Tbx2 is a master regulator of inner versus outer hair cell differentiation.

The cochlea uses two types of mechanosensory cell to detect sounds. A single row of inner hair cells (IHCs) synapse onto neurons to transmit sensory information to the brain, and three rows of outer hair cells (OHCs) selectively amplify auditory inputs. So far, two transcription factors have been implicated in the specific differentiation of OHCs, whereas, to our knowledge, none has been identified in the differentiation of IHCs.

Urine exosomal ceruloplasmin: a potential early biomarker of underlying kidney disease.

Background: Previously we found that kidney tissue and urinary exosomes from patients of diabetic kidney disease showed high levels of ceruloplasmin (CP). Because CP is an acute-phase protein of kidney origin, it could be an early marker of many other kidney diseases. To investigate this hypothesis, we first measured urine exosomal and kidney expression of CP in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, lupus nephritis and IgA nephropathy) followed by a longitudinal study in rat passive Heymann nephritis (PHN), a model of human membranous nephropathy.

Rat model of anal sphincter injury and two approaches for stem cell administration.

Aim: To establish a rat model of anal sphincter injury and test different systems to provide stem cells to injured area.

Methods: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were isolated from BDIX rats and were transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) for cell tracking. Biosutures (sutures covered with ASCs) were prepared with 1.

Bitter Melon Extract Promotes Granulation Tissue Growth and Angiogenesis in the Diabetic Wound.

Objective: Bitter melon is a plant fruit that has been shown to exert a hypoglycemic effect when used systemically in patients with diabetes. This study was designed to investigate the topical effect of bitter melon on diabetic wounds using the wound chamber model in rats.

Design: Two bilateral wound chambers were implanted subcutaneously in the thoracic-lumbar region of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

In Diabetic Kidney Disease Urinary Exosomes Better Represent Kidney Specific Protein Alterations Than Whole Urine.

Background: Predicting or diagnosing underlying kidney disease by analyzing whole urine remains the mainstay of nephrology practice. However, whole urine is a poor compartment to assess many structural changes in the kidney because whole urine contains only a few proteins derived from the kidney itself. Urinary exosomes, on the other hand, which are derived from the kidney, contain proteins secreted by the kidney.

Autologous tissue patch rich in stem cells created in the subcutaneous tissue.

Aim: To investigate whether we could create natural autologous tissue patches in the subcutaneous space for organ repair.

Methods: We implanted the following three types of inert foreign bodies in the subcutaneous tissue of rats to produce autologous tissue patches of different geometries: (1) a large-sized polyvinyl tube (L = 25 mm, internal diameter = 7 mm) sealed at both ends by heat application for obtaining a large flat piece of tissue patch for organ repair; (2) a fine polyvinyl tubing (L = 25 mm, internal diameter = 3 mm) for creating cylindrically shaped grafts for vascular or nerve repair; and (3) a slurry of polydextran particle gel for inducing a bladder-like tissue. Implantation of inert materials was carried out by making a small incision on one or either side of the thoracic-lumbar region of rats.

Activated omentum slows progression of CKD.

Stem cells show promise in the treatment of AKI but do not survive long term after injection. However, organ repair has been achieved by extending and attaching the omentum, a fatty tissue lying above the stomach containing stem cells, to various organs. To examine whether fusing the omentum to a subtotally nephrectomized kidney could slow the progression of CKD, we used two groups of rats: an experimental group undergoing 5/6 nephrectomy only and a control group undergoing 5/6 nephrectomy and complete omentectomy.

Sutures enriched with adipose-derived stem cells decrease the local acute inflammation after tracheal anastomosis in a murine model.

Objectives: Local inflammatory reaction and tension are the main causes of postoperative complications after tracheal surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are known to have immunomodulatory activity. The exact mechanism of this activity is not known, although it is possible that they modulate the function of different cells involved in the immune response.

The effect of the addition of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to a meniscal repair in the avascular zone: an experimental study in rabbits.

Purpose: To determine whether adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) affect the healing rate of meniscal lesions sutured in the avascular zone in rabbits.

Methods: Four groups were used. In group A (n = 12) a short, 5-mm-long longitudinal lesion in the avascular zone of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus was created and immediately sutured.

Mesenchymal stem cells: biological properties and clinical applications.

Importance Of The Field: In the last decade, knowledge of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has evolved rapidly; their immunomodulatory properties and paracrine interactions with specific cell types in damaged tissues and promising results in some clinical applications have made these cells an attractive option for the treatment of certain diseases.

Areas Covered In This Review: We present some relevant methodological issues and biological properties of MSCs, as well as clinical applications of MSC therapies with particular emphasis in the treatment of graft versus host disease (GVHD), complex perianal fistula and refractory metastatic neuroblastoma. Other topical aspects relevant to the application of cellular therapies such as biosafety studies and cellular production of MSCs are also discussed in this review.

A new approach for bone marrow-derived stem cells intrapancreatic autotransplantation in diabetic rats.

Purpose: A new technique for stem cells intrapancreatic autotransplantation in rats.

Basic Procedures: Section of a femoral diaphysis and aspirations of the bone marrow in both femoral segments were performed. A Kirschner needle was placed into the femur.

Bone marrow stromal cell implantation for peripheral nerve repair.

Cell therapy using bone marrow stromal cells is a new promising therapy for regenerative medicine. Previous studies demonstrated that local bone marrow stromal cells implantation in the distal stump of transected sciatic nerve of rats promotes early functional recovery. The purpose of this study was to expand on the preliminary research by investigating the long-term efficacy of bone marrow stromal cells using the same experimental setting.

Peripheral nerve regeneration by bone marrow stromal cells.

Adult bone marrow contains stem cells that have attracted interest through their possible use for cell therapy in neurological diseases. Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) were harvested from donor adult rats, cultured and pre-labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) previously to be injected in the distal stump of transected sciatic nerve of the rats. Distal nerve stump of control rats received culture medium solution.

Inhibition of rat glioma growth by neomycin. Preliminary report.

Tumor development is known to largely depend on angiogenesis, and nuclear translocation of angiogenic factors is one of the crucial steps in tumor angiogenesis. This preliminary study was designed to investigate the suppression of tumor growth by neomycin, an inhibitor of nuclear translocation of several angiogenic factors overexpressed in gliomas. We found that intratumoral osmotic pump delivery of 10 mM neomycin caused significant inhibition of C6 glioma tumor development (85%) in rats.