Ectopic sebaceous glands are found very rarely in the esophagus; heretofore, several cases have been reported. The sebaceous gland is originally a source of an endodermal origin; however, there have been controversies regarding whether the origin of the esophageal ectopic sebaceous gland is ectodermal or endodermal. Ectopic sebaceous glands of the esophagus usually do not cause symptoms; thus, they are often found incidentally on endoscopy for routine health screening. Endoscopic findings are characterized by single or multiple yellow patches or nodular lesions of various sizes, sometimes with small central openings. We report two cases of esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands found incidentally during endoscopy with magnifying endoscopic findings. The lesions were in the mid-esophagus and lower esophagus, respectively, and both endoscopic findings were similar as multiple yellowish patches or plaques. Magnifying endoscopy revealed the openings of the excretory ducts surrounded by circular microvessels in both cases.
Ectoderm ; Endoderm ; Endoscopy* ; Esophagus ; Mass Screening ; Microvessels ; Sebaceous Glands*

Although microRNAs have emerged as key regulators in diverse cellular processes, the roles of microRNAs are poorly understood in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) during differentiation into specialized cell types. In this study, we used a microRNA array with 799 human microRNA probes to examine the expression profiles of microRNAs in hESCs during differentiation into endodermal and mesodermal lineages in vitro. Among the microRNAs analyzed, 7 and 20 microRNAs were enriched in the developmental process of hESCs into mesodermal and endodermal lineages, respectively. In particular, the expression levels of miR-200 family, which is known to regulate the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), gradually increased in hESCs during differentiation into hepatocytes while they gradually decreased during differentiation into vascular endothelial cells. Downregulation of ZEB1, a direct target of miR-200 family, and E-CADHERIN, a target protein of ZEB1, was observed in hESCs during differentiation into endodermal and mesodermal lineages, respectively. These results indicate that miR-200 family has an important role in determining the cell fate between endodermal and mesodermal lineages from the pluripotent state.
Cadherins ; Down-Regulation ; Endoderm ; Endothelial Cells ; Hepatocytes ; Human Embryonic Stem Cells* ; Humans ; Humans* ; In Vitro Techniques* ; Mesoderm ; MicroRNAs

BACKGROUND: To develop surrogate insulin-producing cells for diabetes therapy, adult stem cells have been identified in various tissues and studied for their conversion into β-cells. Pancreatic progenitor cells are derived from the endodermal epithelium and formed in a manner similar to gut progenitor cells. Here, we generated insulin-producing cells from the intestinal epithelial cells that induced many of the specific pancreatic transcription factors using adenoviral vectors carrying three genes: PMB (pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 [Pdx1], V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A [MafA], and BETA2/NeuroD). METHODS: By direct injection into the intestine through the cranial mesenteric artery, adenoviruses (Ad) were successfully delivered to the entire intestine. After virus injection, we could confirm that the small intestine of the mouse was appropriately infected with the Ad-Pdx1 and triple Ad-PMB. RESULTS: Four weeks after the injection, insulin mRNA was expressed in the small intestine, and the insulin gene expression was induced in Ad-Pdx1 and Ad-PMB compared to control Ad-green fluorescent protein. In addition, the conversion of intestinal cells into insulin-expressing cells was detected in parts of the crypts and villi located in the small intestine. CONCLUSION: These data indicated that PMB facilitate the differentiation of mouse intestinal cells into insulin-expressing cells. In conclusion, the small intestine is an accessible and abundant source of surrogate insulin-producing cells.
Adenoviridae ; Adult Stem Cells ; Animals ; Endoderm ; Epithelial Cells ; Epithelium ; Fibrosarcoma ; Gene Expression ; Genes, Homeobox ; Insulin ; Intestine, Small* ; Intestines ; Mesenteric Arteries ; Mice* ; Oncogenes ; RNA, Messenger ; Stem Cells ; Transcription Factors

iPS cells are derived from somatic cells via transduction and expression of selective transcription factors. Both viral-integrating (like retroviral) and non-integrating (like, mRNA or protein-based) techniques are available for the production of iPS cells. In the field of dentistry, iPS cells have been derived from stem cells of apical papilla, dental pulp stem cells, and stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth, gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and buccal mucosa fibroblasts. iPS cells have the potential to differentiate into all derivatives of the 3 primary germ layers i.e. ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. They are autogeneically accessible, and can produce patient-specific or disease-specific cell lines without the issue of ethical controversy. They have been successfully tested to produce mesenchymal stem cells-like cells, neural crest-like cells, ameloblasts-like cells, odontoblasts-like cells, and osteoprogenitor cells. These cells can aid in regeneration of periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, cementum, dentin-pulp complex, as well as possible Biotooth formation. However certain key issues like, epigenetic memory of iPS cells, viral-transduction, tumorgenesis and teratoma formation need to be overcome, before they can be successfully used in clinical practice. The article discusses the sources, pros and cons, and current applications of iPS cells in dentistry with an emphasis on encountered challenges and their solutions.
Cell Line ; Dental Cementum ; Dental Papilla ; Dentistry* ; Ectoderm ; Endoderm ; Epigenomics ; Fibroblasts ; Germ Layers ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ; Memory ; Mesoderm ; Mouth Mucosa ; Periodontal Ligament ; Regeneration ; RNA, Messenger ; Stem Cells ; Teratoma ; Tooth, Deciduous ; Transcription Factors

Human embryology is the study of development from a single cell to a baby in 9 months. Implantation occurs at the end of the first week of development. The second week of development is known as the week of 2's. Gastrulation, the most characteristic event occurring in the third week, establishes three germ layers composed of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The three germ layers and neural crest cells lead to the development of their own tissues and organs during the embryonic period, which extends from the third to the eighth week. Major congenital malformations occur in the embryonic period. The fetal period, from the third month to the day of birth, is the time for maturation of tissues and organs, and growth of the body. Because of the close relationship between embryology and congenital abnormalities, knowledge of human development is essential to assess the effects on the embryo when the mother has been exposed to teratogens. This paper briefly reviews the normal embryonic development and associated congenital malformation.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Ectoderm ; Embryology ; Embryonic Development* ; Embryonic Structures* ; Endoderm ; Female ; Gastrulation ; Germ Layers ; Human Development ; Humans* ; Mesoderm ; Mothers ; Neural Crest ; Neurulation ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Teratogens

Bone marrow (BM) has been considered as a reservoir of stem/progenitor cells which are able to differentiate into ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal origins in vitro as well as in vivo. Following adequate stimulation, such as granulocyte stimulating factor (G-CSF) or AMD3100, BM resident stem/progenitor cells (BMSPCs) can be mobilized to peripheral blood. Several host-related factors are known to participate in this mobilization process. In fact, a significant number of donors are resistant to G-CSF induced mobilization protocols. AMD3100 is currently used in combination with G-CSF. However, information regarding host-related factors which may influence the AMD3100 directed mobilization is extremely limited. In this study, we were to get some more knowledge on the host-related factors that affect the efficiency of AMD3100 induced mobilization by employing in vivo mobilization experiments. As a result, we found that C57BL/6J mice are more sensitive to AMD3100 but less sensitive to G-CSF which promotes the proliferation of BMSPCs. We excluded S1P as one of the host related factor which influences AMD3100 directed mobilization because pre-treatment of S1P receptor antagonist FTY720 did not inhibit BMSPC mobilization. Further in vitro experiments revealed that BALB/c mice, compared to C57BL/6J mice, have less BMSPCs which migrate in response to host related factors such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and to CXCL12. We conclude that AMD3100-directed mobilization depends on the number of BMSPCs rather than on the host-related factors. These results suggest that the combination of AMD3100 and G-CSF is co-operative and is optimal for the mobilization of BMSPCs.
Animals ; Bone Marrow* ; Ectoderm ; Endoderm ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Granulocytes ; Humans ; Mesoderm ; Mice* ; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid ; Tissue Donors ; Fingolimod Hydrochloride

This report describes a rare case of primary rectal mature teratoma in a 56-year-old woman. She was referred to the outpatient clinic with a large pedunculated rectal mass, which was found during a regular health check-up. Polypectomy was performed and microscopic findings showed various structures derived from all three germ cell layers. Epidermis, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, eccrine glands, and apocrine sweat glands, with some scattered melanophages and lymphocytes were present as ectodermal derivatives. Smooth muscle fibers, blood vessels, and fibrous and adipose tissues were found as mesodermal derivatives. In addition, thyroid follicles, mucinous glands, and bronchial respiratory epithelium with peribronchial glands were detected as endodermal derivatives. She is healthy and has shown no evidence of recurrence or distant metastasis for 25 months post-surgical resection. Primary rectal teratomas are generally benign and primarily affect women. Therefore, minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as endoscopic polypectomy for a pedunculated polyp and segmentectomy for a larger mass, are satisfactory in most cases. Induction of primary rectal teratomas has been suggested to occur mainly by errors in a single germ cell after the end of meiosis I; in addition, it has also been suggested that the difference in gender incidence may be associated with differences in sex chromosomes between males and females rather than with anatomical proximity between ovary and rectum.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Blood Vessels ; Dermoid Cyst ; Eccrine Glands ; Ectoderm ; Endoderm ; Epidermis ; Female ; Germ Cells ; Hair Follicle ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymphocytes ; Male ; Mastectomy, Segmental ; Meiosis ; Mesoderm ; Middle Aged ; Mucins ; Muscle, Smooth ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Ovary ; Polyps ; Rectum ; Recurrence ; Respiratory Mucosa ; Sebaceous Glands ; Sex Chromosomes ; Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive ; Sweat Glands ; Teratoma* ; Thyroid Gland

Most ectopic sebaceous glands have been reported in the organs of ectodermal origin such as the lips, oral cavity, salivary glands, nipples, palms & soles, and genitals. Ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus are extremely rare conditions, because esophagus is an organ of endodermal origin. Whether the histogenesis of these lesions are embryological misplacement or acquired metaplasia remains unclear. We report a case of ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy, with a brief review of the histogenesis. This case was followed up after 1 year. There were no significant changes, but the lesions had increased slightly in number compared with the last examination. When the number of lesions increase as in our case, acquired metaplasia is the most likely cause.
Biopsy ; Ectoderm ; Endoderm ; Esophagus ; Lip ; Metaplasia ; Mouth ; Nipples ; Salivary Glands ; Sebaceous Glands

Most ectopic sebaceous glands have been reported in the organs of ectodermal origin such as the lips, oral cavity, salivary glands, nipples, palms & soles, and genitals. Ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus are extremely rare conditions, because esophagus is an organ of endodermal origin. Whether the histogenesis of these lesions are embryological misplacement or acquired metaplasia remains unclear. We report a case of ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy, with a brief review of the histogenesis. This case was followed up after 1 year. There were no significant changes, but the lesions had increased slightly in number compared with the last examination. When the number of lesions increase as in our case, acquired metaplasia is the most likely cause.
Biopsy ; Ectoderm ; Endoderm ; Esophagus ; Lip ; Metaplasia ; Mouth ; Nipples ; Salivary Glands ; Sebaceous Glands

Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly that arises from the failure of the dorsal pancreatic bud of endodermal cells to form the body and tail of the pancreas and can manifest as diabetes. A 24-year-old man, who had been treated with insulin for 7 years, presented with epigastric pain, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Abdominal computed tomography showed only the head of the pancreas without visualization of the pancreatic body and tail. Left renal agenesis and absence of the left vertebral pedicle in T12 were also observed. The duct of Santorini and the duct in the body and tail were not visible in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The associated anomalies reported here are very rare globally. We report a case of complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas with multiple congenital abnormalities and diabetes mellitus.
Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diarrhea ; Endoderm ; Head ; Humans ; Insulin ; Kidney ; Kidney Diseases ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Vomiting ; Young Adult