【Abstract】Objective Stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1, CXCL12) is a member of the CXC subfamily of chemokines which, through its cognate receptor (CXCR4), plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study analyzed quantitatively the expression of SDF-1 and its relation with clinicopathologic feature and clinical outcome in human breast cancer.Methods Expression of SDF-1 mRNA in 8 breast cancer cell lines, an endothelial cell line HECV and a fibroblast cell MRC5 was studied by using RT-PCR. In addition, the expression of SDF-1 was investigated at both protein (immunohistochemistry) and mRNA(real-time PCR) levels in a group of human normal mammary(n=32) and tumour tissues(n=120). Results SDF-1 expression was identified in MRC5, MDA-MB435s, MDA-MB436, MCF7 cell lines, breast tumour and normal tissues. Significantly higher level of SDF-1 was seen in lymph node positive than in lymph node negative tumours (399.00±210.00 vs 0.89±0.47), P=0.048. The level of SDF-1 expression in patients who developed local recurrence or metastasis, or patients who died of breast cancer was higher than in patients who were disease free as well, (670.00±346.00 vs 0.83±0.35), P=0.01. It was most notable that level of SDF-1 was significantly correlated with over survival (P=0.01) and incidence free survival (P=0.035, by Cox proportion analysis).Conclusion SDF-1 is a factor that is expressed in both stromal cells and some breast cancer cells. Its level are correlated with lymph node involvement, prognosis and survival in patients with breast cancer. SDF-1 may therefore have a potential prognostic value in breast cancer.
The osteogenc potential of bone marrow has been proved by experiment. To investigate more in details, bone marrow was obtained from the trochanteric region of femur of NewZealand rabbit in 4 to 8 weeks old. After being cultured in vitro for one week, the hematopoietic component of the bone marrow had disappeared, thus the stromal cells were obtained. Then the stromal cells were subcultured in cultural fluid containing dexamethasone (10-8 mol/L) and natrium glycerophosphate (10mmol/L). Under the phasecontrast microscope, it was found that being cultured for 15 days. The stromal cells were lined up in one layer and late the secretion activity was increased and gradually transformed into multilayer structure and was congregated into diffused opaque clusters in twenty days. During culture, the cells were examined by tetracycline fluorescence label, histochemistry stains, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The results showed that the morphological and biological characteristics of the cultured stromal cells derived from the bone marrow were similiar to those of osteoblasts and could synthesized mineralized new bone tissue in vitro.
Objective To review research progress of adipose tissuederived stromal cells (ADSCs).Methods The recent articles on ADSCs were extensively reviewed, and the culture and differentiation ability of ADSCs were investigated.Results A population of stem cells could be isolated from adult adipose tissue, they were processed to obtain a fibroblast-like population of cells and could be maintained in vitro for extended periods with stable population doubling. The majority of the isolated cells were mesenchymal origin, with a few pericytes,endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. ADSCs could be induced to differentiate intomultiple mesenchymal cell types, including osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic and adipogenic cells, they could also differentiate into nerve cells.Conclusion ADSCs can substitute mesenchymal stem cells and become an alternative stem cells source for tissue engineering.
Objective To introduce the related issues in the clinical translational application of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Methods The latest papers were extensively reviewed, concerning the issues of ASCs production, management, transportation, use, and safety during clinical application. Results ASCs, as a new member of adult stem cells family, bring to wide application prospect in the field of regenerative medicine. Over 40 clinical trials using ASCs conducted in 15 countries have been registered on the website (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggesting that ASCs represents a promising approach to future cell-based therapies. In the clinical translational application, the related issues included the quality control standard that management and production should follow, the prevention measures of pathogenic microorganism pollution, the requirements of enzymes and related reagent in separation process, possible effect of donor site, age, and sex in sampling, low temperature storage, product transportation, and safety. Conclusion ASCs have the advantage of clinical translational application, much attention should be paid to these issues in clinical application to accelerate the clinical translation process.
Objective To investigate the feature of c-kit gene mutation in gastrointestinal stromal tumor （GIST） and its correlation with clinicolpathology， molecular targeted therapy，and prognosis. Methods The related literatures about the molecular genetic mechanism of GIST were reviewed. Results The c-kit gene mutation， which is prevalent in GIST， may be the early genomic events， and they are not the independent prognostic factor. However， different molecular subtype as a new indicator to regulate biological behaviors and assess prognosis of GIST is still controversial. Conclusions The study of genotype in GIST has advanced our understanding of pathogenesis， evaluating the prognosis and conducting treatment optimization. However， subsequent work remains to be done.
Objective To find a kind of simple and effective method for purifying and label ing stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFs) so as to provide a theoretical basis for cl inical application of SVFs. Methods The subcutaneous adi pose tissue were harvested form volunteers. The adi pose tissue was digested with 0.065%, 0.125%, and 0.185% type I collagenase,respectively. SVFs were harvested after digestion and counted. After trypan blue staining, the rate of viable cells was observed. SVFs was labeled by 1, 1’-dioctadecyl-3, 3, 3’, 3’-2-tetramethy-lindocyanine perchlorate (DiI). The fluorescent label ing and growth was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Results The number of SVFs was (138.68 ± 11.64) × 104, (183.80 ± 10.16) × 104, and (293.07 ± 8.31) × 104 in 0.065% group, 0.125% group, and 0.185% group, respectively, showing significant differences among 3 groups (P lt; 0.01). The rates of viable cells were 91% ± 2%, 90% ± 2%, and 81% ± 2% in 0.065% group, 0.125% group, and 0.185% group, respectively, and it was significantly higher in 0.065% group and 0.125% group than in 0.185% group (P lt; 0.01), but no significant difference was found between 0.065% group and 0.125% group (P=0.881). Inverted fluorescence microscope showed that the cell membranes could be labeled by DiI with intact cell membrane, abundant cytoplasm, and good shape, but nucleus could not labeled. SVFs labeled by DiI could be cultured successfully and maintained a normal form. MTT assay showed that similar curves of the cell growth were observed before and after DiI labeled to SVFs. Conclusion The optimal collagenase concentration for purifying SVFs is 0.125%. DiI is a kind of ideal fluorescent dye for SVFs.
ObjectiveTo explore the methods of separation， culture， and identification of breast cancer stromal fibroblasts (BCSFs), which could build up a good basis for the further research of function. MethodsBreast cancer tissues were obtained during breast cancer operation， and were cut into pieces with size of 1 mm×1 mm×1 mm under aseptic conditions， then the pieces of the tissues were digested by collagenase Ⅰ and hyaluronidase. Finally the cells separated from the tissues incubated at 37 ℃ with 5% CO2 and 95% air humidified incubator. Morphological characteristics of the fibroblasts were observed under light microscope. The certain proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry （using CK， Vimentin， α-SMA, and TE-7 antibody） and flow cytometric analysis (CD34 and CD45). ResultsThe separated cells begin to attach to the wall of flask within 24 h and reached almost confluency in about 7 d to 10 d . According to identification, the successful rate of separation and culture of BCSFs was 90%（18/20）, and the characteristics of cells showed that morphological characteristics of the fibroblasts was flat spindle， rich cytoplasm, and a flat ovoid cystic nuclear. The fibroblasts in breast cancer tissues showed negative staining for cytokeratin， positive staining for vimentin， alpha-smooth muscle actin, and TE-7， and negative for CD34 and CD45 by flow cytometric analysis. ConclusionsThe fibroblasts in breast cancer tissues could be easily obtained by tissues cuting combined enzyme digestion and rocking technology in vitro. The present study provide an experimental foundation for further studies on fibroblasts in breast cancer.
ObjectiveTo detect the content of stromal cell derived factor-1α(SDF-1α) in peripheral blood of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) and investigate its clinical significances. MethodsThe contents of SDF-1αin the peripheral blood of 90 patients with GC were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation of SDF-1αcontent with the clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis after operation were analyzed. Results①The content of SDF-1αin the patients with GC[(6950.8±1131.3) ng/L] was significantly higher than that in the normal healthy volunteers[(5023.7±1103.8) ng/l, P=0.036].②The content of SDF-1αin the GC patients with distant metastasis[(8251.6±1042.5) ng/L] was significantly higher than that without distant metastasis[(6785.3±1025.0) ng/L, P < 0.001]. The contents of SDF-1αin the peripheral blood of patients with distant metastasis either in the liver (P=0.002) or in the lung (P=0.030) were significantly higher than those without distant metastasis (liver or lung).③The TNM stage was later (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis was broader (P=0.018), invasion of tumor was deeper (P < 0.001), vascular invasion (P < 0.001) and lymphatic vessel invasion were present (P < 0.001), the contents of SDF-1αwere higer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the depth of tumor invasion (OR=14.999, 95% CI 3.568-74.456, P=0.027) and distant metastasis (OR=0.186, 95% CI 0.610-2.014, P=0.026) were correlated with the high SDF-1αcontent.④The survival time of the patients with higher content of SDF-1αwas significantly shorter than that of the lower content of SDF-1α(P < 0.001). Cox proportial hazard regression model analysis demonstrated that TNM stage (RR=2.497, 95% CI 1.987-10.238, P=0.009), vascular invasion (RR=7.501, 95% CI 2.086-16.942, P=0.002), and high content of SDF-1α(RR=18.302, 95% CI 6.895-30.538, P=0.001) in the peripheral blood were the independent risk factors for survival of the patients with GC. ConclusionHigh content of SDF-1αin peripheral blood might suggest the occurrence of lymph node metastasis, hepatic metastasis or lung metastasis and indicate the poorer prognosis of GC.
Objective To investigate the influence on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 3, 9, and 13 levels of human articular cartilage cells after blocking stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/ chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling pathway withAMD3100 and to define the function mechanism of AMD3100. Methods A total of 144 cartilage blocks from 12 osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (OA cartilage group) and 144 normal cartilage blocks (Mankin score of 0 or 1) from 12 patients undergoing traumatic amputation (normal cartilage group). OA cartilage group was further divided into subgroups A1, B1, and C1, and normal cartilage group into subgroups A2, B2, and C2. The cartilage tissues were cultured in DMEM solution containing 100 ng/mL SDF-1 and 1 000 nmol/L AMD3100 in subgroup A, 100 ng/mL SDF-1 and 1 000 nmol/L MAB310 in subgroup B, and 100 ng/mL SDF-1 in subgroup C, respectively. The levels of MMP-3, 9, and 13 were measured by ELISA; the expressions of MMP-3, 9, and 13mRNA were tested by RT-PCR. Results ELISA and RT-PCR results showed that the levels of MMP-3, 9, and 13 and the expressions of MMP-3, 9, and 13 mRNA were significantly lower in subgroup A than in subgroups B and C at the same time points (P lt; 0.05); the levels of MMP-3, 9, and 13 and the expressions of MMP-3, 9, and 13 mRNA were significantly higher in OA cartilage group than in normal cartilage group at the same time points (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion SDF-1 could induce overexpression and release of MMP-3, 9, and 13 in the articular cartilage through the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway; AMD3100 could reduce the mRNA expressions and secretion of MMP-3, 9, and 13 in OA cartilage by blocking the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway; but AMD3100 could not make the secretion of MMP-3, 9, and 13 return to normal levels in OA cartilage.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research status and biological characteristics of stromal fibroblast in breast cancer. MethodsRelevant literatures about the breast cancer stromal fibroblasts published recently were collected and reviewed. ResultsIn addition to cancer cells, breast cancer included stromal cells. The fibroblasts were the major components of breast cancer stromal, which had significantly different biological characteristics from normal fibroblasts. The fibroblasts were characterized by α-SMA positive, p53 gene mutation, secretion of various cytokines or chemokines in addition to the production of collagen substances, involving in breast cancer growth, migration, invasion and metastasis through a variety of signaling pathways. ConclusionThe biological characteristics of stromal fibroblasts in breast cancer may reflect lesion properties, be of great importance to diagnosis and differential diagnosis and prognosis prediction of breast cancer. More attentions will be paid to the target therapy for stromal fibroblasts in breast cancer.