Vascular bypass grafting is the most common procedure for ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Although synthetic grafts have been developed, replacement of vessels with purely synthetic polymeric conduits often leads to the failure of such graft, especially in the grafts less than 6 mm in diameter, mainly due to the early formation of thrombosis, infection and so on. Tissue engineering is a relatively new discipline that offers the potential to create vascular grafts from autologous cells and biodegradable polymer scaffolds. It has become a promising approach for generating a biocompatible vessel graft and contributing to the long-term patency rate of small-caliber grafts. This review describes the major progress in the tissue engineering vascular grafts, including the seeding cell sources, the biodegradable scaffolds, the construction technologies of tissue-engineered vessels, as well as nanotechnology.

Objective To compare the biological characteristics of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADAS) and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).Methods The adipose and bone marrow-derived sources of mesenchymal stem cells were separated,and their phenotype,cell doubling time and the secretion of factors were compared.They were also used to detect T-cell cycle,activation,and proliferation inhibition.Results BMSCs and ADAS were similar on the cell phenotype and the differences only existed in the expression of only CD106.For the proliferation rate,ADAS grew faster than BMSCs (doubling time 28 h vs.39 h,P＜0.05); ADAS and BMSCs also had the same ability to inhibit T cell proliferation,and dose-dependent effects existed in mitogen-stimulated Tcell proliferation and MLR: there was a strong inhibitory effect in 1:2,but this effect disappeared at 1: 100.Both ADAS and BMSCs could arrest most T cells in the G0/G1 phase,but the role of ADAS was weaker than that of the BMSCs.ADAS could not inhibit apoptosis of T cells.ADAS and BMSCs played the same roles in inhibiting the differentiation of TH0 to TH1 or TH2: mainly inhibiting differentiation of TH 0 to TH1 cells (IL-2-and IFN-γ-producing cells),but having no significant effect on TH2 cells (IL-4-and IL 10-producing cells).Conclusion ADAS and BMSC have a similar role in immune regulation.In the same volume,fat tissue has the number of more than 10 times of stem cell precursor cells than that of bone marrow,so adipose tissue is a more promising stem cells transplant source.

With more and more attention and investment on acupuncture scientific researches, considerable outcomes and achievements has been acquired, but the shortcoming of low transformation rate of acupuncture research achievements is gradually exposed. Nowadays there is no related report on this problem, so based on achievement translational research in other areas and practical situation of acupuncture, the existing problems and solutions are analyzed. As a result, the existing problems include (1) the research content is mainly basic research and clinical research but less acupuncture device research, leading to limited transformation efficiency; (2) the evaluation system and transformation pattern are still needed to be perfect. The solutions are (1) to properly evaluate the research achievements of acupuncture, (2) to advocate the concept and method of translational medicine, (3) to reform the policy and system, and (4) to establish valid platforms covering research, outcomes and transformation.
Acupuncture ; economics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; manpower ; Biomedical Research ; Biotechnology ; economics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; manpower ; China ; Humans ; Technology Transfer

AIM: To investigate the effect of silymarin on homocysteine-induced cell viability and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: Cell viability was analyzed by using MTT and LDH assay. Apoptotic cells were detected by using DNA fragmentation and flow cytometric analysis. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the potential of mitochondrial membrane were determined by flow cytometric assay. The activity of caspase-3, -6 and -9 were measured with microplate spectrofluorometer. Protein levels were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Treatment of cultured HUVECs with HCY for 48 h induced a significant decrease in cell viability, and the percentage of apoptosis increased to 76.8%. The level of intracellular ROS and activity of caspase-3, -6 and -9 enhanced, and the red/green ratios of mitochondrial membrane decreased. However, simultaneous treatment with silymarin exhibited cytoprotective effects, reduced formation of the DNA ladder, prevented the levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins and the accumulation of ROS as well as caspase-3, -6 and -9 activation, reconverted the potential of mitochondrial membrane, and the percentage of apoptosis/necrosis was significantly decreased to 12.7% in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that silymarin has the protective capacity to antagonize HCY-induced apoptosis in HUVECs. The antiapoptotic action of silymarin may be partially dependent on an anti-oxidative stress effects, inhibition of caspases activity, and maintenance of mitochondria function.

AIM:To investigate the effects of grasp seed procyanidins(GSP) on homocysteine-induced proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) and related molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Cell count and -TdR assay were used for detecting cell proliferation and DNA synthesis,ELISA assay was used for detecting inflammatory response,DCFH-DA assay for examining the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),Western blotting for detecting protein expression.RESULTS: Homocysteine(0.1-1 mmol/L) increased VSMC proliferation and migration,and the levels of ROS were in a dose-dependent manner.The results of Western blotting showed that homocysteine significantly increased the expression of MCP-1,IL-6 and TNF-?.However,Compared with control group,in GSP(5-20 g/L) group,the increased VSMC proliferation,migration and the production of ROS and the expression of MCP-1,IL-6 and TNF-? mediated by homocysteine were markedly suppressed.EMSA showed that in GSP treatment group,the NF-?B activation was also almost completely inhibited.CONCLUSION: GSP inhibits homocysteine-induced VSMC proliferation,migration and inflammatory response through interfering with ROS dependent on NF-?B signal pathway.

OBJECTIVETo study the identification method of Pterocephalus hookeri.

METHODThe microscopical, Physicochemical and TLC methods were used.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe convenient and effective identification methods for P. hookeri were established, which provide basis for its quality standard and development.

Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Magnoliopsida ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Pharmacognosy ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment and prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in adolescents.

METHODSThe data of 46 patients with DTC under the age of 18 years were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTSTwenty patients were misdiagnosed in this group (43.5%). All patients received operation, including 39 unilateral neck dissection and 6 bilateral neck dissection, followed by postoperative thyrotropin suppressive therapy. There were 42 cases of papillary carcinoma (91.3%) and 4 cases of follicular carcinoma (8.7%). Cervical lymph node metastasis was found in 39 cases (84.8%). In the follow-up period of 1 to 25 years (mean 10 years), no death of thyroid carcinoma occurred.

CONCLUSIONSThe most common DTC in adolescents is papillary carcinoma with better prognosis regardless of the higher incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis. The optimal extent of primary thyroidectomy and neck dissection followed by postoperative thyrotropin suppressive therapy in adolescents with DTC may improve the quality of life and decrease the incidence of complications.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Adolescent ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Gland ; pathology ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; therapy

The distribution information of Cistanche deserticola was collected by interview investigation and field survey, and 55 related environmental factors were collected, the habitat suitability study was conducted based on geographic information system (GIS) and Maximum entropy model. The AUCs of ROC curve were both above 0.9, indicating that the predictive results with the maxent model were highly precise. The results showed that 14 major environmental factors have obvious influence on ecology suitability distributions of C. deserticola, including vegetation type et al, the suitable distribution areas are mainly concentrated in the central of Alxa Youqi, the north of Alxa Zouqi and the south-east of Ejin Banner, including Tamusu towns, Alateng towns et al, The zoning results basically coincide with the genuine producing areas, and further afford new suitable distribution areas, which can provide reference for the siting of introduction and cultivation of C. deserticola.
China ; Cistanche ; growth & development ; Ecosystem ; Environment ; Geographic Information Systems ; Rain ; Soil ; chemistry ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo observe the status of AKT and phospho-AKT (pAKT) in three diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines, and to investigate the effects of AKT activation on biologic behavior of DLBCL cells.

METHODSThree DLBCL cell lines, ly1, ly8 and ly10 were maintained in 10% FBS or serum free culture medium. The expression of AKT and status of pAKT were detected by Western blotting. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, was used to suppress the level of pAKT. Flow cytometry combined with PI staining, AnnexinV-FITC assay and Brdu incorporation assay were used to analyze the parameters of the cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation respectively.

RESULTSThere was constitutive activation of AKT in three DLBCL cell lines and the levels of pAKT were altered in the different environments. In 10% FBS culture medium, pAKT was higher than that in serum free culture medium in ly8 and ly10, however, pAKT in ly1 maintained in serum free culture medium was mildly higher than that in 10% FBS culture medium. When the cell lines ly1, ly8, ly10 were maintained in 10% FBS culture medium, the inhibitor LY294002 suppressed the level of pAKT efficiently in three DLBCL cell lines. The percentage of cells at S phase and the proliferation index were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) without an increase of apoptosis (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSActivation of AKT may play an important role in the development of DLBCL. It is closely related to the control of cell cycle and proliferation, but is not associated with apoptosis. LY294002 can inhibit cell growth by decreasing the levels of pAKT in DLBCL cell lines.

Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Chromones ; pharmacology ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; Enzyme Activation ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; metabolism ; pathology ; Morpholines ; pharmacology ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate a new method to construct tissue-engineering bone that will be applicable clinically.

METHODSThe cultured 5th generation rabbit bone marrow stroma osteoblasts (MSO) was dissolved in 3% sodium alginate solution (the final concentration of sodium alginate in the solution being 1%, and MSO, 5x10(6)/L), and then inoculated into prepared true bone ceramic (TBC) and gelatinized the bone by dribbling with calcium gluconate. The standard bone defect models were made in 48 adult New Zealand rabbit's both radius. Among the 48 rabbits, 24 were in Groups A and B, in which the left radius was implanted with gelatinized MSO-TBC (Group A) and right radius implanted with autograft-bone (Group B); and the other 24 were in control group whose left radius was implanted with non-gelatinized MSO-TBC (Group C) and right radius implanted with gelatinized TBC (Group D). Outcomes of the implanted bones were assessed by radiology, pathological histology, osteogenetic quantitative analysis, and biomechanics at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTSIn Groups A and B, a satisfactory bone reparation and bony union was noted within 12 weeks. In Groups C and D, bone reparation was not satisfied compared with Group A in terms of ostogenetic quantity and biomechanics.

CONCLUSIONSGelatinized MSO-TBC is an ideal artificial active bone that overcomes TBC shortcomings of fragileness and smooth surface that is not eligible for seed cell's adhesion. It is promising to put into clinical use extensively.

Animals ; Biomass ; Bone Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; therapy ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Bone Substitutes ; Ceramics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Gelatin ; Male ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; transplantation ; Osteogenesis ; Rabbits ; Radiography ; Radius ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; pathology ; surgery ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; transplantation ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Treatment Outcome