),第14天和第21天200-300μm组细胞数量明显少于其余两组(P<0.05),300-450μm组和450-600μm组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:孔径大小可影响大鼠BMSCs在多孔CPC材料上的增殖能力,随着孔径增大,细胞增殖力增高。本研究为进一步研究孔径结构对细胞的影响提供了实验依据。     

纳米形貌诱导干细胞成骨分化的相关信号通路

目的:探究纳米形貌诱导间充质干细胞(MSC)分化中的作用以及相关分子机制。方法:利用阳极氧化法制备二氧化钛纳米管形貌,使用qRT-PCR技术,RNA-seq技术,分析接种在纳米形貌表面的间充质干细胞的基因表达情况。并筛选对成骨相关的信号通路中的成员,观察他们基因上调或下调情况。结果:在钛金属表面构建出了纳米形貌,利用实时定量PCR确定了成骨相关的基因:碱性磷酸酶(ALP),骨桥蛋白(OPN)和骨钙素(OCN)相比没有纳米形貌的钛片上培养的细胞均发生上调。通过对这些基因相关的成骨信号通路进行转录组数据分析(筛选基因P<0.05),发现在BMP2信号通路中的相关蛋白基因表达没有太大变化,同时Notch以及Wnt非经典信号通路中相关蛋白基因发生较为明显变化。结论:通过分析间充质干细胞成骨分化相关基因,以及转录组数据分析表明在纳米形貌诱导BMSC分化过程中,相对于平坦的表面,纳米形貌启动了Notch以及非经典的Wnt信号通路,因此表现出更加优良的促成骨分化的效果。     

经低强度超声波照射后组织工程骨成骨的生化学和力学分析

目的:观察低强度超声波照射后组织工程骨的骨形成情况和力学变化。方法:将骨髓间充质细胞/β-磷酸三钙(Bonemarrowstromalcells/tricalciumphosphate,BMSCs/β-TCP)共同增殖分化培养2周后,手术植入同基因鼠背部两侧皮下,一侧行低强度超声波每日照射20min,另一侧作为对照。术后5、10、25和50d,分别取出组织工程骨,行抗压力测试、碱性磷酸酶(Alkalinephosphate,ALP)和骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)含量分析。结果:超声波组组织工程骨的ALP活性和OCN含量都明显高于对照组(P0.01);抗压力测试与对照组没有明显差别(P0.05)。结论:低强度超声波能够促进组织工程骨的骨形成能力。     

Osteoinduction and survival of osteoblasts and bone-marrow stromal cells in 3D biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds under static and dynamic culture conditions

In many tissue engineering approaches, the basic difference between in vitro and in vivo conditions for cells within three‐dimensional (3D) constructs is the nutrition flow dynamics. To achieve comparable results in vitro, bioreactors are advised for improved cell survival, as they are able to provide a controlled flow through the scaffold. We hypothesize that a bioreactor would enhance long‐term differentiation conditions of osteogenic cells in 3D scaffolds. To achieve this either primary rat osteoblasts or bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were implanted on uniform‐sized biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds produced by a 3D printing method. Three types of culture conditions were applied: static culture without osteoinduction (Group A); static culture with osteoinduction (Group B); dynamic culture with osteoinduction (Group C). After 3 and 6 weeks, the scaffolds were analysed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dsDNA amount, SEM, fluorescent labelled live‐dead assay, and real‐time RT‐PCR in addition to weekly alamarBlue assays. With osteoinduction, increased ALP values and calcium deposition are observed; however, under static conditions, a significant decrease in the cell number on the biomaterial is observed. Interestingly, the bioreactor system not only reversed the decreased cell numbers but also increased their differentiation potential. We conclude from this study that a continuous flow bioreactor not only preserves the number of osteogenic cells but also keeps their differentiation ability in balance providing a suitable cell‐seeded scaffold product for applications in regenerative medicine.     

3D culture of osteoblast‐like cells by unidirectional or oscillatory flow for bone tissue engineering

A medium perfusion system is expected to be beneficial for three‐dimensional (3D) culture of engineered bone, not only by chemotransport enhancement but also by mechanical stimulation. In this study, perfusion systems with either unidirectional or oscillatory medium flow were developed, and the effects of the different flow profiles on 3D culturing of engineered bone were studied. Mouse osteoblast‐like MC 3T3‐E1 cells were 3D‐cultured with porous ceramic scaffolds in vitro for 6 days under static and hydrodynamic conditions with either a unidirectional or oscillatory flow. We found that, in the static culture, the cells proliferated only on the scaffold surfaces. In perfusion culture with the unidirectional flow, the proliferation was significantly higher than in the other groups but was very inhomogeneous, which made the construct unsuitable for transplantation. Only the oscillatory flow allowed osteogenic cells to proliferate uniformly throughout the scaffolds, and also increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These results suggested that oscillatory flow might be better than unidirectional flow for 3D construction of cell‐seeded artificial bone. The oscillatory perfusion system could be a compact, safe, and efficient bioreactor for bone tissue engineering. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1670–1678. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Three hours of perfusion culture prior to 28 days of static culture, enhances osteogenesis by human cells in a collagen GAG scaffold

In tissue engineering, bioreactors can be used to aid in the in vitro development of new tissue by providing biochemical and physical regulatory signals to cells and encouraging them to undergo differentiation and/or to produce extracellular matrix prior to in vivo implantation. This study examined the effect of short term flow perfusion bioreactor culture, prior to long‐term static culture, on human osteoblast cell distribution and osteogenesis within a collagen glycosaminoglycan (CG) scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19) were seeded onto CG scaffolds and pre‐cultured for 6 days. Constructs were then placed into the bioreactor and exposed to 3 × 1 h bouts of steady flow (1 mL/min) separated by 7 h of no flow over a 24‐h period. The constructs were then cultured under static osteogenic conditions for up to 28 days. Results show that the bioreactor and static culture control groups displayed similar cell numbers and metabolic activity. Histologically, however, peripheral cell‐encapsulation was observed in the static controls, whereas, improved migration and homogenous cell distribution was seen in the bioreactor groups. Gene expression analysis showed that all osteogenic markers investigated displayed greater levels of expression in the bioreactor groups compared to static controls. While static groups showed increased mineral deposition; mechanical testing revealed that there was no difference in the compressive modulus between bioreactor and static groups. In conclusion, a flow perfusion bioreactor improved construct homogeneity by preventing peripheral encapsulation whilst also providing an enhanced osteogenic phenotype over static controls. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1203–1210. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Novel mini β-TCP 3D perfusion bioreactor for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Applications of bioreactors in combination with scaffolding materials are promising in tissue-engineering fields. To rapidly produce bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) suitable for osteogenic differentiation (OSD), we developed a novel technique for β-TCP (β-tricalcium phosphate) scaffolds preparation and employed these scaffolds to build a new type of mini three dimensional (3D) perfusion bioreactor. Compared to the 2D static culture, MSCs acquired much higher amplification rate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity over a 24-day culture period. Interestingly, the Specific ALP activity was independent of the growth rate under adequate osteogenic inducement, suggesting there may be an OSD bottleneck at a single-cell level. Furthermore, cells on scaffolds exhibited gradually reduced total migration rate (MR) and relatively constant local MR, both ideal for bone regeneration. Excellent adhesion of MSCs to the smooth scaffolds surface, especially the layer structures, was seen on scanning electron microscopy images, demonstrating fine compatibility between scaffold and cells. Our results indicate this simplified, integrated and potentially modularizable 3D bioreactor could enable the osteocytes producing from MSCs for expected applications.     

Nanofiber-based polyethersulfone scaffold and efficient differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into osteoblastic lineage

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been shown to have promising potential for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. In the present study, osteogenic differentiation of human iPSCs was evaluated on polyethersulfone (PES) nanofibrous scaffold. According to the results, higher significant expressions of common osteogenic-related genes such as runx2, collagen type I, osteocalcin and osteonectin was observed in PES seeded human iPSCs compared with control. Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity of differentiated iPSCs demonstrated significant osteoblastic differentiation potential of these cells. In this study biocompatibility of PES nanofibrous scaffold confirmed by flattened and spreading morphology of iPSCs under osteoblastic differentiation inductive culture. Taking together, nanofiber-based PES scaffold seeded iPSCs showed the highest capacity for differentiation into osteoblasts-like cells. These cells and PES scaffold were demonstrated to have great efficiency for treatment of bone damages and lesions.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> behaviour of osteoblast cells seeded into a COL/β-TCP composite scaffold

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a collagen/β-tricalcium phosphate (COL/β-TCP) composite on osteoblast growth and proliferation. The COL/β-TCP composite was prepared by mixing COL type I with β-TCP, in 1:1 (w/w) ratio and conditioned as sponge by freeze-drying. The osteoblast culture was obtained from rat calvaria bones by enzymatic digestion and cells were seeded in the COL/β-TCP composite. The cell morphology and viability, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, as markers of osteoblast proliferation were evaluated at 3, 7 and 25 days of culture. Histological sections revealed that cell colonization progressively increased inside the COL/β-TCP scaffold, and osteoblasts had a random distribution throughout the scaffold. Cells cultured into the COL/β-TCP scaffold presented osteoblast phenotype, intense staining of alkaline phosphatase and increased production of osteocalcin. Transmission electron micrographs revealed intimate contacts between osteoblasts and the scaffold. MTT test indicated that the viability of the cells cultivated in the presence of COL/β-TCP scaffold was similar to that of the control. All these results show that our COL/β-TCP composite act as a good substrate for rat osteoblast proliferation and migration and could be a promising substitute for bone repair.     

Improved recellularization of ex vivo vascular scaffolds using directed transport gradients to modulate ECM remodeling

The regeneration of functional, clinically viable, tissues from acellular ex vivo tissues has been problematic largely due to poor nutrient transport conditions that limit cell migration and integration. Compounding these issues are subcellular pore sizes that necessarily requires extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in order for cells to migrate and regenerate the tissue. The aim of the present work was to create a directed growth environment that allows cells to fully populate an ex vivo‐derived vascular scaffold and maintain viability over extended periods. Three different culture conditions using single (one nutrient source) or dual perfusion bioreactor systems (two nutrients sources) were designed to assess the effect of pressure and nutrient gradients under either low (50/30 mmHg) or high (120/80) relative pressure conditions. Human myofibroblasts were seeded to the ablumenal periphery of an ex vivo‐derived vascular scaffold using a collagen/hydrogel cell delivery system. After 30 days culture, total cell density was consistent between groups; however, significant variation was noted in cell distribution and construct mechanics as a result of differing perfusion conditions. The most aggressive transport gradient was developed by the single perfusion low‐pressure circuits and resulted in a higher proportion of cells migrating across the scaffold toward the vessel lumen (nutrient source). These investigations illustrate the influence of directed nutrient gradients where precisely controlled perfusion conditions significantly affects cell migration, distribution and function, resulting in pronounced effects on construct mechanics during early remodeling events. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2035–2045. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Three-dimensional cell seeding and growth in radial-flow perfusion bioreactor for in vitro tissue reconstruction

Radial-flow perfusion bioreactor systems have been designed and evaluated to enable direct cell seeding into a three-dimensional (3-D) porous scaffold and subsequent cell culture for in vitro tissue reconstruction. However, one of the limitations of in vitro regeneration is the tissue necrosis that occurs at the central part of the 3-D scaffold. In the present study, tubular poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) porous scaffolds with an optimized pore size and porosity were prepared by the lyophilization method, and the effect of different perfusion conditions on cell seeding and growth were compared with those of the conventional static culture. The medium flowed radially from the lumen toward the periphery of the tubular scaffolds. It was found that cell seeding under a radial-flow perfusion condition of 1.1 mL/cm2 x min was effective, and that the optimal flow rate for cell growth was 4.0 mL/cm2 x min. At this optimal rate, the increase in seeded cells in the perfusion culture over a period of 5 days was 7.3-fold greater than that by static culture over the same period. The perfusion cell seeding resulted in a uniform distribution of cells throughout the scaffold. Subsequently, the perfusion of medium and hence the provision of nutrients and oxygen permitted growth and maintenance of the tissue throughout the scaffold. The perfusion seeding/culture system was a much more effective strategy than the conventional system in which cells are seeded under a static condition and cultured in a bioreactor such as a spinner flask.     

Osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hASCs) in a porous three-dimensional scaffold

Recent studies have shown that liposuction aspirates from rat, rabbit, mouse, and human sources contain pluripotent adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) that can differentiate into various mesodermal cell types, including osteoblasts, myoblasts, chondroblasts, and preadipocytes. To develop a research model for autologous bone tissue engineering, we isolated ASCs from human liposuction aspirates (hASCs) and induced their osteogenic differentiation in three-dimensional poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds. Human liposuction aspirates were proteolytically digested and centrifuged to obtain hASCs. After primary culture in control media and expansion to three passages, the cells were seeded in two-dimensional plates or three-dimensional PLGA scaffolds and cultured in osteogenic media for 4 weeks. In two-dimensional culture, osteogenesis was assessed by RT-PCR analysis of the osteogenic-specific bone sialoprotein mRNA, by alkaline phosphatase staining, and by von Kossa staining. In three-dimensional culture, osteogenesis was assessed by von Kossa and alizarine red S staining at 1, 2, and 4 weeks following osteogenic induction. hASCs incubated in two-dimensional osteogenic media stained positively for alkaline phosphatase and with von Kossa stain after 2 weeks of differentiation. Expression of the osteogenesis-specific bone sialoprotein gene was detected by RT-PCR after 2 weeks of differentiation. PLGA scaffolds seeded with hASCs showed multiple calcified extracellular matrix nodules by von Kossa and alizarine red S staining after 2 weeks of differentiation. In conclusion, the authors identified an osteogenic potential of hASCs and demonstrated osteogenic differentiation of hASCs into an osteogenic lineage in three-dimensional PLGA scaffolds.     

Vitreous cryopreservation of tissue engineered bone composed of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and partially demineralized bone matrix

Cryopreservation of tissue engineered products by maintaining their structure and function is a prerequisite for large-scale clinical applications. In this study, we examined the feasibility of cryopreservation of tissue engineered bone (TEB) composed of osteo-induced canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (cBMSCs) and partially demineralized bone matrix (pDBM) scaffold by vitrification. A novel vitreous solution named as VS442 containing 40% dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO), 40% EuroCollins (EC) solution and 20% basic culture medium (BCM) was developed. After being cultured in vitro for 8 days, cell/scaffold complex in VS442 was subjected to vitreous preservation for 7 days and 3 months, respectively. Cell viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cBMSCs in TEB after vitreous cryopreservation were examined with parallel comparisons being made with those cryopreserved in VS55 vitreous solution. Compared with that cryopreserved in VS55, cell viability and subsequent proliferative ability of TEB in VS442 after being rewarmed were significantly higher as detected by live/dead staining and DNA assay. The level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and osteocalcin (OCN) deposition in VS442 preserved TEB was also higher than those in the VS55 group since 3 days post-rewarm. Both cell viability and osteogenic capability of the VS55 group were found to be declined to a negligible level within 15 days post-rewarm. Furthermore, it was observed that extending the preservation of TEB in VS442 to 3 months did not render any significant effect on its survival and osteogenic potential. Thus, the newly developed VS442 vitreous solution was demonstrated to be more efficient in maintaining cellular viability and osteogenic function for vitreous cryopreservation of TEB over VS55.