Purpose To investigate the development of embryonic stem cells (ESC)in the subretinal space． Methods ESC were cultivated in suspension for 4 days till they developed into cell aggregates,i.e.embryonic body(EB).ESC as well as EB combined with or without RA were respectively transplanted into vitreous cavity and subretina1 space in SD rats,and the subretinal transplanted eyes,transient ischemia-reperfusion injuries were made by ligating the ophthalmic artery for 40 seconds before the transplantation .The experimental eyes were enucleated for histological and immunohistochemical assays after 14～28 d. Results The EB was found to develope into photoreceptors induced by RA in the subretinal space under an ischemia-reperfusion condition，and EB transplantation without RA induction induced multiple differentiations in the subretinal space.The single injection of RA without EB induced hyperplasia of the neural retinal cells.ESC transplanted into vitreous cavity rapidly proliferated and developed into atypical hyperplastic mass. Conclusion EB derived from ESC can differentiate into photoreceptors induced by RA in the host subretinal space under an ischemia-reperfusion condition. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2000，16：213-284)
Purpose To investigate the characteristics of intraocular growth of mice embryonic stem cells (ESC) in nude mice. Methods The undifferentiated murine ESC in vitro were transplanted into the eyes of nude mice.Mophological and immunohistochemical examinations were implemented. Results Two to three days after transplantation,yellowish-white granules and masses were seen inside the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity and enlarged gradually.Morphological examination showed that there were undifferentiated cells and differentiated cells in anterior chamber and vitreous cavity.The morphology and alignment of some differentiated cells were similar to those of the retina of nude mice.The cells were highly positive in NSE staining. Conclusion The transplanted ESC could grow in the eyes of nude mice and differentiate into neurons and retina-like structure. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2000，16：213-284)
Objective To investigate the latest development of tissue engineeredregenerative medicine in industrialization, with the intention to direct work in practical area. Methods A complete insight of regenerative medicine in industrialization was obtained through referring to update publications, visiting related websites, as well as learning from practical experience. Results The aerial view of the future of regenerative medicine was got based on knowledge of four different tissue engineering projects. Conclusion All present efforts should be devoted to regenerative medicine area meeting the industrialized trends.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an age-related neurodegenerative eye disease characterized by degeneration and progressive death of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells. In recent years, as a new treatment for AMD, stem cell therapy has attracted wide attention in the field of AMD, and has become a current research hotspot. Although stem cell therapy carries risks such as increased incidence of cancer and immune rejection, it significantly promotes damaged photoreceptor cells and retinal cells by differentiating into RPE cells and other retinal cell types, as well as secreting neurotrophic factors and extracellular vesicles. In particular, the development of embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cells, its cryopreservation technology and the advancement of plasmid, adeno-associated virus, Sendai virus and other delivery technologies have laid a solid foundation for stem cell therapy of AMD. As a new method to prevent retinal damage and photoreceptor degeneration, stem cell neuroprotective therapy has shown great potential, and with the continuous maturity and improvement of these technologies, stem cell therapy is expected to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of AMD in the future.
Objective To study the effect of different types of supernatants fluid of retinal cells on the physiological function of neuron cells derived from embryonic stem cells. Methods Embryonic bodies were sub-induced by retinoic acid (group A), retinoic acid with the supernatant fluid of retinal glia cells and neurons of mouse (group B), retinoic acid with the supernatant fluid of fetal retinal glia cells (group C), respectively. The Sodium ion channels on the cytomembrane in the 3 groups were analyzed 5-21 days after the inducement. Results The sodium current in each group didn't change much 5-21 days after the inducement. The sodium channels presented burst-opening discharge in group A, brief-opening discharge in group B, and long-opening discharge in group C. The percentage of the cells without current in group A, B and C was 25%, 11.4%, and 23.8%, respectively, but the difference was not significant among the 3 groups(Pgt;0.05). The number of cells with sodium current increased at first and decreased later in group A, continuously increased in group B, and decreased at first and kept stable later in group C. The open time of sodium channels was the longest in group A, and the shortest in group B. The distribution of open time in the three groups could be managed with two-step exponential fit. Conclusion The supernatant fluid of retinal cells has apparent influence on the physiological function of the neuron cells derived from embryonic stem cells. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2007, 23: 91-93)
Urine-derived stem cells are a kind of cells with strong proliferative ability and multi-directional differentiation characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from urine. Urine-derived stem cells are derived from the kidney and express mesenchymal stem cell-specific antigens; experimental studies have shown that they can differentiate into a variety of cells such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, bone cells, nerve cells, etc., and have the function of promoting tissue repair. A review of the research progress of urinary stem cells is now available.
Objective To review the application advancements of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter in medical research.Methods Relevant literatures about the applications of ABC families in medical research were reviewed. Results ABC families mainly took roles in transporting substances across cell membrane. Some of them were useful for the prediction of drug resistance and the prognosis of malignant tumors. Others were target s for molecular researches. Their expressions or mutations might be related with the occurrence of diseases. Conclusion ABC families are very important in the diagnosis and therapy for diseases. Thus they are very promising tools for future medical research.
ObjectiveTo summarize the applications of Schwann cells (SCs), stem cells, and genetically modified cells (GMCs) in repair of peripheral nerve defects. MethodsThe literature of original experimental study and clinical research related with SCs, stem cells, and GMCs was reviewed and analyzed. ResultsSCs play a key role in repair of peripheral nerve defects; the stem cells can be induced to differentiate into SCs, which can be implanted into nerve conduits to promote the repair of peripheral nerve defect; genetically modified technology can enhance the function of SCs and different stem cells, which has been regarded as a new option for tissue engineered nerve. ConclusionAlthough great progress has been made in tissue engineered nerve recently, mostly limited to the experimental stage. The research of seed cells in application of tissue engineered nerve need be studied deeply.
Objective To review the advance in the experimental studies of microRNA(miRNA) and the relationship between miRNA and stem cells. Methods The related literature was reviewed, and the research findings of miRNA and stem cell were summarized. Results miRNA was noncoding small RNA (20-25 nt) involved in posttranscriptional change, that have been shown to regulate gene expressions. Ithas been reported that some kinds of miRNAs were likely important regulators forstem cells maintaining their state of selfrenewal，and play key roles in theirdifferentiation. Conclusion miRNA as regulation of gene expressions, can be served as a new way for stem cells research.
Objective To review the status and appl ication prospect in repair of spinal cord injury by stem cells. Methods The related articles in recent years were extensively reviewed, the biological characteristics of stem cells, the experimental and cl inical studies on repair of spinal cord injury by stem cells, the mechanism of the therapy and the problem were discussed and analyzed. Results The foundational and cl inical study indicated that the great advance was made in repair of spinal cord injury, the stem cells could immigrate in the spinal cord, and differentiate into neuron and secrete neurotrophic factors. So it could promote the repair effects. Conclusion Repair of spinal cord injury by stem cells is an effective therapystrategy, but many problems remain to be resolved.