Kaulų čiulpų kamieninių ląstelių įtakos odos regeneracijai tyrimas BALB/c linijos pelių modelyje in vivo

Acceleration of the regeneration process is necessary for severe full-thickness skin injuries, such as burns, trauma or chronic ulcers. The aim of this dissertation was to investigate the influence of bone marrow-derived stem cells on skin regeneration using full-thickness wound model in BALB/c mouse. Lin¯ cells were isolated and identified. Regenerative properties of purified cells were evaluated in vitro. Wound healing after Lin¯ cells transplantation was examined histologically and cytokine gene expression was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The results revealed that Lin¯ population is heterogeneous and contains distinct undifferentiated cell types. In vitro experiments showed that skin tissue extracellular matrix components enhance proliferation and migration of Lin¯ cells. Histologic analysis indicated that inhibition of inflammation, re-epithelization, formation of skin appendages and extracellular collagen, were most effective after cell transplantation with type I collagen. Quantitative analysis revealed that transplanted Lin¯ cells decrease expression of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and increase anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression. Also, gene expression of growth factors TGF-β and VEGF, which enhance regeneration, was improved in different healing phases. The results obtained provide additional knowledge for possible therapeutic application of stem/progenitor cells in difficult-to-heal wounds

Skin extracellular matrix components accelerate the regenerative potential of Lin-cells

Due to their unique properties, bone marrow-derived Lin− cells can be used to regenerate damaged tissues, including skin. The objective of our study was to determine the influence of the skin tissue-specific microenvironment on mouse Lin− cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Cells were analyzed for the expression of stem/progenitor surface markers by flow cytometry. Proliferation of MACS-purified cells in 3D cultures was investigated by WST-8 assay. Lin− cell migration was evaluated by in vitro scratch assay. The results obtained show that basement membrane matrix is more effective for Lin− cell proliferation in vitro. However, type I collagen matrix better enhances the re-epithelization process, that depends on the cell migratory properties. These studies are important for preparing cells to be used in transplantation

Postnatal growth in children born small and appropriate for gestational age during the first years of life

The aim of the study was to evaluate growth pattern of small- and appropriate-for-gestationalage children and to identify prenatal and postnatal risk factors for short stature and development of components of metabolic syndrome. A total of 109 small- and 239 appropriate-for-gestational-age infants were enrolled in the study. Within 24 hours after birth and at 2, 5, 9, 12, 18, 24 months, and 6 years of age, anthropometric data were recorded for study children. Cord blood samples from study infants were collected, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF), IGF-binding protein-3, and leptin levels were measured. Birth weight and height (P<0.001) and insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-binding protein-3, and leptin levels (P<0.05) were lower in children born small for gestational age vs. children born appropriate for gestational age. At 2, 5, 12, 18, and 24 months and 6 years of age, children born small for gestational age remained shorter and weighed less (P<0.001). Waist-to-hip ratio, heart rate at 6 years of age and gain in body mass index from birth up to 6 years of age was higher in children born small for gestational age. Height gain during the first year of life was mainly influenced by birth length and target height. Maternal weight before pregnancy and cord leptin levels were the most significant factors influencing postnatal weight gain during the first years of life. Conclusions. During the first 6 years of life, children born small for gestational age remained shorter and lighter. A greater catch-up in body mass index and tendency towards central pattern of fat distribution during the first years of life might be predisposing factors for the development of long-term metabolic complications in these individuals