CD133 Antigen as a Potential Marker of Melanoma Stem Cells: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are suspected to be responsible for the cancer recurrence and in the consequence for cancer therapy failure. CD133 is a potential marker for detection of melanoma CSCs. Experiments were performed on the B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell line. CD133+ cells were isolated using an immunomagnetic cell sorting technique. After isolation proliferative and clonogenic potential of CD133+, CD133- and CD133+/- were evaluated. The potential of CD133+ and CD133- cells for tumor induction was conducted on C57BL/6J mouse model. Three different cell quantities (100, 1000, 10000) were tested. Tumor morphology, number of mitoses, and tumor necrosis area were analyzed. Average 0.12% CD133+ cells were isolated. Compared to CD133- and unsorted CD133+/- cells, CD133+ cells were characterized by the higher proliferative and clonogenic potential. These properties were not confirmed in vivo, as both CD133+ and CD133- cells induced tumor growth in mouse model. No statistical differences in mitosis number and tumor necrosis area were observed. Simultaneous detection of CD133 antigen with other markers is necessary for accurate identification of these melanoma cancer stem cells

Ureter regeneration-the proper scaffold has to be defined.

The aim of this study was to compare two different acellular scaffolds: natural and synthetic, for urinary conduit construction and ureter segment reconstruction. Acellular aortic arch (AAM) and poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) were used in 24 rats for ureter reconstruction in both tested groups. Follow-up period was 4 weeks. Intravenous pyelography, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. All animals survived surgical procedures. Patent uretero-conduit junction was observed only in one case using PLCL. In case of ureter segment reconstruction ureters were patent in one case using AAM and in four cases using PLCL scaffolds. Regeneration of urothelium layer and focal regeneration of smooth muscle layer was observed on both tested scaffolds. Obtained results indicates that synthetic acellular PLCL scaffolds showed better properties for ureter reconstruction than naturally derived acellular aortic arch

Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Support Topical Skin Adhesive for Wound Closure: A Preliminary Report from Animal In Vivo Study

The aim of this study was to determine the local and systemic effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as a component of topical skin adhesive in an animal artificial wound closure model. In presented study the cosmetic effects, histological analysis, mechanical properties, and cell migration have been assessed to evaluate the usefulness of ADSCs as supporting factor for octyl blend cyanoacrylate adhesive. The total of 40 rats were used and divided into six groups. In the Study Group, ADSCs were administered by multipoint injection of the six surrounding intrawound areas with additional freely leaving procedure of the cells between the skin flaps just before applying adhesive to close the wound. Five control groups without using ADSCs, utilizing different types of standard wound closure, were created in order to check efficiency of experimental stem cell therapy. In our study, we proved that ADSCs could be used effectively also as a supportive tool in topical skin adhesive for wound closure. However we did not achieve any spectacular differences related to such aspects as better mechanical properties or special biological breakthroughs in wound healing properties. The use of stem cells, especially ADSCs for wound closure can provide an inspiring development in plastic and dermatologic surgery

Results of urinary conduit construction using acellular aortic arch and electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds.

<p>Good functional results relating to all mentioned aspects (conduit, ureter, kidney) were bold. (CSS – conduit to skin anastomosis, CE – contrast excretion, Kidneys* - changes in kidneys size (in percentage) on the operated side compared to normal kidneys).</p><p>Results of urinary conduit construction using acellular aortic arch and electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds.</p

Integration of scaffolds with native ureters – macroscopic evaluation.

<p>A, C – lack of integration of electrospun nanofibrous scaffold; B – good integration of electrospun nanofibrous scaffold, it is impossible to find anastomosis site; D-F – good integration of aortic arch scaffold. C – conduit, U – ureter. Arrows marked sites of anastomosis.</p

PLCL degradation test.

<p>A–D – Macroscopic evaluation, tested scaffold was covered with host tissue with well developed vascular network; E–H - Ultrastructural micrographs of specimen harvested from rat’s peritoneum 6 weeks after nanomaterial implantation. E - Arrow points bundles of collagen; F – (nr – nanomaterial residue); G – (b – border between collagen and nanomaterial, c – collagen, d – dissolved nanomaterial, n – niche filled with collagen); H - (v – blood vessel lumen).</p