Human Fibroblast Sheet Promotes Human Pancreatic Islet Survival and Function In Vitro

In previous work, we engineered functional cell sheets using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) to promote islet graft survival. In the present study, we hypothesized that a cell sheet using dermal fibroblasts could be an alternative to MSCs, and then we aimed to evaluate the effects of this cell sheet on the functional viability of human islets. Fibroblast sheets were fabricated using temperature-responsive culture dishes. Human islets were seeded onto fibroblast sheets. The efficacy of the fibroblast sheets was evaluated by dividing islets into three groups: the islets-alone group, the coculture with fibroblasts group, and the islet culture on fibroblast sheet group. The ultrastructure of the islets cultured on each fibroblast sheet was examined by electron microscopy. The fibroblast sheet expression of fibronectin (as a component of the extracellular matrix) was quantified by Western blotting. After 3 days of culture, islet viabilities were 70.2 ± 9.8%, 87.4 ± 5.8%, and 88.6 ± 4.5%, and survival rates were 60.3 ± 6.8%, 65.3 ± 3.0%, and 75.8 ± 5.6%, respectively. Insulin secretions in response to high-glucose stimulation were 5.1 ± 1.6, 9.4 ± 3.8, and 23.5 ± 12.4 μIU/islet, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretions were 3.0 ± 0.7, 5.1 ± 1.2, and 7.3 ± 1.0 ng/day, respectively. Islets were found to incorporate into the fibroblast sheets while maintaining a three-dimensional structure and well-preserved extracellular matrix. The fibroblast sheets exhibited a higher expression of fibronectin compared to fibroblasts alone. In conclusion, human dermal fibroblast sheets fabricated by tissue-engineering techniques could provide an optimal substrate for human islets, as a source of cytokines and extracellular matrix

Subclavian arterio-esophageal fistula secondary to fish bone impaction: Report of a case

Surgery Today284409-411SUTO

Internet and surgery

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery6610655-658ANZJ

The long-term metabolic function of pancreatic islet grafts and the effect on glomerular basement membrane thickness

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:DX178313 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Free air or colon?

10.1046/j.1442-2034.2003.00182.xAnnals of the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong74136-138ACSH

Expression patterns of cytokine, growth factor and cell cycle-related after partial hepatectomy in rats with thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis

World Journal of Gastroenterology1271063-1070WJGA

Mitochondrial respiratory function and antioxidant capacity in normal and cirrhotic livers following partial hepatectomy

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences612220-229CMLS

Metastasis-associated protein S100A4 - A potential prognostic marker for colorectal cancer

10.1002/jso.20460Journal of Surgical Oncology936498-503JSON

Tracheobronchial Stenting is Safe and Effective in Relieving Upper Airway Obstruction

Many studies have shown that tracheobronchial stenting is effective in relieving respiratory distress secondary to major airway obstruction due to lung or oesophageal cancer. A retrospective review on the benefits and complications of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion through flexible bronchoscopy for the palliative treatment of upper airway obstruction in University Malaya Medical Centre was performed. Ten patients underwent this procedure. Relief of dyspnoea was immediate following stent insertion in all patients. Stent migration occurred in one patient and three patients had restenosis of the central airway. We conclude that tracheobronchial stenting via flexible bronchoscopy is feasible and safe

Second harmonic generation microscopy provides accurate automated staging of liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

10.1371/journal.pone.0199166PLoS ONE136e019916