Genetic and cellular aspects of the establishment of histocompatible stem cells: information gained from an animal model

The establishment of patient-specific histocompatible stem cells may be an alternative for overcoming current limitations in stem cell engineering. We are developing an animal model to assist the establishment of histocompatible, autologous stem cells. In this process, we obtained valuable information on establishing and characterizing stem cells. As an initial step, we succeeded in establishing histocompatible stem cells using preantral follicle cultures and subsequent parthenogenetic activation. The gene expression profile of the established stem cells was similar to that of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from normal fertilization. On the other hand, we propose a way to derive histocompatible, ESC-like cells by co-culturing ovarian stromal cells with feeder fibroblasts, which may allow the derivation of stem cells from somatic tissue. However, more progress regarding the establishment and elucidation on origination of established cell lines is necessary to use this genetic manipulation-free procedure. Nevertheless, relevant information on the process will help to stimulate preclinical research on cell transformation into differentiated, undifferentiated, and even cancerous cells, as well as clinical studies on the application of induced pluripotent cells

Microlitiasis alveolar pulmonar: presentación de un caso

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis a rare disease whose main characteristic accumulation of calcium salts within the air cell, this due to the presence of a genetic mutation autosomal recessive. This entity is within the group of diffuse lung diseases and primary diagnosis is a challenge for health professionals. There is no treatment to date, has raised the use of bisphosphonate, steroids and bronchoalveolar lavage without reaching conclusive results. It is preferred to perform the transplant before the development of right ventricular failure for best results. The definitive diagnosis is histopathological. In Peru it has been poorly described this disease as the only report found no definitive histopathological diagnosis. We report a case diagnosed in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Hipolito Unanue National Hospital in Lima, Peru.La microlitiasis alveolar pulmonar es una enfermedad rara cuya principal característica es la acumulación de sales de calcio dentro del alvéolo pulmonar, esto debido a la presencia de una mutación genética autosómica recesiva. Esta entidad se encuentra dentro del grupo de enfermedades pulmonares difusas y el diagnóstico principal es un reto para los profesionales de la salud. No existe un tratamiento hasta la fecha; se ha planteado el uso de bisfosfonatos, los esteroides y lavado bronco alveolar sin llegar a resultados concluyentes. Se prefiere llevar a cabo el trasplante pulmonar, para mejores resultados, antes de que se haya establecido el desarrollo de la insuficiencia ventricular derecha. El diagnóstico definitivo es histopatológico. De acuerdo con la literatura nacional publicada, a nuestro alcance, en Perú se ha reportado esta enfermedad tan solo con sospecha radiológica, sin publicar el diagnóstico histopatológico definitivo. Presentamos un caso diagnosticado en el Departamento de Cirugía de Tórax y Cardiovascular del Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue de Lima