Harvesting, Isolation and Differentiation of Rat Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is one of the most attractive sources of stem cells because it can be easily harvested and yields a greater stromal cell density. The multilineage potential of adiposederived stem cells (ADSCs) demonstrates their significant impact within the field of tissue engineering, with studies successfully demonstrating the ability to produce a range of tissue types. However, although a broad spectrum of applications has already been suggested, many important scientific and medical questions remain unanswered before the clinical application of ADSCs in humans. Importantly, clarification of the biology and identification of the differences of ADSCs from various areas of the body is required. In this continuous endeavor, research in rat models plays an important role in the development of new knowledge. METHODS: A literature review was done to summarize all information regarding harvesting, isolation, expansion, cryopreservation and differentiation of rat ADSCs. A Wistar rat model was also used to describe harvesting sites of adipose tissue, and to characterize the ADSCs using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and phase contrast microscopy. AIMS: To discuss all relevant considerations for harvesting, culture, differentiation and phenotypic characterization of ADSCs, to provide a comprehensive roadmap of this process, to identify the differences between ADSCs obtained from various adipose tissues of the rat, and to provide FT-IR spectroscopy marker bands that could be used as fingerprints to differentiate the types of adipose tissues.

Spondylodiscitis revisited.

Spondylodiscitis may involve the vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, paravertebral structures and spinal canal, with potentially high morbidity and mortality rates.A rise in the susceptible population and improved diagnosis have increased the reported incidence of the disease in recent years.Blood cultures, appropriate imaging and biopsy are essential for diagnosis and treatment.Most patients are successfully treated by conservative means; however, some patients may require surgical treatment.Surgical indications include doubtful diagnosis, progressive neurological deficits, progressive spinal deformity, failure to respond to treatment, and unresolved pain. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:447-461. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160062.

Giant cell tumor of bone revisited.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a locally aggressive benign neoplasm that is associated with a large biological spectrum ranging from latent benign to highly recurrent and occasionally metastatic malignant bone tumor. It accounts for 4-10% of all bone tumors and typically affects the meta-epiphyseal region of long bones of young adults. The most common site involved is the distal femur, followed by the distal radius, sacrum, and proximal humerus. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific and may include local pain, swelling, and limited range of motion of the adjacent joint. Radiographs and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the imaging modalities of choice for diagnosis. Surgical treatment with curettage is the optimal treatment for local tumor control. A favorable clinical outcome is expected when the tumor is excised to tumor-free margins, however, for periarticular lesions this is usually accompanied with a suboptimal functional outcome. Local adjuvants have been used for improved curettage, in addition to systematic agents such as denosumab, bisphosphonates, or interferon alpha. This article aims to discuss the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, and treatments for GCT of bone.