Objective To present the CT and MRI findings of the fibrous dysplasia(FD) of the spine.Methods CT and MRI findings were retrospectively evaluated in 19 cases of FD of spine,all of which were confirmed pathologically.Nineteen patients underwent CT plain scanning(19/19) and 5 had enhanced CT scanning(5/19).Patients were also examined by MRI plain scan(11/11) or MRI enhanced scan (6/11).The location of tumors,the type of bone destruction,the boundary of lesions,internal intensity or signal,the enhancement pattern of lesions,and presence of compression fractures,spinal deformity were observed.Result Nine cases had monostotic FD,while 10 had polyostotic FD.In all the 49 lesions of 19 cases,13 lesions were located in the cervical vertebrae,23 lesions in the thoracic vertebrae,11 lesions in lumbar vertebrae,and 2 lesions in sacral vertebrae.Thirty-three lesions involved both vertebral body and appendix.Pure osteolysis were found in 26 lesions on CT examinations.Peripheral osteosclerosis rims (41/49) and expansive lesions(32/49) were seen.Residual bone crest(28/49) and ground-glass opacity(23/49)were noted.Different degrees of vertebral compression were found in 19 lesions.Five patients had spinal deformity.On T1WI,14 lesions showed intermediate or low signal,and 10 lesions presented as heterogeneous signal.On T2WI,6 lesions had low signal intensity,4 lesions were noted as hyperintensive,and 14 lesions presented as heterogeneous signal.Multiple fluid-fluid levels were found in 1 lesion.Low signal rims were seen in 14 lesions.Twenty lesions of 11 patients had significant enhancement.Conclusion Expansive pattern,ground-glass opacity,peripheral osteosclerosis rims and significant enhancement were helpful findings for the diagnosis of spinal FD.

Objective To isolate and culture meshenchymal stem cells from murine fetal liver.Methods flMSCs from mouse fetuses were isolated by adhering to plastic surface.Growth kinetics was determined by growth curve.Cell cycle and phenotype were analyzed by FACSan flow cytometry.Differentiation of adhering cells was induced and identified.Results Homogenous fibroblast-like cells were predominated in culture.The counting of flMSCs increased 2 fold after 24 hours and 83.76%?2.88% of flMSCs were in G0/G1 phases.flMSCs were CD44,CD29 positive but negative for the markers of hematopoietic cells such as CD45,CD11b.flMSCs were able to differentiate along adipogenic,chondrogenic and osteogenic pathways even after being passaged several times.ConclusionflMSCs can be isolated by their plastic-attachable property and can expand without losing their multiple differentiation potential in vitro.flMSCs may offer an appropriate cell source for stem cell therapy.

Objective To investigate various sex hormones and the their relation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods 40 patients with PCOS were matched with 40 age matched healthy women,study group was divided into the obese group and non-obese groups based on body mass index,insulin resistance and non-insulin-resistance based on insulin sensitivity index. The level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), androstene dione (A4), sulfal-dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), fasting glucose(FG), fasting insulin (FIN) was measured in both group. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and free androgen index (FAI) were caulculated. Results ①In the PCOS group,LH, LH/FSH, T, A4, FAI, FIN and Homa-IR were significantly higher compared to the control,while FSH, SHBG, ISI were significantly lower (P<0.05),PRL, FG, E2, DHEAS level did not show difference (P>0.05). ②There were significant differences in T, FAI, A4, but not in DHEAS between the PCOS group and the control one. ③There were significant differences between the hirsute group and the non-hirsute group in T, FAI, A4 (P<0.05). ④In the obese PCOS group compared to the non-obese PCOS group, T, A4, DHEAS were not significantly different, but FAI and Homa-IR were significantly higher, SHBG, ISI, LH/FSH were significantly lower. ⑤The quantity of insulin resistance in the increased T group was significantly higher compared to the common T group. ⑥In the insulin resistance group compared to the non insulin resistance group, there were not significant differences of A4、DHEAS,T and FAI was significantly higher.⑦In PCOS group,there were significant positive correlation between FAI useful parameter compared to T, A4, DHEAS for the diagnosis of PCOS. Obese PCOS women have more severe and BMI,FAI and Homa-IR;BMI and LH/FSH were significant inverse correlation. Conclusions FAI is more endocrine secretion and metabolic disturbance than non PCOS women. Hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance are consanguineous correlation.

ObjectiveIn order to confirm the relationship of pathogenic factors and clinical manifestation of cerebral palsy. Methods185 children were divided into the prematurity group(91 cases) and maturity group(94 cases). The μ-test was applied to analyze the incidence of clinical manifestation of 185 children with cerebral palsy for different pathogenic factors. ResultsThe sever symptoms occurred more frequently in prematurity group than in maturity group. ConclusionThe earlier the careful follow-up for children with prematurity was performed, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral palsy were achiened.

AIM: To explore the possibility of differentiating functional insulin-producing cells from human BM-derived stem cells. METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from human bone marrow. Then these cells were induced with epidermal growth factor, β-mercaptoethanol and high concentration of glucose. The gene expression related to islet β cells was detected by RT-PCR. Insulin in the treated cells was examined by immunocytochemistry. In addition, the levels of insulin secretion and glucose-stimulated insulin release were examined by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Finally, the induced cells were implanted into the right renal subcapsular space of diabetic mice. Blood glucose levels were monitored 16 d after implantation. The right kidneys of the treated mice were harvested for immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The key genes related to pancreatic β cells had been confirmed to express by PCR and insulin was detected by immunocytochemistry in differentiated human BM-derived stem cells induced by high glucose, which responded to glucose challenge. Furthermore, implantation of the cells in renal subcapsular space was able to lower the glucose levels in hyperglycemic mice. After 16 days, the implanted cells were determined still to be insulin positive cells by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: These results indicate human BM-derived stem cells are capable of differentiating into functional insulin-producing cells and may represent a pool of cells for the treatment of diabetes.

AIM: To investigate the effect of high glucose toxicity on JNK pathway and cell function of INS-1 cells.METHODS: Cultured INS-1 cells with or without IGF-1 exposure, were treated with glucose at 3 concentrations (5.6 mmol/L, 11.2 mmol/L and 33.3mmol/L), respectively. MTT was used to measure the cell viability. Apoptosis was determined by immuno-fluorescence and flow-cytometry analysis. The serine 270 phosphorylation of IRS and phosphorylation of JNK in INS-1 cells were detected in the presence or absence of SP600125 treatment.RESULTS: The cell viability decreased and apoptosis increased with elevated glucose concentrations. The percentage of apoptosis cells was 11.3% in 5.6 G group, 12.7% in 11.2 G group and 28.2% in 33.3 G group. There was remarkable increase in apoptosis in 33.3 G group with a 2.49-fold increase to the cells in the basal 5.6 mmol/L glucose. High glucose activated the serine 270 phosphorylation of IRS correlates with JNK phosphorylation in INS-1 cells. Using Western blotting analysis, the levels of JNK phosphorylation were 3.33 fold increased and serine 270 phosphorylation of IRS was 1.17 fold increased in 33.3 G group compared to 11.2 G group (P<0.01). IGF-1 treatment inhibited phosphorylation of JNK and IRS. SP600125 treatment completely blocked JNK phosphorylation in 11.2 G group and reduced JNK phosphorylation by 90% in 33.3 G group. In addition, SP600125 treatment partly reduced serine 270 phosphorylation of IRS by 88.3% in 11.2 G group and 80% in 33.3 G group, the viability of INS-1 cells increased and the apoptosis decreased.CONCLUSION: The toxicity of chronic high glucose, which inhibits the cells viability and induces the cell apoptosis, might be related to suppress IRS signal by activating the JNK pathway. Blocking the JNK pathway might relieve the effect of glucose toxicity to the β cell function by improving the IRS signal pathway.

Objective To discuss the possibility of differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)from umbilical cord blood(UCB)into hepatocyte-like cells in the in vitro culture.Methods MSCs were isolated from UCB,cultured and passaged.The surface markers were examined by flow cytometry.When cells were cultured to the third passage,they were inoculated into a 6-well plate.A two-stage induction method was used:MSCs in the first phase were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with dexamethasone(final concentration of 0.5 μmol/L,the same below),hepatocyte growth factor(HGF,10 ng/ml),epidermal growth factor(10 ng/m1)and 1×insulin-transferrin-Se(ITS)for two weeks,then in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 0.5 μmol/L dexamethasone,10 ng/ml HGF,1×ITS,10 ng/ml Oncostatin M for another two weeks.Morphological changes were observed under a microscope.The gene expression correlated with hepatocytes was detected by using RT-PCR.Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the expression of specific protein related to hepatocytes(AFP,Albumin,CK-18).Ultrastructure was detected under an electron microscope.Results In the cultured MSCs from UCB,CD34/CD45/CD14,CD54,CD49f and HLA-DR were not detected,there was low expression of CD106 and strong expression of CD29,CD44 and CD13.The gene expression of AFP,albumin,CK-18 and TAT was discovered and three kinds of protein AFP,albumin and CK-18 were positively showed in cytoplasm after 4 weeks'induction.The hepatin granules and fatty drops in cytoplasm of cells induced for 4 weeks were found under an electron microscope.Conclusion The MSCs fromUCB can differentiate into hepatocyte-like ceils in the in vitro culture under some conditions.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive activity of hepatocytes is limited. There are numerous studies concerning stem cells differentiation into hepatocytes, including embryonic stem cells, bone marrow cells, pancreas stem cells, neural stem cells, various sources of mesenchymal stem cells.OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of induction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro culture.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A cytological in vitro study was performed at the Institute of Hematology, Medical College of Jinan University from October 2005 to April 2006.MATERIALS: Fetus cord blood was obtained from spontaneous delivery and caesarean delivered healthy pregnant women at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University. The parturients signed the informed consents.METHODS: UCB-MSCs were incubated in vitro, and digested in trypsin-EDTA. The third passage of cells at 5 × 10~4 cells/cm~2 wereinoculated. Original medium was removed 48 hours later. Cells were washed in phosphate-buffered saline. In the first phase, cells were incubated in F12 medium supplemented with dexamethasone, hepatocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor and 1 ×its for 2 weeks. In the second phase, cells were incubated in F12 medium containing dexamethasone, hepatocyte growth factor,oncostatin M and 1 × ITS for two weeks.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following parameters were measured: expression of surface marker of UCB-MSCs using flow cytometry, expression of related gene and protein of hepatocytes following induction respectively using RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS: No CD34/CD45/CD14 of hematopoietic markers were detected, either no the CD54, CD49f, HLA-DR were found. The low expression of CD106 and high expression of CD29, CD44, CD13 were found. The gene expression of a-fetoprotein, albumin,CK-18 and TAT were discovered, and three kind of protein a-fetoprotein, albumin, CK-18 were positively observed in cytoplasm after 4 weeks of induction using immunofluorescence staining.CONCLUSION: UCB-MSCs are able to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro culture following combination with many growth differentiation factors, such as dexamethasone, hepatocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, tumorigenesis M and ITS.

Objective To investigate the effect of vitamin D on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmona-ry disease,and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted in the hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups,one group of patients were given regular COPD treatment (control group,30 cases), the other group of patients were given vitamin D on the basis of conventional therapy(experimental group,30 cases).Pulmonary function test and C reaction protein (CRP)determination in the 2 groups were performed,the contents of PaO2 ,PaCO2 were also determined.Results Compared with the control group,lung function improvement in experimental group were more obvious,and the the number of acute attack significantly reduced(P <0.05).The concentration of CRP in experimental group was significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P <0.05),while the concentration of CRP in control group didn′t change significantly (P >0.05).Conclusion Vitamin D contributes to the improvement of pulmonary function in patients with COPD,and its mecha-nism might relate to the reduction of inflammatory reaction.

BACKGROUND: At present,there are many reports regarding the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells or pancreatic gland stem cells into pancreatic islet β-like cells.But little is about umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells(UCBMSCs)differentiation into pancreatic islet β-like cells in vitro.OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether UCBMSCs can differentiate into pancreatic islet β-like cells in vitro and the optimal inducing condition.METHODS: UCB samples were obtained sterilely from healthy parturients.Nucleated cells were isolated by sedimentation with hydroxyethyl starch and MSCs were obtained by adherent method.Then purified UCBMSCs were induced with epidermal growth factor,β-mercaptoethanol,high glucose,Activin A and hepatocyte growth factor(HGF).Following cell morphology observation,induced cells were identified by insulin immunofluorescence.In addition,insulin secretion and glucose-stimulated insulin release were examined by chemiluminescence immunoassay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After induction,many cells exhibited a round appearance and produced islet-like cell clusters.Immunofluorescence assay showed insulin positive in the treated cells.In addition,chemiluminescence immunoassay demonstrated low expression of insulin and secretion of insulin upon glucose challenge.UCBMSCs can differentiate into pancreatic islet β-like cells in vitro.