In situ labeling and magnetic resonance imaging of transplanted human hepatic stem cells.

Purpose: The purpose is to address the problem in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of contrast agent dilution.

Procedures: In situ magnetic labeling of cells and MRI were used to assess distribution and growth of human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs) transplanted into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)/non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. It was done with commercially available magnetic microbeads coupled to an antibody to a surface antigen, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), uniquely expressed in the liver by hepatic progenitors.

Acid-base conditions regulate calcium and magnesium homeostasis.

Background: Previous experimental studies demonstrate that the acid-base balance influences mineral homeostasis by regulating the absorption of calcium and magnesium in the kidneys. No intervention studies are available on population samples.

Aims: To study the urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium before and after an intervention with the aim of decreasing the acid load.

Topographic variation in redifferentiation capacity of chondrocytes in the adult human knee joint.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the topographic variation in matrix production and cell density in the adult human knee joint. Additionally, we have examined the redifferentiation potential of chondrocytes expanded in vitro from the different locations.

Method: Full thickness cartilage-bone biopsies were harvested from seven separate anatomical locations of healthy knee joints from deceased adult human donors.

Human hepatic stem cells from fetal and postnatal donors.

Human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs), which are pluripotent precursors of hepatoblasts and thence of hepatocytic and biliary epithelia, are located in ductal plates in fetal livers and in Canals of Hering in adult livers. They can be isolated by immunoselection for epithelial cell adhesion molecule-positive (EpCAM+) cells, and they constitute approximately 0.5-2.

Human articular chondrocytes--plasticity and differentiation potential.

Articular cartilage has no or very low ability of self-repair, and untreated lesions may lead to the development of osteoarthritis. One method which has been proven to result in long-term repair of isolated lesions is autologous chondrocyte transplantation. In this method, culture-expanded chondrocytes isolated from full-thickness biopsies, taken from a non-weight-bearing area at the supromedial edge of the femoral condyle, are transplanted back to the patient under a cover of periosteum.