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.

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.

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 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.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of endovascular interventional therapy in treating Cockett syndrome associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of left lower extremity.Methods The clinical data of a total of 256 patients with Cockett syndrome complicated by DVT of left lower extremity,who were admitted to authors' hospital during the period from January 2011 to January 2015,were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis,balloon dilatation of the occluded or narrowed venous segment,and/or stent implantation.The circumference differences of the affected limbs before and after treatment and the long-term patency rates were compared.Results Of the 256 patients with Cockett syndrome complicated by DVT of left lower extremity,complete dissolution of thrombus was achieved in 232 (90.6％) and partial dissolution of thrombus in 24 (9.4％).The circumference difference of thigh and calf was (7.12±2.15) and (4.57±2.81) cm respectively before and after treatment.Iliac vein reconstruction was carried out in 206 patients,among them simple balloon dilatation was employed in 46 and balloon dilatation together with stent implantation was adopted in 160.The patients were followed up for 9-24 months with a mean of 15 months.In simple balloon dilatation group,3 patients lost touch with the authors during the following-up period,26 patients (60.5％) developed iliac vein occlusion and post-embolization syndrome occurred in 21 patients (48.8％).In balloon dilatation plus stent implantation group,11 patients lost touch with the authors during the following-up period,stenosis or occlusion of the stent was seen in 13 patients (8.7％),post-embolization syndrome was observed in 15 patients (10.1％).The differences in vascular stenosis or occlusion and in the occurrence of post-embolization syndrome between the two groups were statistically significant (P＜0.001).Conclusion For the treatment of Cockett syndrome complicated by DVT of left lower extremity,catheter-directed thrombolysis and balloon dilatation combined with stent implantation carry definite clinical curative effect.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and the role of PTX1 located at the amplified 12p12-p11 region in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR were applied to detect the expression level of PTX1 in 36 NPC and 8 chronic nasopharyngitis (NP) biopsies. RNAi vector targeting PTX1 was constructed and transfected into NPC cell line 6-10B. The RNAi effect was determined by detecting the expression level of PTX1 in transfected 6-10B cell line. Finally, the cell biological characteristics were compared between transfected 6-10B and parental 6-10B by analyzing the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis status using flow cytometry. RESULTS: RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR revealed that PTX1 gene was over-expressed in NPC tissues (P<0.05). PTX1 expression was suppressed in NPC cell line 6-10B by approximately 65% by RNAi, confirmed by RT-PCR. The depletion of PTX1 could effectively block the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of NPC cells. CONCLUSION Blocking the expression of PTX1 on mRNA level changed the characterization of NPC cell line 6-10B by RNAi, suggesting that PTX1 identified in the amplified 12p12-p11 region may be involved in the genesis and development of NPC via promoting the cell proliferation and inhibiting the cell apoptosis.
Apoptosis ; genetics ; physiology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Cell Cycle ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; Vesicular Transport Proteins ; genetics ; physiology

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of thyroid cancer in children. Methods: Clinical data of 164 children (60 boys, 104 girls) with space-occupying lesions of the thyroid who were hospitalized in Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from July 2006 to December 2017 were collected. Sixty-two children with thyroid cancer were reviewed respectively and followed up by telephone. Results: From July 2006 to December 2017, children with thyroid cancer accounted for 37.8% (62/164) of children with space-occupying lesions of the thyroid. The number of children with space-occupying lesions of the thyroid every 2 years was 13, 21, 19, 33, 38, 41, and the number of children with thyroid cancer every 2 years was 2, 5, 3, 8, 21, 23. One out of 62 thyroid cancer was follicular thyroid cancer, the others were papillary thyroid cancer, neck mass was the chief complaint in 60 of 62 patients. Two cases were brought to hospital with respiratory tract oppression as the chief complaint. Forty-eight cases got long-term follow-up by telephone, over 50 percent of cases received follow-up for more than 2 years, the median follow-up time was 2.63 years (0.25-8.67 years), most of these patients had favorable prognoses. Hypothyroidism (98%) and hypocalcemia (33%) were main long-term complication. Hypothyroidism recovered well after thyroxine replacement therapy, and in only 5 children hypocalcemia was spontaneously relieved, the average remission time was 1.9 months, the longest time for recovering from hypocalcemia was 6 months; the other cases responded well when they were treated as secondary hypoparathyroidism, with no hypocalcemia symptoms. Nine children had distant metastasis after operation, the average recurrence time was 12.8 months, and the latest relapsing time was 2 years. The overall prognosis was good, the longest follow-up period was 8 years and no death was found. Conclusions Pediatric space-occupying lesions of the thyroid and thyroid cancer are rising during the last 12 years. Hypothyroidism and hypocalcemia are main long-term complications after surgery, the children cases recovered well, the remission of hypocalcemia was achieved not later than 6 months. The overall prognosis of childhood thyroid cancer was good, without death within the follow-up period.

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

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