Mesenchymal derivatives of genetically unstable human embryonic stem cells are maintained unstable but undergo senescence in culture as do bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Recurrent chromosomal alterations have been repeatedly reported in cultured human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The effects of these alterations on the capability of pluripotent cells to differentiate and on growth potential of their specific differentiated derivatives remain unclear. Here, we report that the hESC lines HUES-7 and -9 carrying multiple chromosomal alterations produce in vitro mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that show progressive growth arrest and enter senescence after 15 and 16 passages, respectively.

Low usage rate of banked sibling cord blood units in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children with hematological malignancies: implications for directed cord blood banking policies.

Directed sibling cord blood banking is indicated in women delivering healthy babies who already have a sibling with a disease that is potentially treatable with an allogeneic cord blood transplant. We evaluated the effectiveness of a national directed cord blood banking program in sibling HLA-identical stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies and the factors influencing the usage rate of the stored cord blood units. Fifty families were enrolled from which, 48 cord blood units were successfully collected and 2 collections failed due to damaged cord/placenta at delivery.

Rapid clinical-scale propagation of mesenchymal stem cells using cultures initiated with immunoselected bone marrow CD105+ cells.

Current clinical protocols used for isolation and purification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are based on long-term cultures starting with bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells. Using a commercially available immunoselection kit for enrichment of MSC, we investigated whether culture of enriched BM-CD105(+) cells could provide an adequate number of pure MSC in a short time for clinical use in the context of graft versus host disease and graft failure/rejection. We isolated a mean of 5.

Myofibroblasts generated in culture from sclerotic skin lesions of a patient with extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are of recipient origin.

Abstract The origin (recipient/donor) of the myofibroblasts mediating fibrosis in sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) was investigated. Sclerodermatous specimens obtained from a patient with extensive cGvHD after an HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplantation were cultured in order to derive tissue myofibroblasts. All proliferating a-SMA+ fibroblastoid cells revealed recipient origin as examined by variable number tandem repeat (VNTR)-PCR.

Directed sibling donor cord blood banking for children with beta-thalassemia major in Greece: usage rate and outcome of transplantation for HLA-matched units.

Several cord blood banks store cord blood units from healthy siblings of patients, who are candidates for stem cell transplantation. We analyzed the quality characteristics of 50 cord blood units collected from families with beta-thalassemia major and the outcome of subsequent stem cell transplantations during a 15-year period. All cord blood units were found suitable for banking based on a minimum net volume of 40 ml.

Distinct roles of TLR4 and CD14 in LPS-induced inflammatory responses of neonates.

During infections, pathogens bind to toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and CD14 receptors and induce cytokine release, leading to inflammation. Here, we investigated TLR4 and CD14 expression on peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and their roles in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine and chemokine release. Full-term and preterm neonates and adults were studied.

Inflammatory chemokine expression in the peripheral blood of neonates with perinatal asphyxia and perinatal or nosocomial infections.

Aim: The inflammatory response induced by perinatal infections and asphyxia is considered to participate in neonatal brain damage. Inflammatory responses are characterized by the expression of chemokines. Although chemokine levels have been investigated in healthy newborns, their role during neonatal pathological conditions has not been studied.

Detection of herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus in the semen of men attending an infertility clinic.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the semen of men with fertility problems.

Design: A descriptive clinical study.

Settings: Outpatient infertility clinic of a private hospital.

Lack of Fas (APO-1/CD95) gene structural alterations or transcript variant ratio changes in breast cancer.

Fas (APO-1/CD95) is a transmembrane receptor protein involved in cell death signaling. Fas receptor and ligand are both expressed in breast cancer cells, however these cells are resistant to apoptosis. Fas gene mutations were detected in hematological and solid tumors, while overexpression of a soluble Fas isoform in serum was related to cancer stage and prognosis.