Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells differentiate to osteoblast and chondroblast lineages upon incubation with conditioned media from dental pulp stem cell-derived osteoblasts and auricle cartilage chondrocytes.

The potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (ADSCs) to differentiate into either osteoblasts or chondrocytes is controversial. In this study we investigated the multicapacity potential of ADSCs to differentiate towards adipocyte, osteoblast, and chondrocyte lineages when cells are seeded onto plastic in comparison with incubation with conditioned media (CM) obtained from differentiated cell types.ADSCs, obtained from liposuctions, were characterized for mesenchymal and hematopoietic markers by cytofluorimetry. Their differentiation capacity towards adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes was investigated by histochemistry methods (Oil-Red-O staining, Safranin O and Alizarin Red staining, respectively). Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and dedifferentiated auricle derived-chondrocytes were differentiated towards osteoblastic and chondrocytic lineages respectively, and the CM obtained from these cultures was used to induce differentiation of ADSCs. ADSCs were positive for mesenchymal markers (CD29, CD105, CD73, CD44), but not for hematopoietic lineage markers (CD14, CD34, CD45) and this behavior was conserved from the isolation up to the fifth passage. While ADSCs were readily differentiated in adipocytes, they were not towards chondrocytes and osteoblastic lineages, a behavior different from that of bone marrow-derived MSCs that differentiated into the three lineages at two weeks post-induction. Only ADSCs treated with CM from cultured chondrocytes and DPSCs, produced glycosaminoglycans and mineralized matrix. These results indicate that ADSCs need growth/morphogenic factor supplementation from the tissue environment to be appropriately differentiated to mesodermic lineages.

Microsurgical treatment of injury to peripheral nerves in upper and lower limbs: a critical review of the last 8 years.

Nerve injuries to the upper and inferior limbs represent a common event due both to home and working accidents. Minor traumas can lead to severe disabilities if a wrong treatment is carried out. From 1997 to 2005, 920 patients were observed with a total of 1,200 major or minor nerves injuries operated. In 852 cases acute lesions treated. In 68 patients we reviewed old injuries. In 707 patients direct nerve suture and in 145 patients nerve grafts were carried out. One to 8 years follow up observed. Different protocols were adopted according to the injury: simple cut, complex lesion or surgical revision. Results were evaluated during the follow up period with different models: motor evaluation in six levels (BMRC), sensitive evaluation in five levels (HIGHET), and global evaluation with four grades (from the worst to the best result). Nerve healing is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by many parameters related both to the patient characteristics and nerve lesion. Functional and esthetical outcomes vary also according to: age, cultural and economic condition, health status, and smoking. Post operative rehabilitation is mandatory to obtain an acceptable functional result. Nerve injuries to the upper and inferior limbs represent a challenge for the microsurgeon. Ultimate success in nerve surgery is judged by functional as well as cosmetic parameters. Only patients with the appropriate indication should be operated and always by a skilled surgeon.