Coronary heart disease is a kind of heart disease that is caused by atherosclerosis.The lipid deposition in the vessel wall results in occlusion of coronary artery and stenosis, which could induce myocardial ischemia and oxygen deficiency. Intervention therapies like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary stent improve myocardial perfusion using catheter angioplasty to reduce stenosis and occlusion of coronary artery lumen. Accordingly, intervention therapies are widely applied in clinic to treat ischemic cardiovascular disease, arterial intima hyperplasia and other heart diseases, which could save the patients′ life rapidly and effectively. However, these interventions also damage the original endothelium, promote acute and subacute thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia, and thus induce in stent restenosis (ISR) eventually. Studies indicated that the rapid reendothelialization of damaged section determined postoperative effects. In this review, reendothelialization of implants after intervention therapy is discussed, including the resource of cells contributed on injured artery, the influences of implanted stents on hemodynamic, and the effects of damaged degree on reendothelialization.
Objective To evaluate effect of hypoxia condition (1% or 5% oxygen concentration) on proliferation, adhesion, migration, or viability ability of bone morrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Methods The bone marrow mononuclear cells of SD rat were acquired with density gradient centrifugation method. They were cultured, induced, and differentiated to the EPCs. Then they were cultured respectively in three different oxygen concentrations (1%, 5%, or 21%). On the 3rd day and the 7th day, the effects of the different oxygen concentrations (1%, 5%, or 21%) on the EPCs’ neovascularization characteristics (including proliferation, adhesion, migration, and viability abilities) were evaluated. Results Whether cultured for the 3rd day or 7th day, the proliferation, adhesion, migration, and viability abilities of the cultured cells in the 1% and 5% oxygen concentrations were significantly better than those of the cultured cells in the 21% oxygen concentration (all P<0.05). Except for the proliferation ability of the cultured cells in the 5% oxygen concentration was significantly better than that of the cultured cells in the 1% oxygen concentration (P<0.05) on the 3rd day, and the adhesion ability on the 3rd day and the proliferation ability on the 7th day had no significantly differences, the other abilities (adhesion, migration, and viability abilities) of the cultured cells in the 1% oxygen concentration were significantly better than those of the cultured cells in the 5% oxygen concentration (allP<0.05). Conclusion Different oxygen concentration has an effect on proliferation, adhesion, migration, or viability ability of bone morrow-derived EPCs, appropriate hypoxia condition (1% or 5% oxygen concentration ) can enhance these abilities.
Objective To examine the effect of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI). Methods Twenty-four recipients were randomized into 3 groups including a sham group, a LIRI group, and an EPC group. Rats in the sham group only received anesthesia. Rats in the LIRI and EPC groups received left lung transplantation and received saline or EPC immediately after reperfusion. The partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspiratory oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio, wet-to-dry weight ratio and protein levels in the transplanted lung and inflammation-related factors levels in serum were examined. Histological change of transplanted lung were analyzed. The nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the transplanted lung was detected. Results Compared with the LIRI group, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio dramaticly increased, and the wet-to-dry weight ratio and protein level significantly decreased by EPC after reperfusion. The lung histological injury was attenuated by EPC. The pro-inflammatory factors in serum were down-regulated, whereas IL-10 was up-regulated in the EPC group. The expression of NF-κB was decreased by EPC. Conclusion EPC ameliorated LIRI after lung transplantation. The protection of EPC partly associated with anti-inflammation.
Immobilization of CD34 antibody on ferroferric oxide magnetic nanoparticles was achieved by the traditional carboxyl-amine conjugation reaction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nanoparticle size analysis (dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope), and other testing methods were used to detect the surface modified magnetic nanoparticles. The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were cultured with the surface modified magnetic nanoparticles to evaluate cell compatibility and the combination effect of nanoparticles on EPCs in a short period of time. Directional guide of the surface modified magnetic nanoparticles to EPCs was evaluated under applied magnetic field and simulated dynamic flow condition. The results showed that the magnetic nanoparticles were successfully modified with CD34 antibody, which had good cell compatibility within a certain range of the nanoparticle concentrations. The surface modified nanoparticles can combine with EPCs effectively in a short time, and those nanoparticles combined EPCs can be directional guided under the magnetic field in the dynamic flow environment.
ObjectiveTo separate peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSC) and peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (PBEPC) from peripheral blood, and investigate the biological characteristics of composite cell sheets of PBMSC and PBEPC.MethodsThe peripheral blood of healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits was extracted and PBMSC and PBEPC were separated by density gradient centrifugation. Morphological observation and identification of PBMSC and PBEPC were performed. The 3rd generation of PBMSC and PBEPC were used to construct a composite cell sheet at a ratio of 1∶1, and the 3rd generation of PBMSC was used to construct a single cell sheet as control. The distributions of cells in two kinds of cell sheets were observed by HE staining. In addition, the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatants of cell sheets were observed by ELISA at 1, 5, and 10 days after osteogenic induction.ResultsThe morphology of PBMSC was spindle-shaped or polygonal, and PBMSC had good abilities of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The morphology of PBEPC was paved stone-like, and the tube-forming test of PBEPC was positive. Two kinds of cell sheets were white translucent. The results of HE staining showed that the composite cell sheet had more cell layers and higher cell density than the single cell sheet. The expressions of ALP, OCN, and VEGF in the supernatant of the two groups of cell sheets increased with the time of induction. The expression of OCN in the group of composite cell sheet was significantly higher than that in the group of single cell sheet on the 5th and 10th day, ALP on the 10th day was significantly higher than that in the group of single cell sheet, VEGF expression on the 1st, 5th, and 10th day was significantly higher than that in the group of single cell sheet, all showing significant differences (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05).ConclusionPBMSC have stable differentiation ability, and they have good application prospects because of their minimally invasive access. Composite cell membranes constructed by co-culture of two kinds of cells and induction of membrane formation provides a new idea and exploration for tissue defect repair.
ObjectiveBased on the cell-extracellular matrix adhesion theory in selective cell retention (SCR) technology, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) modified by simplified polypeptide surface was designed to promote both bone regeneration and angiogenesis.MethodsFunctional peptide of α4 chains of laminin protein (LNα4), cyclic RGDfK (cRGD), and collagen-binding domain (CBD) peptides were selected. CBD-LNα4-cRGD peptide was synthesized in solid phase and modified on DBM to construct DBM/CBD-LNα4-cRGD scaffold (DBM/LN). Firstly, scanning electron microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope were used to examine the characteristics and stability of the modified scaffold. Then, the adhesion, proliferation, and tube formation properties of CBD-LNα4-cRGD peptide on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were detected, respectively. Western blot method was used to verify the molecular mechanism affecting EPCs. Finally, 24 10-week-old male C57 mice were used to establish a 2-mm-length defect of femoral bone model. DBM/LN and DBM scaffolds after SCR treatment were used to repair bone defects in DBM/LN group (n=12) and DBM group (n=12), respectively. At 8 weeks after operation, the angiogenesis and bone regeneration ability of DBM/LN scaffolds were evaluated by X-ray film, Micro-CT, angiography, histology, and immunofluorescence staining [CD31, endomucin (Emcn), Ki67].ResultsMaterial related tests showed that the surface of DBM/LN scaffold was rougher than DBM scaffold, but the pore diameter did not change significantly (t=0.218, P=0.835). After SCR treatment, DBM/LN scaffold was still stable and effective. Compared with DBM scaffold, DBM/LN scaffold could adhere to more EPCs after the surface modification of CBD-LNα4-cRGD (P<0.05), and the proliferation rate and tube formation ability increased. Western blot analysis showed that the relative expressions of VEGF, phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK), and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) proteins were higher in DBM/LN than in DBM (P<0.05). In the femoral bone defect model of mice, it was found that mice implanted with DBM/LN scaffold had stronger angiogenesis and bone regeneration capacity (P<0.05), and the number of CD31hiEmcnhi cells increased significantly (P<0.05).ConclusionDBM/LN scaffold can promote the adhesion of EPCs. Importantly, it can significantly promote the generation of H-type vessels and realize the effective coupling between angiogenesis and bone regeneration in bone defect repair.
ObjectiveTo explore the potential therapeutic effects of endothelial progenitor cells derived small extracellular vesicles (EPCs-sEVs) on spinal cord injury in mice.MethodsEPCs were separated from femur and tibia bone marrow of 20 C57BL/6 male mice, and identified by double fluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Then the EPCs were passaged and the cell supernatants from P2-P4 generations EPCs were collected; the EPCs-sEVs were extracted by ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoflow cytometry, and Western blot. Forty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10). The mice were only removed T10 lamina in sham group, and prepared T10 spinal cord injury models in the model group and the low and high concentration intervention groups. After 30 minutes, 3 days, and 7 days of operation, the mice in low and high concentration intervention groups were injected with EPCs-sEVs at concentrations of 1×109 and 1×1010cells/mL through the tail vein, respectively. The behavioral examinations [Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) score, inclined plate test, Von Frey test] , and the gross, HE staining, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to observe the structural changes of the spinal cord at 4 weeks after operation. Another 3 C57BL/6 female mice were taken to prepare T10 spinal cord injury models, and DiR-labeled EPCs- sEVs were injected through the tail vein. After 30 minutes, in vivo imaging was used to observe whether the EPCs-sEVs reached the spinal cord injury site.ResultsAfter identification, EPCs and EPCs-sEVs derived from mouse bone marrow were successfully obtained. In vivo imaging of the spinal cord showed that EPCs-sEVs were recruited to the spinal cord injury site within 30 minutes after injection. There was no significant difference in BMS scores and the maximum angle of the inclined plate test between two intervention groups and the model group within 2 weeks after operation (P>0.05), while both were significantly better than the model group (P<0.05) after 2 weeks. The Von Frey test showed that the mechanical pain threshold of the two intervention groups were significantly higher than that of model group and lower than that of sham group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between two intervention groups (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the injured segment of the two intervention groups had smaller spinal cord tissue defects, less mononuclear cells infiltration, more obvious tissue structure recovery, and more angiogenesis, and these differences were significant (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two intervention groups.ConclusionEPCs-sEVs can promote the repair of spinal cord injury in mice and provide a new plan for the biological treatment of spinal cord injury.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the biological effect on vascularization during bone repair of prevascularized porous β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) tissue engineered bone (hereinafter referred to as prevascularized tissue engineered bone), which was established by co-culture of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) based on tissue engineering technology. Methods EPCs and BMSCs were isolated from iliac bone marrow of New Zealand white rabbits by density gradient centrifugation and differential adhesion method. The cells were identified by immunophenotypic detection, BMSCs-induced differentiation, and EPCs phagocytosis. After identification, the third-generation cells were selected for subsequent experiments. First, in vitro tubule formation in EPCs/BMSCs direct contact co-culture (EPCs/BMSCs group) was detected by Matrigel tubule formation assay and single EPCs (EPCs group) as control. Then, the prevascularized tissue engineered bone were established by co-culture of EPCs/BMSCs in porous β-TCP scaffolds for 7 days (EPCs/BMSCs group), taking EPCs in porous β-TCP scaffolds as a control (EPCs group). Scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used to observe the adhesion, proliferation, and tube formation of cells. Femoral condyle defect models of 12 New Zealand white rabbits were used for implantation of prevascularized tissue engineered bone as the experimental group (n=6) and porous β-TCP scaffold as the control group (n=6). The process of vascularization of β-TCP scaffolds were observed. The numbers, diameter, and area fraction of neovascularization were quantitatively evaluated by Microfill perfusion, Micro-CT scanning, and vascular imaging under fluorescence at 4 and 8 weeks. ResultsThe isolated cells were BMSCs and EPCs through identification. EPCs/BMSCs co-culture gradually formed tubular structure. The number of tubules and branches, and the total length of tubules formed in the EPCs/BMSCs group were significantly more than those in the EPCs group on Matrigel (P<0.05) after 6 hours. After implanting and culturing in porous β-TCP scaffold for 7 days, EPCs formed cell membrane structure and attached to the material in EPCs group, and the cells attached more tightly, cell layers were thicker, the number of cells and the formation of tubular structures were significantly more in the EPCs/BMSCs group than in the EPCs group. At 4 weeks after implantation, neovascularization was observed in both groups. At 8 weeks, remodeling of neovascularization occurred in both groups. The number, diameter, and area fraction of neovascularization in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), except for area fraction at 4 weeks after implantation (P>0.05). ConclusionThe prevascularized tissue engineered bone based on direct contact co-culture of BMSCs and EPCs can significantly promote the early vascularization process during bone defects repair.
Objective To investigate the effects of titanium modified by ultrasonic acid etching/anodic oxidation (UAT) loaded with endothelial progenitor cells-exosome (EPCs-exo) on proliferation and osteogenic and angiogenic differentiations of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Methods The adipose tissue and bone marrow of 10 Sprague Dawley rats were harvested. Then the ADSCs and EPCs were isolated and cultured by collagenase digestion method and density gradient centrifugation method, respectively, and identified by flow cytometry. Exo was extracted from the 3rd to 5th generation EPCs using extraction kit, and CD9 and CD81 were detected by Western blot for identification. The three-dimensional printed titanium was modified by ultrasonic acid etching and anodic oxidation to prepare the UAT. The surface characteristics of UAT before and after modification was observed by scanning electron microscopy; UAT was placed in EPCs-exo solutions of different concentrations (100, 200 ng/mL), and the in vitro absorption and release capacity of EPCs-exo was detected by BCA method. Then, UAT was placed in DMEM medium containing different concentrations of EPCs-exo (0, 100, 200 ng/mL), and co-cultured with the 3rd generation ADSCs to construct UAT-ADSCs-exo. Cell morphology by laser confocal microscopy, live/dead cell staining, and cell proliferation were observed to evaluate biocompatibility; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining, RT-PCR detection of osteogenesis-related genes [osteocalcin (OCN), RUNT-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), ALP, collagen type 1 (COL-1)] and angiogenesis-related gene [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], immunofluorescence staining for osteogenesis (OCN)- and angiogenesis (VEGF)-related protein expression were detected to evaluate the effect on the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation ability of ADSCs. Results Scanning electron microscopy showed that micro-nano multilevel composite structures were formed on the surface of UAT. About 77% EPCs-exo was absorbed by UAT within 48 hours, while EPCs-exo absorbed on the surface of UAT showed continuous and stable release within 8 days. The absorption and release amount of 200 ng/mL group were significantly higher than those of 100 ng/mL group (P<0.05). Biocompatibility test showed that the cells in all concentration groups grew well after culture, and the 200 ng/mL group was better than the other groups, with fully spread cells and abundant pseudopodia, and the cell count and cell activity were significantly higher than those in the other groups (P<0.05). Compared with the other groups, 200 ng/mL group showed enhanced ALP activity and mineralization ability, increased expressions of osteogenic and angiogenic genes (OCN, Runx2, COL-1, ALP, and VEGF), as well as increased expressions of OCN and VEGF proteins, with significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion EPCs-exo can effectively promote the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of ADSCs on UAT surface, the effect is the most significant when the concentration is 200 ng/mL.