OBJECTIVETo study the gene expression profiles of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and tendon cells.

METHODSTotal RNA extracted from human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and tendon cells underwent reverse transcription, and the products were labeled with alpha-(32)P dCTP. The cDNA probes of total RNA were hybridized to cDNA microarray with 1176 genes, and then the signals were analyzed by Atlas Image analysis software Version 1.01a.

RESULTSFifteen genes associated with cell proliferation and signal transduction were up-regulated, and one gene that takes part in cell-to-cell adhesion was down-regulated in tendon cells.

CONCLUSIONThe 15 up-regulated and one down-regulated genes may be beneficial to the orientational differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into tendon cells.

Bone Marrow Cells ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Mesoderm ; cytology ; Stem Cells ; Tendons ; cytology

Embryonic stem cells have unlimited proliferative capacity, which may provide a source of tendon stem/progenitor cells for tissue engineering. Experts of International Science and Technology Collaborative Program of Ministry of Science and Technology have developed a protocol consensus on differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into the tendon cells. The consensus recommends a protocol of two-step generation of human embryonic stem cells into tendon cells: the human embryonic stem cells are first differentiated into mesenchymal stem cells on different material surfaces; then with the scaffold-free tissue engineering tendon formed by high-density planting, the mesenchymal stem cells are induced into tendon cells under static or dynamic mechanical stimulation in vivo and in vitro. Tissue engineering tendon established in vitro by the protocol can be used as a model in toxicological analysis and safety evaluation of tendon-relevant small molecule compounds, medical materials and drugs.
Cell Differentiation ; Consensus ; Human Embryonic Stem Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Tendons ; cytology ; Tissue Engineering

OBJECTIVETo investigate a method that constructing a tissue-engineered tendon with a continuous and heterogeneous transition region.

METHODSFibroblasts derived from rabbit epithelial tissue were cultured in vitro and collagen gel was prepared. The experimental groups were scaffold only group, fibroblasts+ chondrocytes group (Fb+ CC group), fibroblasts+ osteoblasts group (Fb+ OB group), fibroblasts+ chondrocytes+ osteoblasts group (Fb+ CC+ OB group). Heterogeneous cell populations(fibroblasts, chondrocytes and osteoblasts) with collagen gel were seeded within three predesigned specific regions (fibrogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis) of decellularized rabbit achilles tendons to fabricate a stratified scaffold containing three biofunctional regions supporting fibrogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. The tests of morphology, architecture and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds were performed. Gradient tissue-specific matrix formation was analysed within the predesignated regions via histological staining and immunofluorescence assays.

RESULTSThe HE staining and scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that no major cell fragments or nuclear material was evident, and increased intra-fascicular and inter-fascicular spaces were found, the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds showed that the numbers of viable cells on the scaffold surfaces increase steadily, no significant differences were found between the scaffold only containing ordinary culture medium and scaffold containing gel groups. Histological staining and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that the cartilage-related markers (GAG, COL2A1) were found only in the chondrogenesis region, but bone-related proteins only in the osteogenesis region of bone tunnel, and fibrosis was remarkable for the fibrogenesis region in the joint cavity. The transitional architecture with ligament-fibrocartilage-bone was constructed in the ligament-bone tunnel interface.

CONCLUSIONSA transitional interface (fiber-fiberocartilage-bone) could be replicated in a decellularized tendon through stratified tissue integration in vitro. The cell-tendon complex offers the advantages of a multi-tissue transition involving controlled cellular interactions and matrix heterogeneity.

Animals ; Bone and Bones ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; Collagen ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Ligaments ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; Rabbits ; Tendons ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

Growth factors have the ability to stimulate matrix synthesis and cell proliferation in rabbit flexor tendon. Maximal stimulation effects of growth factors have a wide variation. It depends upon the different anatomic sites of the tendon segment, the kinds of growth factor, the concentration of growth factors, and the time sequence. Since proliferation was an early component of intrinsic tendon healing, we investigated the short-term dose response to four different growth factors on in vitro rabbit's tendon culture. We evaluated the effects according to the various concentrations of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF), recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF). Fetal calf serum was the most potent stimulator of cell proliferation and protein synthesis in in vitro rabbit's tendon culture. Matrix synthesis and cell proliferation were stimulated dose-dependently by IGF between the doses of 50 and 150 ng/ml. The maximum mitogenic effect of EGF was observed at the concentration of 100 ng/ml (1.3 times more than the media-only control culture). The rabbit's tendon responded significantly dose-dependently to PDGF, whereas there was no significant response to FGF.
Animal ; Cell Division/drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Growth Substances/pharmacology* ; Organ Culture ; Proteins/biosynthesis ; Rabbits ; Tendons/metabolism ; Tendons/drug effects* ; Tendons/cytology

This study sought to find out a good way for the cryopreservation of tendon seeding cells so as to facilitate the preparation of tissue engineering tendons as products. The related questions are how different factors affect cell survival rate at the procedure of preservation and whether cryopreservation affects seeding cells' biological characters as well as collagen secretive function. The results of experiment indicate that DMSO is a more effective cryoprotectant in cryopreservation of tissue engineered tendon seeding cells. Blood serum nourishment is very important in cell culture, preservation and treatment. The same sustenance after cryopreservation increases cell survival rate. In the process of cryopreservation, the concentration of cells is important to cell survival rate; cell survival rate will decrease when it is less than 1.0 x 10(6)/ml. In the process of cryopreservation, the cooling speed is also important to cell survival rate, slow cooling method achieves higher cell survival rate than does the rapid cooling method. Cryopreservation by use of 10%DMSO+15%FCS+75%DMEM does not affect seeding cells' collagen secretive function greatly and does not affect seeding cells' growth curve, cell cycle and chromosome mode obviously. The prescription of 10%DMSO +15%FCS+75%DMEM is suited for the cryopreservation of tendon seeding cells.
Cell Count ; Cell Survival ; Cryopreservation ; methods ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; Humans ; Muscle, Skeletal ; cytology ; Tendons ; cytology ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Preservation ; methods

OBJECTIVETo find out the feasibility of tendon engineering in vitro using expanded tenocytes and polyglycolic acids (PGA).

METHODSTenocytes were isolated using tissue explant method and expanded in vitro. Tenocytes (20 x 10(6)) at the second passage were collected and then seeded onto PGA unwoven fibers to form a cell-scaffold construct in a shape of tendon. The constructs were cultured in DMEM with 20% FBS for 1 week. The cell-scaffold constructs were then cultured under constant tension generated by a U-shaped spring (n = 5), which served as experimental group, or cultured without tension (n = 4), which served as control group 1. PGA fibers alone were cultured (n = 3), which served as control group 2. Small fragments at the end of the constructs were harvested at 2, 4 and 6 weeks respectively for histological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Six-week samples were also evaluated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and mechanical test.

RESULTSNo obvious difference was observed among the three groups at 2 weeks grossly and histologically as the constructs remained to be mainly undegraded PGA fibers. By 4 weeks, a neo-tendon was formed in the experimental group and control group 1 grossly, and histology and IHC revealed the formation of collagen fibers. In contrast, PGA fibers alone in control group 2 were mostly degraded. At 6 weeks, tendons of control group 1 were much thicker [(2.55 +/- 0.18) mm in diameter] than those of experimental group [(1.44 +/- 0.13) mm in diameter]. Periodical striae were observed in collagen fibers of experimental group and control group 1 by TEM. However, histology of tendons in experimental group revealed longitudinally aliened collagen fibers, which resembled the structure of normal tendon more closely than that of control group 1 tendons. Furthermore, the maximum tensile stress (N/mm(2)) of experimental group (1.107 +/- 0.327) was greater than that of control group 1 (0.294 +/- 0.138) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIt is possible to use an engineering to construct tendon tissue in vitro. Periodical strain generated by bioreactor may be the optimal mechanical stimulation, which is currently under investigation.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Polyglycolic Acid ; Tendons ; cytology ; growth & development ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

Tendon tissue engineering is a novel therapeutic strategy for severe tendon injury and loss. Adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) have been studied extensively, due to their potency to differentiate into musculoskeletal tissue precursors such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and tendocytes under specific cues and high ability of proliferation. Resources of ASCs are ubiquitous and isolation of ASCs is secure, simple and minimally invasive. Mounting evidences demonstrate that ASCs may be involved in tendon tissue engineering and repair the severe injury of tendon under stimulation of various growth factors and other appropriate fittings.
Adipocytes ; Adipose Tissue ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Chondrocytes ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Tendon Injuries ; therapy ; Tendons ; cytology ; Tissue Engineering ; Wound Healing

Cell adhesion is a basic and very important tissue in the field of tissue engineering. Fibronectin and integrins are the most important elements to cell adhesion. Some surface receptors of fibroblast can also conjugate with type I collagen in extracellular matrix (ECM) directly. Laminin receptors on the surface of fibroblast bound to laminin also play a role in cell adhesion. In this paper are reviewed a number of related articles. The structures and function of fibronectin and integrins are discussed in detail; the tendon cell's adhesion structures are also discussed. Yet, there was scarcely any paper on the effects which the preservation of tissue engineered products may have on cells' adhesion fo ECM. Therefore, researching on cell adhesion and finding a way of preservation that has no or very little adverse effect on cell adhesion is an important topic. Results from expected advanced researches on cell adhesion may probably find promising applications in the field of tissue engineering.
Cell Adhesion ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Fibronectins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Integrins ; metabolism ; Laminin ; metabolism ; Tendons ; metabolism ; Tissue Engineering

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of life span extension of transformed human embryonic tendon cells (THETC) by reconstitution of the telomerase activity.

METHODSTHETC were transfected by pGRN145 plasmid containing the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) cNDA in vitro by molecular cloning technique. The biological characteristics of transfected cells were detected and compared by morphological observation, plate cloning efficiency, soft agar culture, growth curve of cells cultured in different conditions, immunohistochemistry, telomerase activity assay by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP).

RESULTSThe THETC transfected by pGRN145 plasmid (telT) could express the telomerase activity with extension of life span. The telT maintained the original characteristics of temperature-dependant and serum-dependant, as well as secretion of type I collagen normally and without tendency of malignant transformation.

CONCLUSIONSThe life span of THETC can be prolonged by reconstitution of telomerase activity, which provides the novel experimental methods to establish the standard cells line.

Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Humans ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase ; Telomerase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tendons ; cytology ; enzymology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo explore function and related molecular mechanism of osteopractic total flavone (OTF) on tendon healing in rats.

METHODSTen male rats aged for 8 weeks were collected and weighted from 180 to 220 g. Tendon stem cells were cultivated, the third tendon stem cells were used for experiment. OTP treated with 0, 0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml were added into tendon stem cells, and expression change of ALP, Runx2, OCN, VEGF, P-S6, P-4E/BP1 were detected after 14 days. Forty male rats aged for 8 weeks (weighted 180 to 220 g) were established extra-articular tendon-bone transplanting healing model, and divided into experimental group and control group. Experimental group were treated with OTF(100 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹), while control group was treated by normal saline with the same volume. Tendon-bone healing degree were detected by biomechanical testing at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery, histological detection were applied to detect tendon-bone healing and number of new vessles.

RESULTSAfter treated by OTP, ALP staining and active index detection showed there were statistical differences among 0, 0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml group. After 14 days' cultivation, western blotting results showed mTOR downstream marker protein P-S6 protein expression were gradually increased with increase of density of OTP, expression of P-4E/BP1 was reduced, while expression of Runx2, OCN, VEGF were increased. Biological detection results showed that there was no significant difference in mechanical strength between experimental group(0.78±0.05) N/mm and control group (0.51±0.02) N/mm at 3 weeks after surgery, while mechanical strength in experimental group (1.36±0.09) N/mm was higher than control group (1.01±0.08) N/mm at 6 weeks after surgery. Histological results showed maturity of tendon-bone surface cell were higher at 3 and 6 weeks in experimental group, sharpey fiber growth more density, calcification extent of mesenchyme was high, and new bone, vessels were increased.

CONCLUSIONSOTF could promote osteogenic differentiation of tendon stem cells through mTOR signaling in vitro, and stimulate tendon-bone healing in bone tunnel and enhance connection quality between tendon and bone.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Transplantation ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Flavones ; pharmacology ; Male ; Osteogenesis ; Rats ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Tendons ; cytology ; transplantation ; Wound Healing