Objective To study the feasibility of TNF-α promoting migration of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to local damaged tissues. Methods The MSCs was exposed to TNF-α at different concentrations and the expression rate of surface adheslon molecules and specific markers as well as their adhesion to endothelial cells were detected.Based on the above steps,the MSCs stimulated with the optimal concentration of TNF-α were obtained and were injected intravenously to the rats whose hindlimbs experienced ischemia damage.The rats were executed for achieving the muscle samples in the ischemic area,which were made into frozen section to count the number of MSCs. Results ( 1 ) Twenty-four hours after the TNF-o stimulation,the expression of adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) of MSCs increased in a concentration-dependent manner,while the expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1,L-Selectin and VLA4) of MSCs showed no significant changes.Besides,the expression rate of specific markers of MSCs was also obscure.(2) Exposed to 10 ng/ml TNF-o,MSCs presented an obviously increased ability in adhesion to the endothelial cells.(3) MSCs stimulated with 10 ng/ml TNF-α showed a larger number in the ischemia-damaged tissue of rat hindlimbs than that in the control group. Conclusion TNF-α at concentration of 10 ng/ml is effective within a short term in increasing VCAM-1 expression in rat MSCs and promoting the adhesion of MSCs to endothelial cells without affecting their character.

Objective:To investigate therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action of oncolytic agent derived from herpes simplex virus type 2 (oHSV2) in a xenograft mouse model bearing CT26 colorectal cancer. Methods:BALB/c mice were subcutaneously inoculated with CT26 cells to establish a xenograft mouse model of colorectal cancer. 1) After intratumoral administration of oHSV2, enzyme-linked im-munosorbent assay was used to determine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression levels in the blood. 2) Model mice were divided into three groups:PBS group (negative control), oHSV2 group, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group (positive control). After drug administration, drug effectiveness was evaluated on the basis of weight, tumor volume, general state, and survival time. 3) Cells from the draining lymph nodes (TDLN) and tumor were surgical y removed and used to quantify mature dendritic cel s (DCs) and T lym-phocytes by flow cytometry. Result:1) In the CT26 xenograft model, level of GM-CSF continuously elevated. At day 8, peak value was attained in the blood at concentration of 3150±327.1 pg/mL. Then, GM-CSF expression gradually reduced as time progressed. 2) In in vivo study, both oHSV2 and 5-FU exerted antitumor effects relative to PBS group (50 days vs. 36 days, P<0.01;51 days vs. 36 days, P<0.01), and oHSV2 proved to be less toxic and safer. At day 28, the 5-FU group presented highly significant difference in mouse body weight compared with that of PBS group (16.61 g vs. 22.07 g, P<0.01). However, oHSV2 group did not show statistical y significant change (al P>0.05). Skin of virus injection region did not present necrosis and ulceration. 3) In the TDLN, the frequency of DC was increased when treated with oHSV2 compared with the control group (6.49%vs. 3.73%, P<0.01). Similarly, the percentage of CD4+and CD8+T-cel s from the oHSV2-treated group was signifcantly higher than mock-treated tumors (15%vs. 8.57%, P<0.01;8.19%vs. 5.15%, P<0.01). However, number of cells in the 5-FU group were significantly reduced with respect to that of the negative group (al P<0.01). Conclusion:oHSV2 exerted potent antitumor effects in a murine colorectal cancer model. Compared with 5-FU, oHSV2 treatment caused fewer side effects. Such antitumor effect may be induced by stimulation of immune activity by GM-CSF production.

BACKGROUND: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a severe congenital disorder characterized by vaginal hypoplasia caused by dysplasia of the Müllerian duct. Patients with MRKH syndrome often require nonsurgical or surgical treatment to achieve satisfactory vaginal length and sexual outcomes. The extracellular matrix has been successfully used for vaginal reconstruction. METHODS: In this study, we developed a new biological material derived from porcine vagina (acellular vaginal matrix, AVM) to reconstruct the vagina in Bama miniature pigs. The histological characteristics and efficacy of acellularization of AVM were evaluated, and AVM was subsequently transplanted into Bama miniature pigs to reconstruct the vaginas. RESULTS: Macroscopic analysis showed that the neovaginas functioned well in all Bama miniature pigs with AVM implants. Histological analysis and electrophysiological evidence indicated that morphological and functional recovery was restored in normal vaginal tissues. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the neovaginas had mucosal folds characteristics of normal vagina. No significant differences were observed in the expression of CK14, HSP47, and a-actin between the neovaginas and normal vaginal tissues. However, the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) was significantly lower in the neovaginas than in normal vaginal tissues. In addition, AVM promoted the expression of b-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1. These results suggest that AVM might promotes vaginal regeneration by activating the b-catenin/cMyc/cyclin D1 pathway. CONCLUSION This study reveals that porcine-derived AVM has potential application for vaginal regeneration.