• BMB Reports
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• 제53권6호
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• pp.329-334
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• 2020

Inflammasomes are cytosolic, multiprotein complexes that act at the frontline of the immune responses by recognizing pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns or abnormal host molecules. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to possess multipotency to differentiate into various cell types and immunoregulatory effects. In this study, we investigated the expression and functional regulation of NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs). hUCB-MSCs expressed inflammasome components that are necessary for its complex assembly. Interestingly, NLRP3 inflammasome activation suppressed the differentiation of hUCB-MSCs into osteoblasts, which was restored when the expression of adaptor proteins for inflammasome assembly was inhibited. Moreover, the suppressive effects of MSCs on T cell responses and the macrophage activation were augmented in response to NLRP3 activation. In vivo studies using colitic mice revealed that the protective abilities of hUCB-MSCs increased after NLRP3 stimulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome components are expressed in hUCB-MSCs and its activation can regulate the differentiation capability and the immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.111-119
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• 2013

Objective. To investigate the effects of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) activation-mimicking agent cobalt chloride ($CoCl_2$) on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Study design. The dose and exposure periods for $CoCl_2$ in hMSCs were optimized by cell viability assays. After confirmation of $CoCl_2$-induced HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in these cells by RT-PCR, the effects of temporary preconditioning with $CoCl_2$ on hMSC osteogenic differentiation were evaluated by RT-PCR analysis of osteogenic gene expression, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and by alizarin red S staining. Results. Variable $CoCl_2$ dosages (up to $500{\mu}M$) and exposure times (up to 7 days) on hMSC had little effect on hMSC survival. After $CoCl_2$ treatment of hMSCs at $100{\mu}M$ for 24 or 48 hours, followed by culture in osteogenic differentiating media, several osteogenic markers such as Runx-2, osteocalcin and osteopontin, bone sialoprotein mRNA expression level were found to be up-regulated. Moreover, ALP activity was increased in these treated cells in which an accelerated osteogenic capacity was also verified by alizarin red S staining. Conclusions. The osteogenic differentiation potential of hMSCs could be preserved and even enhanced by $CoCl_2$ treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제54권6호
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• pp.467-476
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• 2013

Objective : This study aimed to evaluate the hypotheses that administration routes [intra-arterial (IA) vs. intravenous (IV)] affect the early stage migration of transplanted human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) in acute brain infarction. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=40) were subjected to photothrombotic infarction. Three days after photothrombotic infarction, rats were randomly allocated to one of four experimental groups [IA group : n=12, IV group : n=12, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) group : n=8, control group : n=8]. All groups were subdivided into 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours groups according to time point of sacrifice. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) consisting of T2 weighted image (T2WI), $T2^*$ weighted image ($T2^*WI$), susceptibility weighted image (SWI), and diffusion weighted image of rat brain were obtained prior to and at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours post-implantation. After final MRI, rats were sacrificed and grafted cells were analyzed in brain and lung specimen using Prussian blue and immunohistochemical staining. Results : Grafted cells appeared as dark signal intensity regions at the peri-lesional zone. In IA group, dark signals in peri-lesional zone were more prominent compared with IV group. SWI showed largest dark signal followed by $T2^*WI$ and T2WI in both IA and IV groups. On Prussian blue staining, IA administration showed substantially increased migration and a large number of transplanted hBM-MSCs in the target brain than IV administration. The Prussian blue-positive cells were not detected in SPIO and control groups. Conclusion : In a rat photothrombotic model of ischemic stroke, selective IA administration of human mesenchymal stem cells is more effective than IV administration. MRI and histological analyses revealed the time course of cell migration, and the numbers and distribution of hBM-MSCs delivered into the brain.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제23권6호
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• pp.48.1-48.21
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• 2023

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) possess immunoregulatory properties and their regulatory functions represent a potential therapy for acute lung injury (ALI). However, uncertainties remain with respect to defining MSCs-derived immunomodulatory pathways. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of human recombinant bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) primed ES-MSCs (MSC^BMP2) in promoting Tregs in ALI mice. MSC were preconditioned with 100 ng/ml rhBMP-2 for 24 h, and then administrated to mice by intravenous injection after intratracheal injection of 1 mg/kg LPS. Treating MSCs with rhBMP-2 significantly increased cellular proliferation and migration, and cytokines array reveled that cytokines release by MSC^BMP2 were associated with migration and growth. MSC^BMP2 ameliorated LPS induced lung injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and permeability in mice exposed to LPS. Levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were decreased while levels of total glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity were further increased via inhibition of phosphorylated STAT1 in ALI mice treated with MSC^BMP2. MSC^BMP2 treatment increased the protein level of IDO1, indicating an increase in Treg cells, and Foxp3⁺CD25⁺ Treg of CD4⁺ cells were further increased in ALI mice treated with MSC^BMP2. In co-culture assays with MSCs and RAW264.7 cells, the protein level of IDO1 was further induced in MSC^BMP2. Additionally, cytokine release of IL-10 was enhanced while both IL-6 and TNF-α were further inhibited. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MSC^BMP2 has therapeutic potential to reduce massive inflammation of respiratory diseases by promoting Treg cells.

• 한국광학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.53-56
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• 2009

타원법을 사용하여 인간 중간엽 줄기세포의 광학상수와 두께의 영상정보를 정량적으로 구하였다. 영상 타원계를 이용하여 in vitro 환경에서 세포의 핵(nucleus)과 세포체(cell body)의 타원상수 $\Delta$, $\Psi$를 2차원 영상정보 형태로 구한 다음 각 화소별로 타원상수들을 수치해석적 역방계산하여 굴절률과 두께의 영상정보를 얻었다. 세포의 핵 영역과 세포체 영역에서 줄기세포의 두께와 굴절률 값을 2차원 영상정보 형태로 제시하였다.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.281-286
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• 2009

Introduction: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is a protein which is secreted by Hertwig root sheath and plays a major role in the formation of cementum and attachment of peridontium. Several studies have shown that EMD promoted the proliferation and differentiation of preosteoblasts, osteoblasts and periodontal ligament cells in vitro: however, reports showing the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation by EMD also existed. This study was designed to simultaneously evaluate the effect of EMD on the two cell lines (human mesenchymal stem cells: hMSC, human periodontal ligament derived fibroblasts: hPDLCs) by means of quantitative analysis of some bone related matrices (Alkaline phosphatase : ALP, osteopontin ; OPN, osteocalcin ; OC). Materials and Methods: hMSCs and hPDLCs were expanded and cells in the 4${\sim}$6 passages were adopted to use. hMSc and hPDLCs were cultured during 1,2,7, and 14 days with 0, 50 and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ of EMD, respectively. ALP activity was assessed by SensoLyte ALP kit and expressed as values of the relative optical density. Among the matrix proteins of the bony tissue, OC and OPN were assessed and quantification of these proteins was evaluated by means of human OC immunoassay kit and human OPN assay kit, respectively. Results: ALP activity maintained without EMD at $1,2^{nd}$ day. The activity increased at $7^{th}$ day but decreased at $14^{th}$ day. EMD increased the activity at $14^{th}$ day in the hPDLCs culture. In the hMSCs, rapid decrease was noted in $7^{th}$ and $14^{th}$ days without regard to EMD concentrations. Regarding the OPN synthesis in hPDLCs, marked decrease of OPN was noted after EMD application. Gradual decrease tendency of OPN was shown over time. In hMSCs, marked decrease of OPN was also noted after EMD application. Overall concentration of OPN was relatively consistent over time than that in hPDLCs. Regarding the OC synthesis, in both of hPDLCs and hMSCs, inhibition of OC formation was noted after EMD application in the early stages but EMD exerted minimal effect at the later stages. Conclusion: In this experimental condition, EMD seemed to play an inhibitory role during the differentiation of hMSCs and hPDLCs in the context of OC and OPN formation. In the periodontium, there are many kinds of cells contributing to the regeneration of oral tissue. EMD enhanced ALP activity in hPDLCs rather than in hMSCs and this may imply that EMD has a positive effect on the differentiation of cementoblasts compared with the effect on hMSCs. The result of our research was consistent with recent studies in which the authors showed the inhibitory effect of EMD in terms of the differentiation of mineral colony forming cells in vitro. This in vitro study may not stand for all the charateristics of EMD; thus, further studies involving many other bone matrices and cellular attachment will be necessary.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.137-142
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• 2013

인체 중간엽 줄기세포는 지방세포, 골세포, 연골세포, 근육세포 등 여러 형태의 세포로의 분화되는 것이 특징이다. 특히, 최근 연구 결과를 살펴 보면, 중간엽 줄기세포는 생체 내에서 조직 특이적인 세포 형태로 분화 된다. 본 연구에서는 염증 상태에 존재하는 중간엽 줄기 세포가 혈관 형성에 관여하는지 알아보고, 염증 상태에 존재하는 줄기세포의 역할을 규명하고자 본 연구를 진행하였다. 생체 내 염증 상태와 유사한 환경을 만들고자, 강력한 염증 유발 물질인 LPS를 대식세포에 처리하여 그 배양액을 중간엽 줄기세포에 처리하여 변화를 관찰하였다. LPS 배양액을 처리한 중간엽 줄기세포는 평활근 세포로 분화가 촉진되는 것을 확인하였으며, LPS 배양액에 존재하는 분화 유도 물질이 $PGF2{\alpha}$임을 확인하였다. 이에 본 연구결과를 통해 염증 상태에서 존재하는 중간엽 줄기세포는 평활근 세포로의 분화가 촉진되는 것을 확인하였다. 본 연구는 염증성 미세환경 내에 존재하는 중간엽 줄기세포가 평활근 세포로 분화가 유도됨을 확인하였고, 혈관 형성을 촉진하는데 영향을 미칠 수 있음을 제시한다.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.10-18
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of bisphosphonates (BPs) on the proliferation and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), and thus state its correlation with bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Methods: hMSCs was obtained by collecting and culturing cancellous bone fragments from a patient undergoing iliac bone graft. Alendronate (Aln) and Pamidronate (Pam), Ibandronate (Ibn) were added to the culture media in the concentration from $10^{-3}$ M to $10^{-11}$ M and cell toxicity, viability were measured. For ALP activity evaluation, Aln and Pam were added to the culture media in the concentration from $5{\times}10^{-7}$ M to $1{\times}10^{-8}$ M and were cultured for 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks. ALP activity data were standardized using protein assay. Control groups were prepared for each examination. Results: Aln, Pam and Ibn all failed to increase the proliferation of hMSCs. With 1 week, 2 weeks of $5{\times}10^{-8}$M of Aln treatment, the ALP activity increased. Pam treatment increased the ALP activity with 2 weeks of $5{\times}10^{-8}$ M and$1{\times}10^{-8}$M. Also Ibn treatment increased the ALP activity with 2 weeks of $5{\times}10^{-8}$ M and $1{\times}10^{-8}$ M. Conclusion: It is considered that BPs are not capable of improving the proliferation of hMSCs. Also, after a transient increase in the ALP activity with the lower concentration of BPs, the activity decreased again. Therefore, in patients on long-term medication of BPs, the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of hMSCs are restrained, and thus delayed wound healing and increase in BRONJ complications may occur.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.405-411
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• 2012

The spontaneous axon regeneration of damaged neurons is limited after spinal cord injury (SCI). Recently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation was proposed as a potential approach for enhancing nerve regeneration that avoids the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cell transplantation. As SCI is a complex pathological entity, the treatment of SCI requires a multipronged approach. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the functional recovery and therapeutic potential of human MSCs (hMSCs) and polymer in a spinal cord hemisection injury model. Rats were subjected to hemisection injuries and then divided into three groups. Two groups of rats underwent partial thoracic hemisection injury followed by implantation of either polymer only or polymer with hMSCs. Another hemisection-only group was used as a control. Behavioral, electrophysiological and immunohistochemical studies were performed on all rats. The functional recovery was significantly improved in the polymer with hMSC-transplanted group as compared with control at five weeks after transplantation. The results of electrophysiologic study demonstrated that the latency of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) in the polymer with hMSC-transplanted group was significantly shorter than in the hemisection-only control group. In the results of immunohistochemical study, ${\beta}$-gal-positive cells were observed in the injured and adjacent sites after hMSC transplantation. Surviving hMSCs differentiated into various cell types such as neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. These data suggest that hMSC transplantation with polymer may play an important role in functional recovery and axonal regeneration after SCI, and may be a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.111-117
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• 2006

An area of current research is investigating the app1ication of human mesenchymal stem cells or hMSCs as a cell-based regenerative therapy. In order to achieve effective bone regeneration, appropriate matrices functioning as cell-carriers must be identified and optimized in terms of function, efficacy and biocompatibility. Two methods of approaching optimization of matrices are to facilitate adhesion of the donor hMSCs and furthermore to facilitate recruitment of host progenitor cells to osteoblastic differentiation. Pleiotrophin is an extracellular matrix protein that was first identified in developing rat brains and believed to be associated with developing neuronal pathways. A recent publication by Imai and colleagues demonstrated that transgenic mice with upregulated pleiotrophin expression developed a greater volume of cortical as well as cancellous bone. The proposed mechanism of action of pleiotrophin is demonstrated here. Through either environmental stresses and/or intracellular regulation, there is an increase in pleiotrophin production. The pleiotrophin is released extracellularly into areas requiring bone deposition. A receptor-mediated process recruits host osteoprogenitor cells into these areas. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the osteoconductive properties of pleiotrophin. We wanted to determine if pleiotrophin coating facilitates cellular adhesion and furthermore if this has any effect on hMSCs derived bone formation in an animal model. The results showed a dose dependent response of cellular adhesion in fibronectin samples, and cellular adhesion was facilitated with increasing pleiotrophin concentrations. Histologic findings taken after 5 weeks implantation in SCID mouse showed no presence of bone formation with only a dense fibrous connective tissue. Possible explanations for the results of the osteogenesis assay include inappropriate cell loading.