BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells are few in human bone marrow, and their number will decrease with aging or body weakening, so a large amount of amplification is necessary. However, the biological characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells of each passage remain poorly understood.OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the biological characteristics of each passage of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) so as to provide a basis for clinical demands of tissue engineering.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING: Cytological observation in vitro. The experiment was performed at the Department of Orthopedics and Central Laboratory, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from March to October 2008.MATERIALS: From bone marrow of patients with non-hematopoietic disease, MSCs were provided by Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.METHODS: Bone marrow was collected form posterior superior iliac spine of patient, MSCs were isolated and cultured by Percoll method. When the cells were confluent at 90%, they were trypsinized and observed by inverted miscroscopy. The second passage of cells were collected for index detection.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cell morphological characteristics and immunophenotype; cell activity was detected by MTT; cell division and apoptosis in the proportion of necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis.RESULTS: The passaged MSCs exhibited uniform appearance in fusiform shape, and their growth was slowed down after 9 passages, exhibiting cytoplasm vacuolization and body enlarging. The second passage of MSCs was positive for CD44, CD106,and CD105, but negative for CD34 and CD45. MTT values peaked at passage 9, and gradually decreased since passage 10. At passage 11, the number of MSCs at division stage was increased, but from the sixth passage, the number of apoptotic cells increased significantly, reaching more than 60% at passage 8.CONCLUSION: According to biological characteristics analysis of MSCs at each passage, the third to the sixth passage cells are recommend for clinical therapy.

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of Xiaoshuan enteric-coated capsule (XSECC) in treating cerebral infarction and its potential mechanism of action. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) of the qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly assigned to the control and observation groups. They were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Hachinskilnchemic Scale (HIS), Barthel Index (BI), clinical efficacy scores, and TCM syndrome scores on days 0, 14, 30, and 90. Furthermore, VEGF and BDNF levels were measured on days 30 and 90. Finally, we analyzed the changes in each scale score and vascular neurological factor in both groups. Results: After 14 days of treatment, the difference values in NIHSS, ADL, and BI were higher, and TCM syndrome and clinical efficacy scores were increased in the observation group compared with those of the control group (all P < .05). After 30 days, the NIHSS, ADL, HIS, and TCM syndrome scores were decreased compared with those of the control group, while BI and clinical efficacy scores were increased (all P < .05). After 90 days, the difference value in ADL was higher, and TCM syndrome score was increased in the observation group compared with that of the control group (P = .047, P = .005, respectively). The levels of VEGF and BDNF were higher in the observation group than in the control group on days 14, 30, and 90 (all P < .05). VEGF and BDNF levels on day 0 were associated with prognosis of patients with AIS; therefore, they have a predictive value for the prognosis of acute cerebral infarction. Conclusions XSECC therapy can improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute and recurrent cerebral infarctions. Its mechanism of action may be associated with the secretion of VEGF and BDNF.

Amniotic fluid embolism(AFE) is a fatal intrapartum complication. Typical AFE is characterized by respiratory and circulatory failure, followed by disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC), while atypical AFE, which had a higher survival possibility, presents with unexplained DIC only. Recent findings support an anaphylactoid inflammatory mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of AFE. Milrinone is currently the first choice for AFE due to its several functions, such as reducing pulmonary artery pressure, and improving right ventricular function through lowering heart rate and positive inotropic action. A multidisciplinary team is required in the rescue of AFE and medical staff who are skilled in critical medicine (such as anesthesiologists) often play a pivotal role.