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BACKGROUND:Placental mesenchymal stem cel s with rich sources are similar to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s in terms of morphology, surface markers and differentiation potential, which are one of ideal mesenchymal stem cel s in human body. However, there are few studies addressing the ultrastructure and phagocytotic function of human placental mesenchymal stem cel s and its physiological role in the the placenta has been little explored. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the ultrastrcture and phagocytotic function of placental mesenchymal stem cel s. METHODS:Placental mesenchymal stem cel s obtained from five placentae of normal pregnancy were cultured in vitro and observed for ultrastructure under transmission electron microscope. The fluorescent beads were added in the supernatant for 3 hours, and then the phagocytosis of placental mesenchymal stem cel s was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Under the transmission electron microscope, placental mesenchymal stem cel s had large nuclei with prominent nucleoli. In the cytoplasm, a plenty of rough endoplasmic reticula was seen, dilated or stacked. The cytoplasm was also rich in Golgi apparatus and lysosomes. The cel surfaces were covered by microvil i. The intercel ular junctions could be seen occasional y. A part of cel s from these five samples could phagocytose fluorescence beads, which ranged from 49.6%to 18.4%. The ultrastructural characteristics of placental mesenchymal stem cel s suggested these cel s were active to synthesize and secrete proteins and had phagocytotic function, indicating placental mesenchymal stem cel s may play a role in keeping the balance of micro-environments and clean the foreign substances in the placenta.
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BACKGROUND:Numerous studies have confirmed that neovascularization plays an important role in the growth, invasion and metastasis of tumors. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the features of CD133+ ovarian cancer stem-like cels differentiating into vascular endothelial cels. METHODS:CD133+ ovarian cancer stem-like cels were successfuly harvested from A2780 ovarian cancer cel lines using serum-free culture method, and incubatedin vitro onto 96-wel plates with or without Matrigel. Then, we observed the capacity of CD133+ ovarian cancer stem-like cels and human umbilical vein endothelial cels to form tube-like structures at different time points. Through xenograft experiments, the role of CD133+ ovarian cancer stem-like cels in the angiogenesis of ovarian cancer was observed using immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:CD133+ovarian cancer stem-like cels and human umbilical vein endothelial cels cultured with no Matrigel had no corresponding lumen formation, and could not express CD31. But those cultured with Matrigel had lumen formation and expressed CD31 significantly. After tumor formation, human-derived CD31 expression was observed in the tumors. These findings indicate that CD133+ ovarian cancer stem-like cels can differentiate into vascular endothelial cels, and be involved in tumor revascularization.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between HSD11B2 polymorphisms and fetal growth during normal pregnancy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The HSD11B2 promoter/G-209A, G-194C, G-151A and G-126A genotypes were examined in 33 samples from Chinese Han subjects by gene sequencing. HSD11B2 (CA)n microsatellite polymorphism in the first intron was detected in blood samples from 187 maternal and newborn pairs by PCR-capillary electrophoresis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the HSD11B2 promoter/G-209A, G-194C, G-151A and G-126A genotypes were wild-type GG. The offspring birth weight and any ultrasound parameters describing late gestational fetal body shape were not significantly different between maternal or fetal SS, SL and LL groups or combined SS+SL and LL groups. When considering the relevant confounding factors (gestational age at delivery, newborn's gender, maternal body mass index before pregnancy, maternal weight at delivery and maternal age), the offspring birth weight and late pregnancy ultrasound parameters were still not associated with the maternal or fetal HSD11B2 (CA) n microsatellite polymorphisms.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Fetal and maternal HSD11B2 polymorphism is not related to fetal growth during normal pregnancy.</p>
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Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 , Genetics , Birth Weight , Body Mass Index , Fetal Development , Genetics , Genotype , Gestational Age , Polymorphism, Genetic , Promoter Regions, GeneticABSTRACT
Objective To compare the effects of resuscitation at pure oxygen environment(100% oxygen) or room air environment (21% oxygen) on the uhrastructure of cerebral cortical neurons in hypoxic neonatal rat.Methods Twenty Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats aged 7 days were divided into the pure oxygen environment (POE) and room air environment groups (RAE) after hypoxia,and each group was divided again into 24 h and 72 h subgroups.The pups were placed in an incubator containing 8% O_2 to be at acute hypoxia continued for 2.5 h.The pups were reoxygenated immediately after the above mentioned hypoxia.The pups of POE group were then placed in an incubator containing 100% oxygen and the flow time was 30 rain.The pups of RAE group were reoxygenated with room air in an incubator for 30 rain.According to the planned time points the pups were sacrificed and the brain was removed at 24 h and 72 h after treatment,respectively.The tissue of frontoparietal cortex of the fight cerebral hemisphere was prepared for transmission electron microscopic examination.Results In each reoxygenation group,edema was found in the neurons,neuropil and intercellular space.In the RAE 24 h group,the nuclear membrane in neurons was unclear,the amount of cell organelles was reduced,the mitochondria were swollen with damages of cristae.The rough endoplasmic reticulum was dilatated or vaeuolized and with reduction of ribosomes.The Golgi complex was vacuolized.The number of lysosomes was obviously increased.In the RAE 72 h groups,the changes were similar to those of the former group,but apoptotic-like nuclei and necrotic neurons were more frequently seen. The cellular damages of POE 24 h group were milder than those of RAE 24 h group. The mitochondria and rough endoplasmie reticulum were more abundant and showed less pathological changes in the POE 72 h group as compared with those of RAE 72 h group. Conclusion The rats of POE reoxygenation display milder ultrastructural damages, less apoptosis, necrosis and edema in cerebral neurons than those in rats after RAE reoxygenation.The protective effect of POE resuscitation on cerebral damage of hypoxic neonate rats is superior to that after RAE resuscitation. This hypoxic neonatal rat model may serve as a suitable animal model for research on cerebral cortex neurons caused by hypoxia.
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BACKGROUND:Cytotrophoblasts in placental cell components plays an important role in fetal immunological tolerance.Placental mesenchymal stem cells(pMSCs)have potential of multiple differentiation and inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.However,conventional methods cannot acquire a large amount of purified human cytotrophoblasts or pMSCs.OBJECTIVE:To establish a method to obtain large placenta tissue,and harvest plenty of cytotrophoblasts and pMSCs with high purity and activity.METHODS:Human placenta tissues were dissected,minced,and dissociated in trypsin and DNAse I.The dissociation was performed in three stages of incubation at 180 r/min for 20 minutes at 37 ℃ The digesting suspension was filtered using a 200 mesh strainer before separated by Percoll gradients.The cytotrophoblast cells and pMSCs fractions were collected respectively.Fibroblasts of cytotrophoblast cells fraction were removed by differential adhesion.The pMSCs were seeds on 75-cm2 flask directly for culture.The dissociation of placenta tissue was observed.The number of harvesting cytotrophoblasts was quantified and Cytokeratin 7 expression was tested.The pMSCs primary culture time,cell passage,induced osteoblast differentiation were observed.The cell surface makers were also detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After digesting in trypsin and DNAse I,there was only little residue left.(5.48±1,98)×10~8 cytotrophoblasts were obtained after differential adhesion.(90±4.36)% of these cells were positive for Cytokeratin 7.At 19-21 days after pMSCs reached approximately 90% confluency,the cell number was(1.96±0.24)×10~6.The subcultre cells could be passaged again in 4 or 5 days.Flow cytometric analysis of pMSCs showed that the cells expressed CD29,CD44 and HLA-ABC intensively and were negative for CD34,CD45,CD14 and HLA-DR.pMSCs differentiated into osteoblast-like cells after induction,which stained bright salmon pink by Alizarin Red.Dissociating the placenta tissue in trypsin and DNAse I in combination with discontinuous Percoll gradient separation obtained a large number of cytotrophoblasts and pMSCs recovered from placenta tissue,with high purity and activity.
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Objective To study the expression of Survivin protein and its relation with the expression of Bcl-2, Bax in the tropho- blasts of human normal placenta. Methods The normal placental tissues (8 -9week ,18-23 week and 37-40week) were fixed, embed- ded, sectioned, and Survivin, Bcl-2, and Bax in the trophoblasts were detected with immunnohistochemistry. Result As the gestational age advanced , the staining intensity of Survivin in the trophoblasts was significantly decreased from the first trimester group to the second trimes- ter group to the term group (PU value: 11.74±0.8,9.95±0.43,8. 83 ~ O. 67, respectively, P <0.01 ), while the staining intensity of Bcl-2 and Bax in trophoblast was significantly increased (PU value of Bcl-2 : 4.33±0.60, 5.00±0.75,6.87±0.45, respectively, P<0.01 and PU value of Bax: 9.82±1.12,16.00±1.05,27.48±2.10, respectively, P <0.01 ). Expression of Survivin in trophoblasts has no rela- tionship with the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax (P>0.05 ). Conclusion Survivin may take part in the development of human normal pla- centa through the way of suppressing the apoptesis in trophoblasts. Expression of Survivin in trophoblasts has no relationship with the expres- sion of Bcl-2 and Bax, which indicate that they regulate apoptesis of trophoblasts via different biological pathways.
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Objective To develope both qualitative and quantitative analytic method of the four urinary markers,i.e.lactate,uracil,orotate and hippurate,from ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency(OTCD) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(GC-MS).Methods Urea in urine samples was decomposed with urease,and heptadecanoiate was added as internal standard,then protein was denatured with ethanol and removed by centrifugation.After evaporation,the residue was derivatized trimethylsilylly by BSTFA/TMCS,and analyzed by GC-MS.ResultsThe markers can be separated in total ion current profiles,with indentifications confirmed by mass spectra.The significantly elevated levels of lactate,uracil and orotate in urine from OTCD patient were droped to normal or subnormal levels,together with large amount of hippurate excretion in the urine,after clinical therapeutic measures,including introduction of benzoic acid,were performed.Conclusion GC-MS analysis of the urinary markers is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of the therapeutic outcome of OTCD.
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Abstract Studying the fine structure of the human fetal cndometrinm, we found simple and complex nuclear bodies in the epithelium.The estrogenic stimulation can enhance the formation and conversion of simplex nuclear bodies into complex nuclear bodies. Since the maternal estrogen and progesterone can enter the fetal blood stream through the placenta, we suppose that the formation of complex nuclear bodies in the fetal endometrial epithelium may be due to the stimulation of the maternal estrogen. The rRNA synthesized by complex nuclear bodies can elevate the protein synthesis for the cell proliferation of the endometrial epithelium.Because the formation of nuclear bodies can be prevented by progesteronic stimn tion, the presence of nuclear bodies in fetal endometrial epithelium may be related to the relative concentration of estrogen and progesterone circulating in the fetal blood stream and to the n mer of their receptors in the epithelium.
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On studying the morphology of spiral arteries in the human placental bed, we found, both in normal term pregnancy and in prolonged pregnancy, there are not only physiological changes such as invasion of trophoblastic cells, disappearance of smooth cells and elastic tissues, but also infiltration of erythrocytes and presence of foam cells in the vessel wall. Since the foam cells are found morphologically very similer to some trophoblastic cells and since the trophoblastic cells have phagocytotic function, we assume that the foam cells may originate from the trophoblastic cells.Besides, we found frequently also thrombosis, thickening of intima and infiltration of abundant erythrocytes in the uterine spiral arteries of prolonged pregnancy. Since these phenomena can diminish blood supply to the placenta, we suppose that they are the main factors leading to placental senescence and to decline in placental functions.
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The fine structure of the cells in connective tissue of the human fetal membranes at full term of normal pregancy was examined by electron microscopy. In addition to fibroblasts and Hofbauer's cells,the connective tissue of human fetal membranes contains numerous myofibroblasts.Since the myofibroblasts are able to contract similarly to smooth muscle cells,we suggest that they could contribute, along with the microfibrils which possess elastic property,to the protection of fetal membranes from over distension.
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Freeze-fracture technique was used to study the tight junctions in the glandular epithelium of normal human endometrium at different phases of the menstrual cycle. The tight junctions were consisted of a few strands and extended less deeply along the lateral plasma membrane during the early proliferative phase of the cycle.The number of strands, but not the depth of the tight junctions, significantly increased (P0.05) during the late proliferative phase and early secretory phase as compared to the mid-proliferative phase. During the midsecretory phase, the number of strands as well as tight junctional depth significantly increased(P
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Objective To investigate the effects of mifepristone on the ultrastructure of Hofbauer cells in human early pregnant placenta. Methods Twenty 6-9 week pregnant women with indications of pregnancy termination were recruited and randomlied to mifepristone (n=10) and D & C group (n=10).Villi were collected and studied with transmission electron microscope. Results In comparison with the control group,the ultrastructure of Hofbauer cells of mifepristone group showed the following changes: the cells were markedly edematous. The number of cytoplasmic processes of Hofbauer cells deceased obviously. In the cytoplasm of Hofbauer cells,the size of vacuoles enlarged and of mitochondrias minimized.Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex were under-developed.Lysosomes were rare.The nuclei enlarged and showed irregular shape. Conclusions Mifepristone may change the phagocytosis'water and electrolyte transportation and immunological function of Hofbauer cells by influencing the ultrastructure of the Hofbauer cells.Therefore it can influence the development of pregnancy.
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AIM: To investigate the apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax expression in the early follicles of women at reproductive age. METHODS: 12 ovarian specimens were collected from reproductive women (aged 23-38 years) undergoing gynaecological operation. Histopathological examination of these specimens was performed to confirm its' morphological normalities. Using TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling) assay and immunohistochemistry method, cell apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax expression were examined in the early follicles including mainly primordial, intermediary and primary follicles. RESULTS: 18.75% of the oocytes were found TUNEL positive in the early follicles, but no granulosa cells in these follicles were found TUNEL positive. Bax expression was detected in 76.07% of the oocytes in the early follicles, but Bcl-2 expression was negative in these oocytes. In addition, Bcl-2/Bax expression were not present in the granulosa cells in early follicles. CONCLUSION: The oocyte apoptosis occurs in the early follicles of reproductive woman, and pro-apoptotic protein Bax may play a role in regulating this process. It suggests that Bax mediated oocyte apoptosis may be the molecular mechanism of the early follicle atresia in the ovaries of reproductive woman. [
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AIM: To investigate the influence of mifepristone on ultrastucture of human endometrium in the early secretory phase. METHODS: Endometrial tissue was obstained from 10 patients of reproductive age, who underwent a hysterectomy within 1 week postovulatory for gynecologic diseases not involving the endometrium. Patients were divided into mifepristone group ( n =5) and control group ( n =5) randomly. Each patient in the mifepristone group had taken 25 mg mifepristone per os 24 h before the operation was performed, while none of the control group had taken mifepristone. After removal of uterus, endometrial tissue was immediately acquired and prepared for electron microscopic examination. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, the endometrial tissue in mifepristone group displayed the following distinctly morphological changes: (1) In the endometrial epithelium neither nucleolar channel system nor giant mitochondrium was seen, and subnuclear glycogen accumulation was seldom observed, but giant lysosomes were frequently found. (2) The intercellular spaces of the epithelium were narrow and straight, the indigitations of lateral plasma membranes were rarely visible. (3) Cytolysis and karyopyknosis of stroma cells and extravasal red cells were repeatedly observed. CONCLUSION: The above mentioned morphological changes in endometrium in the early secretory phase caused by mifepristone are undoubtedly sufficient to prevent implantation. Consequently, mifepristone may have a contraception effect.
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AIM: To investigate the effect of mifepristone on natural killer(NK) subpopulations of peripheral blood and decidua in early pregnancy. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD56 and CD16 on lymphocytes of decidua and peripheral blood in early pregnancy, mifepristone-treated pregnancy. RESULTS: The percentages of different natural killer subsets in peripheral blood between early pregnancy and mifepristone-treated pregnancy were almost identical. The serum levels of estradiol and progesterone in mifepristone-treated pregnancy were slightly higher than in early pregnancy. The percentage of decidual CD56+NK cell in early pregnancy was significantly higher than in mifepristone-treated pregnancy. The CD56+NK cells were predominant lymphocyte population of decidua in mifepristone-treated pregnancy, but in which the CD56+CD16+ and CD16+NK cells were major lymphocyte subpopulations of peripheral blood. CONCLUSION: Mifepristone acted principally on feto-maternal interface, it blocked the proliferation and differentiation of decidual CD56+NK cells and induced embryo immune rejection.
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AIM: The purpose of this study was to explore the expression of estrogen receptor(ER) and progesterone receptor(PR) mRNA in endometrium of rats with endometriosis. METHODS: The rat model of endometriosis was established, and the expression of ER, PR mRNA in the endometrium was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The expression of ER and PR mRNA in ectopic endometrium was significantly lower than that in eutopic and normal endometrium (P
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0.05). The staining intensity of Smad4 in follicles changed in relation with their development. Its expression in oocytes of antral and mature follicles was significantly decreased, as compared to that of preantral follicles (P0.05). The RT-PCR demonstrated that Smad4 mRNA was expressed in all developmental stages of the rat ovary, and from the 3rd week on, the expression of Smad4 mRNA was significant higher than that of the 1 day postnatal. CONCLUSION: The expression of protein and mRNA of Smad4 in the rat ovary indicate that TGF-?_s may regulate the folliculogenesis by Smad signal transduction model.
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AIM: To investigate the effects of Xiaochaihutang (XCH), a Chinese medicine, and danazol on angiogenesis factor and microvessel density (MVD) of endometriosis (EM). METHODS: EM rats were treated with XCH, Danazol (D), and XCH plus D (group S) for 4 weeks, respectively. The histomorphology and volumes of ectopic endometrium were observed, the amount of macrophages in peritoneal fluid of EM model rats was counted, the concentration of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?) of EM model rats in serum, peritoneal fluid, and supernate of cultured macrophages were measured. In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected in ectopic endometrium by immunohistochemical SABC technique, MVD was determined by immunostaining for CD34. Similar studies were performed in rats without treatment (U group) and another group with sham operation (C). RESULTS: Compared with U group, XCH group, D group, and S group displayed a significant atrophy of ectopic endometrium, reduced number of endometrial glands, decreased macrophage amounts and low concentrations of IL-8 and TNF-? in blood, peritoneal fluid, and supernate of cultured macrophages . The expression of VEGF and MVD of ectopic endometrium in U group were significantly higher than that of C group. After treatment, they all decreased significantly, especially in S group. CONCLUSIONS: Both XCH and danazol can affect angiogenesis of EM model rats, cause an obvious atrophy in ectopic endometrium. XCH in combination with danazol can enhance the inhibitory effect on angiogenesis of EM model rats.
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AIM and METHODS: The purpose of the study was to characterize the time-related effect of Danazol therapy on endometriosis explant using the rat model. Endometriosis was induced in mature female rats. One group of treated animals as well as controls were sacrificed at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks after treatment at which time the explant was evaluated. RESULTS: Explant volume was significantly reduced in all treatment groups, and the effect was more significant in animals treated for 4 weeks than those treated for only 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Danazol treatment can cause gradual regression of endometrial explant in a time-related manner.
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AIM: To establish a new human endometial carcinoma cell line for basic and clinical study. METHODS: The minced tumor tissues were inoculated subcutaneously into the back of nude mice. After forming solid tumor, the mice were killed and the transplant was taken out for primery culture. RESULTS: The established cell line was maintained by serial passages, named EAC. EAC cell line grew rapidly,steadily, and it had similar microscopic morphology to adenocarcinoma cell. Chromosome analysis reveal EAC chromosome counts ranging in hyperdiploid. The expression of ER, PR, P53, MDM2 were negative by SP immunohistochemistry. Tumorigenicity of EAC in nude mice was 100%. CONCLUSION: A new human endometrial carcinoma, EAC, is established successfully, which is helpful for the basic and clinical study of endometrial carcinoma.