Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering - Volume 22, issue 1-3

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0683

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 1-2, 2012

Authors: Stoltz, J.-F. | Decot, V. | Huseltein, C. | He, X. | Zhang, L. | Magdalou, J. | Li, Y.P. | Menu, P. | Li, N. | Wang, Y.Y. | de Isla, N. | Bensoussan, D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Human tissues don't regenerate spontaneously, explaining why regenerative medicine and cell therapy represent a promising alternative treatment (autologous cells or stem cells of different origins). The principle is simple: cells are collected, expanded and introduced with or without modification into injured tissues or organs. Among middle-term therapeutic applications, cartilage defects, bone repair, cardiac insufficiency, burns, liver or bladder, neurodegenerative disorders could be considered.

Keywords: Stem cells, cell therapy, tissue engineering, biotissue, scaffold, mechanotransduction

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0684

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 3-16, 2012

Authors: Menu, Patrick | Stoltz, Jean-François | Kerdjoudj, Halima

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Vascular tissue engineering aims to develop implantable blood-vessels, exhibiting biological and biomechanical characteristics close to those of the native vessels. The ultimate goal of our group is to engineer suitable blood vessel substitutes which could be stored for a long time in vascular bank conditions. First attempts tried to develop coating procedures allowing endothelial cells (EC) differentiation, adhesion and retention on current vascular substitutes but the weak in vivo patency of these grafts was related. Since 2003, our group have been evaluated a new surface modification of internal surface of blood vessels based on polyelectrolyte films coating. The layer-by-layer …self-assembly and the resulting polyelectrolyte multiplayer films (PEM) is a simple and versatile way to engineer surfaces with highly specific properties. Previous studies indicated that the poly(sodium-4 styrene sulfonate)/poly (allylamine hydrochloride) PSS/PAH multilayered films when ended by PAH, induce strong adhesion and retention of mature EC which spread and keep their phenotype as well on glass, on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene ePTFE and on cryopreserved arteries. The mechanical properties (compliance), leading to early intimal hyperplasia and graft failure, were lost after artery cryopreservation. We have demonstrated that the compliance and elasticity restoration of PEM treated cryopreserved arteries close to native arteries. In other respect, the use of the circulating progenitor which could be differentiated into matures vascular cell offers new opportunities in vascular engineering. Currents protocols, expend at least 1 month to observe both smooth muscle (SMCs) and endothelium (ECs)-like morphology and about two months for confluent monolayer cells. The progenitor cells cultivated on PEM treated glass showed mature and functional vascular cells (SMCs and ECs) development after only 14 days of culture. The morphological appearance, mature and healthy phenotype markers expression and repartition of differentiated cells are close to mature cells. Challenge now is to build up in less a month, an autologous cellularized vascular graft using patient peripheral stem cells. Show more

Keywords: Bioengineering, vascular substitutes, circulating progenitor, polyelectrolyte multiplayer films

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0685

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 17-20, 2012

Authors: Lehalle, B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Since the beginning of the 21st century, changes in the western population as the possibility of using endovascular techniques have modified the indications and the operative techniques in all areas of vascular surgery. The classical bypass surgery, which required arterial substitutes, is now less and less used. So, the goal of the arterial research should not be centered on the search of the ideal substitute, but on improving minimally invasive techniques, as cell therapy and regenerative medicine. All these techniques will be the new treatments of the atherosclerosis disease in the near future.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, bypass, cell therapy, drug eluting stent, endovascular, vascular surgery

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0686

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 21-25, 2012

Authors: Zhang, Chaogui | Wang, Zhihao | Zheng, Hongbo | Qiu, Yanyan | He, Xiaohua | Yang, Hua | Liu, Wanhong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Stroke is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world. Subtotal occlusion of the carotid artery is an important risk factor for stroke. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is increasingly being used for treatment of carotid artery stenosis. There are many reports on treating carotid artery stenosis by CAS; however, there are few case reports on treating symptomatic carotid artery subtotal occlusion by CAS, especially in China. To test the clinical applicability, technical results, and morbidity of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in the treatment of symptomatic carotid artery subtotal occlusion. The clinical data of 27 symptomatic carotid artery subtotal …occlusion patients treated with carotid stenting from January 2005 to December 2009 at the University Hospital of Hubei University for Nationalities and the West China Hospital of Sichuan University were systematically reviewed and analysed. Our results suggest that after balloon pre-dilation of the stenotic lesion, with the protection of a distal filter protection device, carotid stenting can be performed to treat symptomatic carotid artery subtotal occlusion patients with acceptable safety. However, the widespread use of this technique still requires large-scale clinical investigation. Show more

Keywords: Carotid artery subtotal occlusion, carotid angioplasty and stenting, distal filter protection device

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0687

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 27-33, 2012

Authors: Mao, Xianqing | Ait-Aissa, Karima | Lagrange, Jeremy | Youcef, Gina | Louis, Huguette

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of mortality in the world representing around 30% of all deaths. It constitutes also an important factor in morbidity and incapacity. There are several related CVD risk factors such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypercoagulability. The exact mechanisms that underlie the relation between those factors and CVD are not sufficiently known yet; pathogenic explanations are lacking also for the mechanisms relating metabolic factors to insulin resistance (IR) and the association with the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The possible links between hypertension, hemostasis alterations and MetS are examined in this …report. Show more

Keywords: Hypertension, hypercoagulability, metabolic syndrome, animal model

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0688

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 35-48, 2012

Authors: Yu, Zhui | Wang, Teng | Xu, Lin | Huang, Cong-xin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the effects of thyroid hormone on L-type calcium channel mRNA and L-type calcium current of atrium and ventricle. Methods: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into Thyroxine group (n=8) and Control group (n=8). In Throxine group, rabbits were injected intraperitoneally with L-thyroxine solution for 2 weeks (1 mg/kg·d−1 ) to induce hyperthyroidism. In Control group, rabbits were injected with the same volume of saline as for Thyroxine group. On day 15, 4 rabbits in each group were killed randomly to exam the L-type calcium current of atrium and ventricle using whole cell patch clamp; the …other 4 rabbits were killed to detect the expression of L-type calcium channel mRNA using RT-PCR. Results: The mean peak of L-type calcium current densities (pA/pF) at −10 mV was higher in Thyroxine group than in Control group (−8.59±0.68 vs. −6.54±0.49 in atrium, n=8, p<0.001; −9.24±0.67 vs. −7.06±0.21 in ventricle, n=8, p<0.001). L-calcium channel mRNA expression of both atrial myocytes and ventricular cells in Thyroxine group was significantly higher than those in Control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Extrinsic thyroid hormone increased expression of L-type calcium channel mRNA and ICa,L current densities in both atrium and ventricle. These changes infer that supplement of thyroid hormone may ameliorate myocardial contraction in some special conditions such as sepsis. Show more

Keywords: Thyroid hormone, myocardial cell, L-type calcium channel, sepsis

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0689

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 49-55, 2012

Authors: Decot, Véronique | Alla, François | Latger-Cannard, Véronique | Visanica, Sorin | Witz, Brigitte | Stoltz, Jean-François | Bensoussan, Danièle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background and objectives: The aim of this study was first, to analyze the post-thaw progenitor assays usually performed on peripheral blood stem cell autografts and second, to achieve standardization with improved flow cytometric and CFU-GM assays. Materials and methods: In the first part of the study (n=79), recovery and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of total nucleated cells, CD34 and CFU-GM were analyzed before and after cryopreservation. In the second part (n=20), evaluation methods were modified : the washing step was suppressed in the flow cytometric method and 500 CD34 were plated compared to 4×104 total nucleated cells in …the CFU-GM assay. The recovery rates were analyzed and the CFU-GM results were regarded as reliable when 30–100 colonies were observed, according to the manufacturer recommendation. Results: The analysis of the first part showed an ICC that was perfect for total nucleated cells (0.93), substantial for CD34 (0.67) and fair for CFU-GM (0.25). Median CD34 recovery was 112.6% (29.9–222%). The CFU-GM median recovery was 31.7% (0.19–142%) leading to reliable results for 27 grafts. In the second part, the median CD34 recovery was 85.75% (54–99%). No recovery over 100% was observed. The CFU-GM assay led to 18 out of 20 evaluable autografts when 500 CD34 were seeded, compared to 10 out of 20 when total nucleated cell were seeded. Conclusion: Avoiding cell washing in the flow cytometric method limited the overestimate of the CD34 percentage. Plating 500 thawed CD34 improved reliability of the results and allowed a better standardization of the assay. Show more

Keywords: Peripheral blood stem cells, post-thawed CD34+ cells, CFU-GM assay

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0690

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 57-67, 2012

Authors: Huselstein, C. | Li, Y. | He, X.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Injuries to articular cartilage are one of the most challenging issues of musculoskeletal medicine due to the poor intrinsic ability of this tissue for repair. Despite progress in orthopaedic surgery, cell-based surgical therapies such as autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) have been in clinical use for cartilage repair for over a decade but this approach has shown mixed results. Moreover, the lack of efficient modalities of treatment for large chondral defects has prompted research on tissue engineering combining chondrogenic cells, scaffold materials and environmental factors. This paper focuses on the main parameters in tissue engineering and on the potential of …mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as an alternative to cells derived from patient tissues in autologous transplantation and tissue engineering. Here we discuss the prospects of using autologous chondrocytes or MSCs in regenerative medicine and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of these cells in articular cartilage engineering. Show more

Keywords: Cartilage, chondrocytes, stem cells, scaffolds

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0691

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 69-80, 2012

Authors: Deng, Yu | Li, Tian-Qi | Yan, You-E | Magdalou, Jacques | Wang, Hui | Chen, Liao-Bin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study was carried out to explore environmental compound such as nicotine can cause adverse effect on chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Rat BMSCs were capsulated in alginate beads incubated with a chondrogenic differentiation medium and while chondrogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs were cultured for 4 weeks treated with nicotine at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 μM. The effect of nicotine on BMSCs viability was tested using MTT assay. After chondrogenic differentiation, alginate beads sections were stained for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) with alcian blue and safranin-O. The mRNA expression of chondrogenesis related genes, including collagen type …2 alpha 1 (Col2A1), aggrecan, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were determined by RT-PCR. Nicotine did not affect viability of BMSCs at any indicated concentration. Continuous exposure to nicotine for 4 weeks resulted in significant decrease of the area stained with alcian blue and safranin-O in a concentration-dependent manner compared with the control (P<0.05). After 4 weeks in chondrogenic medium, nicotine dose-dependently decreased the expression of aggrecan, Col2A1 and IGF-1 genes in rat BMSCs chondrogenesis compared with the control (P<0.05). It turned out that nicotine suppresses chondrogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs, leading to a poorly differentiated cartilage. Show more

Keywords: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, nicotine, chondrogenic differentiation, alginate beads, cartilage

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0692

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 81-87, 2012

Authors: Dong, Lanlan | Liu, Yongjuan | Qiu, Yanyan | Peng, Biwen | Yin, Jun | Liu, Wanhong | He, Xiaohua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, especially in China. Recent researches have shown that E3 ubiquitin ligases Pirh2 (p53-induced RING-H2 protein) is highly expressed in HCC cell lines and is correlated with poor survival and prognostic in patients with HCC; however, the function of Pirh2 in the genesis and the development of HCC remains unclear. Pirh2, a member of the RING finger family, can target p53 for degradation and thereby repress a diverse group of biological activities and involved in many signalling pathways related to the genesis and evolution of cancer. Up to …now, four Pirh2 variants had been reported and named Pirh2A, Pirh2B, Pirh2C and Pirh2D. Here we report the existence of two additional isoforms from human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2 cell) and named as Pirh2E and Pirh2F. Compared to full-length Pirh2A, Pirh2E lacks amino acids 235–261, while Pirh2F is missing C-terminal amino acids 227–261 and both isoforms harbor the RING domain; therefore, we speculate that ubiquitin ligase activity maybe reversed by them. Further studies are required to determine whether Pirh2E and Pirh2F functions in a manner similar to Pirh2A. Show more

Keywords: Pirh2, splice variants, hepatocellular carcinoma, gene therapy

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0693

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 89-95, 2012

Authors: Li, Yue-Ying | Liu, Han-Han | Chen, Hong-Lei | Li, Yin-Ping

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the possibility of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: ADSC were isolated from the adipotic tissue of abdomen in Sprague–Dawley rats (4–6 week-old,female) and expanded in vitro. Cells were then identified by testing their phenotypes through flow cytometry. Balb/c mice (8 week-old, male) were divided into 3 groups: T1D group, ADSC group and control group. Streptozocin (50 mg/kg·d) were injected intraperitoneally into mice of T1D group and ADSC group for 5 consecutive days to establish the T1D model. In ADSC group, ADSC were injected intravenously on day 3 …of STZ injection. In control group, only PBS was injected. Fasting blood glucose (FGB) level was examined once a week. At the end of the 4th week, animals were killed. The pathological changes of islet were showed by histochemistry through hematoxylin–eosin staining (HE staining). β cell insulin expression was detected by quantum dots immunofluorescence histochemistry. Results: After ADSC administration, FGB levels decreased significantly from the second week. Whereas FGB levels in T1D group increased significantly and continuously during the experimental period. Moreover, ADSC effectively suppressed pancreatic islet damage induced by STZ and increased the expression of insulin protein in pancreatic β cells. Conclusions: Intravenuously injected ADSC can prevent STZ induced β-cell destruction and decrease blood glucose level. Show more

Keywords: Adipose, mesenchymal stem cells, type 1 diabetes, pancreatic β cells

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0694

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 97-103, 2012

Authors: Zhang, Lei | Ye, Jun-Song | Decot, Véronique | Stoltz, Jean-François | de Isla, Natalia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Liver diseases have become one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Cell therapy and liver transplantation are though to be two treatment options well accepted. However, the shortage of cells sources in cytotherapy and the lack of liver donor in liver transplantation are the major obstacles for the performance of these treatment methods. It urged us to find new origins of extra-hepatic cells. A number of recent studies show that extra-hepatic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from different tissues can be differentiated into hepatocytes like cells (HLC). Several hepatic differentiation protocols of MSC have been …published in recent years, based on cellular stimulation with exogenous cytokines/growth factors, co-culture with fetal or adult hepatocytes, 2- or 3-dimensional (2D, 3D) matrices to favor differentiation. Independently from the starting stem cells population used, some minimal criteria must be fulfilled to ensure therapeutic success: in vitro expandability, expression of hepatic like surface markers, with hepatic cell functions, and minimal or absent immunogenicity in the recipient host. In this review, we focused on stem cells originated from bone marrow, umbilical cord and adipose tissue which are widely investigated in recent years and have been proved to have liver regenerative potential, the factors used to differentiate stem cells to hepatocyte-like cells and the methods used to investigate these cells. Show more

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells, hepatocytes, differentiation, bone marrow, umbilical cord, adipose tissue

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0695

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 105-111, 2012

Authors: Ke, Min | Hu, Xin-Qian | Ouyang, Jingping | Dai, Bo | Xu, Yancheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and often causes vision loss or even blindness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retina, which is mainly derived from Müller cells, is a crucial biological factor in the development of DR. Astragalin is extracted from Astragalus membranaceus and has many pharmacological properties. Studies showed that astragalin has beneficial effects on hyperglycemia. To evaluate the effect of astragalin in preventing and treating DR and determine astragalin's mechanism of action, Müller cells were collected from rat retina, cultured in vitro and identified using immunocytochemistry. They were divided into four …groups: the high glucose group (20 mmol/l), the normal control group, the astragalin group (400 mg/l) and the high glucose (20 mmol/l) + astragalin (400 mg/l) group. After 3 days of treatment, immunocytochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of VEGF was carried out. Our results demonstrated that astragalin decreased the overexpression of VEGF in Müller cells and alleviated the effects caused by high glucose. Thus, astragalin has promising application in preventing and treating DR caused by DM. Show more

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, retinal Müller cells, astragalin, vascular endothelial growth factor

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0696

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 113-119, 2012

Authors: Ni, Hong | Zeng, Siquan | Wu, Jing | Cheng, Xiangrong | Luo, Tao | Wang, Weiyang | Zeng, Weijuan | Chen, Yun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To characterize the structure and to evaluate the cytotoxicity of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) prepared from cotton linters. Methods: A series of CNW dispersions was prepared by hydrolyzing cotton linters with sulfuric acid. The structure of CNW was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The cytotoxicity of CNW dispersions to L929 cells was preliminarily investigated by cell culture and MTT assay. Results: SEM and TEM observation showed that the original cotton litters have been successfully acid-hydrolyzed into cellulose nanowhiskers having needle- or short rod-like structure …with an average length of 250 nm and diameter of 10 nm. XRD patterns suggested that degree of crystalline in the CNW was much higher than that in the cotton linters as a result that the acid-hydrolysis process has removed the amorphous domains in the cotton linters. The results from MTT assay and cell morphology observation indicated that CNW with concentration from 0.01% to 0.2% had low toxicity to L929 cells, while cytotoxicity showed an increase tendency with an increase in the concentration of CNW. Conclusions: Cellulose nanowhiskers dispersion could be prepared from cotton linters by acid-hydrolysis process. CNW showed potential applications as nanobiomaterials due to its low cytotoxicity. Show more

Keywords: Cellulose, nanowhiskers, cytotoxicity

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0697

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 121-127, 2012

Authors: Ma, Jun | Liu, Changhua | Li, Rui | Wang, Jia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Novel chitosan (CS)/graphene oxide (GO) biocomposites (CS/GO-n) in the form of films are prepared in a casting and solvent evaporation method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractions (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), tensile testing and moisture uptake are used to study the structure and properties of these biocomposites. The results indicated that the biocomposite containing 0.6 wt% GO exhibits high tensile strength (64.42 MPa) with a large elongation at break (38.80%). GO improved the mechanical properties and the water-resistance of chitosan-based biocomposites.

Keywords: Chitosan, graphene oxide, biocomposites, interaction, properties

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0698

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 129-135, 2012

Authors: Eap, Sandy | Ferrand, Alice | Mendoza Palomares, Carlos | Hébraud, Anne | Stoltz, Jean-François | Mainard, Didier | Schlatter, Guy | Benkirane-Jessel, Nadia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Tissue engineering aims at developing functional substitutes for damaged tissues by mimicking natural tissues. In particular, tissue engineering for bone regeneration enables healing of some bone diseases. Thus, several methods have been developed in order to produce implantable biomaterial structures that imitate the constitution of bone. Electrospinning is one of these methods. This technique produces nonwoven scaffolds made of nanofibers which size and organization match those of the extracellular matrix. Until now, seldom electrospun scaffolds were produced with thickness exceeding one millimeter. This article introduces a new kind of electrospun membrane called 3D scaffold of thickness easily exceeding one centimeter. …The manufacturing involves a solution of poly(ε-caprolactone) in DMF/DCM system. The aim is to establish parameters for electrospinning in order to characterize these 3D scaffolds and, establish whether such scaffolds are potentially interesting for bone regeneration. Show more

Keywords: Tissue engineering, bone regeneration, electrospinning, 3D scaffold, nanofibers, polycaprolactone

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0699

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 137-141, 2012

Authors: Wang, Xiaomei | Shi, Na | Chen, Yan | Li, Chen | Du, Xinshen | Jin, Weihua | Chen, Yun | Chang, Peter R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To improve the hemocompatibility of chitosan/soy protein isolate composite membranes by heparinization. Methods: Chitosan/soy protein isolate membranes (ChS-n, n=0, 10 and 30, corresponding to the soy protein isolate content in the membranes) and heparinized ChS-n membranes (HChS-n) were prepared by blending in dilute HAc/NaAc solution. The hemocompatibility of ChS-n and HChS-n membranes were comparatively evaluated by measuring surface heparin density, blood platelet adhesion, plasma recalcification time (PRT), thrombus formation and hemolysis assay. Results: The surface heparin density analysis showed that heparinized chitosan/SPI soy protein isolate membranes have been successfully prepared by blending. The density of heparin on …the surface of HChS-n membranes was in the range of 0.67–1.29 μg/cm2 . The results of platelet adhesion measurement showed that the platelet adhesion numbers of HChS-n membranes were lower than those of the corresponding ChS-n membranes. The PRT of the HChS-0, HChS-10 and HChS-30 membranes were around 292, 306 and 295 s, respectively, which were longer than the corresponding ChS-0 (152 s), ChS-10 (204 s) and ChS-30 (273 s) membranes. The hemolysis rate of HChS-n membranes was lower than 1%. Conclusion: The hemocompatibility of ChS membranes could be improved by blending with heparin. Compared with ChS membranes, HChS membranes showed lower platelet adhesion, longer PRT, higher BCI, significant thromboresistivity and a lower hemolysis rate due to the heparinization. This widens the application of chitosan and soy protein-based biomaterials that may come in contact with blood. Show more

Keywords: Chitosan, soy protein isolate, membrane, heparinization, hemocompatibility

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0700

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 143-150, 2012

Authors: Yu, Jingwen | Zhao, Fei | Wen, Xianmei | Ding, Qiong | Zhang, Ling | Wang, Ge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Dental cast alloys have been widely used in modern dental restoration. However, due to oral complex environment and individual differences, continuous corrosion of alloys occurs. As a result, metal ions like nickel ion (Ni3+ ) can be released from alloys for prolonged time. This can lead to chronic adverse effects on the surrounding tissues and cells. In order to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of nickel ion on human gingival fibroblasts and explore the mechanism, we observed the effects of the ion salt solution on the proliferation of cultured cells in vitro. The IC50 value of Ni3+ was 389.6 …μmol/l. Then we studied the mechanism of inhibition proliferation of Ni3+ on cultured cells by flow cytometry, the results have shown that Ni3+ induced apoptosis of cultured cells with the pretreatment process prolonged. Besides, we also detected the expression level of cysteinyl aspartate specific protease-3 (caspase-3) mRNA which was shown activated. As a conclusion, the inhibition effect of Ni3+ on the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts was partly due to its potential of inducing apoptosis, and the mechanism of apoptosis is via the caspase-3 activation. The further studies will be fulfilled by animal experiment or evidence-based medicine method. Show more

Keywords: Dental casting alloys, corrosion, nickel ion, cytotoxicity, apoptosis

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0701

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 151-157, 2012

Authors: Dumas, D. | Hupont, S. | Huselstein, C. | de Isla, N. | Rousseau, M. | Werkmeister, E. | Magdalou, J. | Menu, P. | Stoltz, J.-F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: For this study, we have considered a new large field of view imaging dedicated to matrix collagen (no stained samples). To integrate a multidimensional scale (non-sliced samples), a femtosecond oscillator (two photon excitation laser) has been coupled with a large field optical setup to collect SHG signal. We introduced an index (F–SHG) based on decay time response measured by TCSPC for, respectively, Fluorescence (F) and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) values. For samples where protein collagen is the major component of extracellular matrix (skin) or not (nacre), we compared the index distribution (from 2 to 12) obtained with large field optical …setup. In this work, we showed for the first time that multiscale large field imaging combined to multimodality approaches (SHG-TCSPC) could be an innovative and non invasive technique to detect and identify some biological interest molecules (collagen) in biomedical topics. Show more

Keywords: Multiphoton, second harmonic generation, collagen, extracellular matrix

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0702

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 159-162, 2012

Authors: Wang, Bin | Caluch, Adam | Fodil, Redouane | Féréol, Sophie | Zadigue, Patricia | Pelle, Gabriel | Louis, Bruno | Isabey, Daniel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Mechanical factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury (VILI) as contributing to alveolo-capillary barrier dysfunction. This study aims at elucidating the role of the cytoskeleton (CSK) and cell–matrix adhesion system in the stressed endothelium and more precisely in the loss of integrity of the endothelial barrier. We purposely develop a cellular model made of a monolayer of confluent Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HPMVECs) whose cytoskeleton (CSK) is directly exposed to sustained cyclic mechanical stress for 1 and 2 h. We used RGD-coated ferromagnetic beads and measured permeability before …and after stress application. We find that endothelial permeability increases in the stressed endothelium, hence reflecting a loss of integrity. Structural and mechanical results suggest that this endothelial barrier alteration would be due to physically-founded discrepancies in latero-basal reinforcement of adhesion sites in response to the global increase in CSK stiffness or centripetal intracellular forces. Basal reinforcement of adhesion is presently evidenced by the marked redistribution of αv β3 integrin with cluster formation in the stressed endothelium. Show more

Keywords: Integrins, cytoskeleton, endothelial cells, permeability, mechanics

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0703

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 163-170, 2012

Authors: Tian, Weiqun | Hu, Qiaolin | Xu, Ying | Xu, Yi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Transmucosal delivery is a suitable route for insulin non-injection administration. In order to understand how insulin passes through mucosa with soybean-lecithin as an enhancing absorption. Methods: The penetration rate of insulin molecular through porcine buccal mucosa was investigated by measuring transbuccal fluxes in the Ussing Chambers. The imaging morphology of rabbits buccal mucosa was analyzed by using non-contact mode atomic force microscopy. Results: The permeation rate can be increased by co-administration of soybean-lecithin. Untreated buccal mucosa showed relatively smooth surface characteristics, with many small crater-like pits and indentations spread over mucosa surfaces. Buccal mucosa that had been …treated with 1.0% (w/v) sodium deoxycholic acid (pH 7.4) appeared to much more indentations characteristic, which treated with 2.5% (w/v) soybean-lecithin (pH 7.4) and 2.5% (w/v) Azone or laurocapram (pH 7.4) appeared rather different, the surface mucosa treated with soybean-lecithin emulsion showed a fine, rippling effect whereas those exposed to Azone display a more coarse, undulating surface feature. As a result of that Azone could damage the surface of the buccal mucosa, but soybean-lecithin could not. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that soybean-lecithin is a better and safer enhancer for insulin transmucosal delivery. Show more

Keywords: Soybean-lecithin, enhance, insulin, absorption, transmucosa

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0704

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 171-178, 2012

Authors: Zheng, Hong-Yun | Li, Yan | Dai, Wen | Wei, Chuan-Dong | Sun, Kai-Sheng | Tong, Yong-Qing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Testosterone is either neutral or has a harmful effect on the male cardiovascular system. But the role of imbalance of testosterone (T) and estrogen (E2) (T/E2 ratio) in male CHD has been less studied. This study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the relationship between T/E2 ratio and CHD. Methods: Fifty-five male CHD patients (aged 61.25 ± 3.44) and 60 age-matched controls (aged 59.54 ± 1.44) were selected in this research. Results: Compared with control group, levels of both serum T and E2 decreased, but only E2 had statistical significance (P=0.001). The normal testosterone (T)/estradiol …(E2) ratio is 1.7 ± 0.12, but the ratio of T/E2 (3.28 ± 0.58) changed significantly in men with CHD group (P<0.05). With the imbalance of T/E2 ratio in CHD group, we further used a linear and multiple regression methods to analyze the correlation between sex hormones and CHD risk factors. The results showed serum T was positively associated with TG (r=0.439, P<0.01) and D-dimer (r=0.258, P<0.05), but negatively associated with HDL-C (r=−0.267, P<0.05) and Hs-CRP (r=−0.214, P<0.05). However, E2 was highly positive associated with TG (r=0.783, P<0.01) and HDL-C (r=0.515, P<0.01), but was negative related with LDL-C (r=−0.219, P<0.05), TC/LDL (r=−0.236, P<0.05) and D-dimer. Multiple linear regression method also showed the same results between E2 and HDL-C (P=0.020), LDL-C (P=0.000), which showed E2's protective role in cases. However, T/E2's effect is more significative than E2's, and the values between T/E2 and index are HDL-C (r=−0.624, P<0.01), LDL-C (r=0.348, P<0.01), TC/HDL (r=0.237, P<0.05), Hs-CRP (r=0.248, P<0.05) and D-dimer (r=0.249, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression method also showed the positive relationship between T/E2 and HDL-C (P=0.000), D-dimer (P=0.000), and negative relationships between T/E2 and TC (P=0.000), TG (P=0.000) or HDL/LDL (P=0.000). Conclusion: The balance of T/E2 ratio, rather than the absolute levels of androgens, is crucial in modulating the effect of androgens on CHD in males. Show more

Keywords: Coronary heart disease, testosterone, estradiol, imbalance, men

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0705

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 179-185, 2012

Authors: Wang, Hong-Liang | Zhang, Hai-Yan | Zhai, Zhong-Liang | Zhou, Xin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the correlation between HBV infection and interleukin 27 (IL-27). Methods: Serum IL-27 levels in patients with HBV infection and in healthy individuals were measured by ELISA, regulation of IL-27 by HBV in vitro were analyzed by RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: IL-27 was significantly elevated in patients as compared to healthy individuals (P<0.001). IL-27 was also detected at higher levels in patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma than those with acute hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis B (P<0.05). We also found that IL-27 expression was influenced by HBV e antigen. In addition, our in vitro …studies demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression were all stimulated in cells transfected with infectious HBV clone. Conclusions: IL-27 would be a novel cytokine for clinical management of HBV-infected patients, which may establish novel HBV therapeutic approaches. Show more

Keywords: HBV, interleukin 27, ELISA, cytokine

DOI: 10.3233/BME-2012-0706

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 22, no. 1-3, pp. 187-193, 2012