miR-155-5p improves oocyte maturation in porcine cumulus cells through connexin 43-mediated regulation of MPF activity.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the expression of miR-155-5p and its target genes on oocyte maturation. We analyzed the expression of miR-155-5p and its target genes in cumulus cells and oocytes using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Using carboxyfluorescein, porcine cumulus cells were transfected with mimics and inhibitors of ssc-miR-155-5p to induce in vitro maturation, and subsequently, cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, and cleavage rate were measured.

Therapeutic effect of hepatocyte growth factor-overexpressing bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on CCl-induced hepatocirrhosis.

Hepatocirrhosis is one of the most severe complications of chronic hepatic disease in terms of medical intervention, and the available therapies are limited and not very successful. In this study, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) from host rats were transduced with an adenoviral vector labelled with green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to overexpress hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The therapeutic effect of these modified stem cells (HGF-BM-MSC group) transplanted intravenously into hepatocirrhosis model rats treated with CCl was evaluated using serological, biochemical and histological approaches.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Enhanced Bcl-2 Expression Promote Liver Recovery in a Rat Model of Hepatic Cirrhosis.

Background/aims: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has emerged as an option for the treatment of chronic hepatic cirrhosis, while its therapeutic efficacy could be improved. The bcl-2 gene is anti-apoptotic and can help cell survival and proliferation. Therefore, we explored whether transplanted MSCs with enhanced bcl-2 expression may be beneficial in the treatment of experimental cirrhosis in rats.

Stem cell transplantation for the treatment of liver diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: The therapeutic efficacy of stem cell transplantation in liver diseases has not yet been determined. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate changes in liver function and clinical outcome following stem cell transplantation in patients with liver disease.

Materials And Methods: A literature review of NCBI, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE was performed.

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant therapy in mice with CCl4-induced acute liver failure.

Background/aims: Stem cell transplantation has theoretical potential for the treatment of certain liver diseases. However, the use of bone marrow mononuclear cells as a therapy for liver disease has received little attention. The present study was to examine whether bone marrow mononuclear cells might be useful in the management of acute liver failure in an animal model.

Ex vivo-expanded bone marrow stem cells home to the liver and ameliorate functional recovery in a mouse model of acute hepatic injury.

Background: Stem cell transplantation provides a theoretical approach for liver regeneration medicine; it may promote liver regeneration and self-repair. However, the transplantation of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells expanded ex vivo as a therapy for liver disease has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to explore whether bone marrow stem cells expanded ex vivo home to the liver and foster hepatic recovery after CCl4 injury.

STAT3 and beta-catenin signaling pathway may affect GSK-3beta expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background/aims: To study the correlation and significance of beta-catenin, STAT3 and GSK-3beta signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methodology: The HCC cell line HepG2 was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against 8-catenin or STAT3. After 72 and 96h, protein was extracted and the protein expression of beta-catenin, STAT3, and GSK-3beta was detected by Western blot analysis.

Hepatocyte growth factor promotes liver regeneration induced by transfusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells in a murine acute liver failure model.

Background/purpose: Bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has been shown to facilitate tissue and organ regeneration and repair. BMMC transplantation may be a potential therapy for acute liver failure, and its effect might be further improved. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays an important role in liver cell development, and may ameliorate hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis in animal models.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances bone marrow mononuclear cell homing to the liver in a mouse model of acute hepatic injury.

Background: Experiments have reported that granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) can mobilize stem cells. However, few studies have examined the effect of G-CSF on bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) mobilization, in particular regarding their capability to home to acutely injured liver.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effort of G-CSF on BMMC homing to the liver following chemically-induced hepatic failure.

Stromal cell derived factor-1 enhances bone marrow mononuclear cell migration in mice with acute liver failure.

Aim: To evaluate the number of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) that are migrated to the liver following transplantation of murine BMMC into mice with acute liver injury.

Methods: BMMC were isolated from the bone marrow of mice in a lymphocyte separation medium and then labeled with PKH26. The labeled cells were subsequently infused into the caudal veins of BALB/c mice with hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and 2-acetylaminofluorene.