Search

Multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells are endogenous pluripotent stem cells that can be isolated based on stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3), a pluripotent stem cell-surface marker. However, their capacities for survival, neurotrophic factor secretion, and neuronal and glial differentiation are unclear in rodents. Here we analyzed mouse adipose tissue-derived Muse cells in vitro. We collected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from C57BL/6 J mouse adipose tissue and separated SSEA-3 + , namely Muse cells, and SSEA-3 – , non-Muse cells, to assess self-renewability; pluripotency marker expression (Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, and SSEA-3); spontaneous differentiation into endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal lineages; and neural differentiation capabilities under cytokine induction. Neurally differentiated Muse and non-Muse cell functions were assessed by calcium imaging. Antioxidant ability was measured to assess survival under oxidative stress. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secretion were analyzed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. SSEA-3 + Muse cells (6.3 ± 1.9% of mouse adipose-MSCs), but not non-Muse cells, exhibited self-renewability, spontaneous differentiation into the three germ layers, and differentiation into cells positive for Tuj-1 (27 ± 0.9%), O4 (17 ± 3.4%), or GFAP (23 ± 1.3%) under cytokine induction. Neurally differentiated Muse cells responded to KCl depolarization with greater increases in cytoplasmic Ca 2+ levels than non-Muse cells. Cell survival under oxidative stress was significantly higher in Muse cells (50 ± 2.7%) versus non-Muse cells (22 ± 2.8%). Muse cells secreted significantly more BDNF, VEGF, and HGF (273 ± 12, 1479 ± 7.5, and 6591 ± 1216 pg/mL, respectively) than non-Muse cells (133 ± 4.0, 1165 ± 20, and 2383 ± 540 pg/mL, respectively). Mouse Muse cells were isolated and characterized for the first time. Muse cells showed greater pluripotency-like characteristics, survival, neurotrophic factor secretion, and neuronal and glial-differentiation capacities than non-Muse cells, indicating that they may have better neural-regeneration potential.

Purpose We encountered a case where an infection with group A streptococcus (GAS; ie, Streptococcus pyogenes ) initially caused primary peritonitis and then subsequently caused streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The patient's life was likely saved by an emergency laparotomy followed by extensive peritoneal lavage and drainage. Case Presentation A 40-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department for lower abdominal pain and numbness in the extremities. She presented with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and ascites that resembled pus and general peritonitis were noted. Peritoneal lavage and drainage were performed, and GAS was isolated from peritoneal fluid. Gram staining of cervical polyp specimens revealed Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions The patient was diagnosed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome due to an ascending GAS infection originating from vagina.