Search

Objectives: This study aims to explore whether Huperzine A (HupA) could protect neural stem cells against amyloid beta-peptide Aβ induced apoptosis in a neural stem cells (NSCs) and microglia co-culture system., Methods: Rat NSCs and microglial cells were isolated, cultured and identified with immunofluorescence Assays (IFA). Co-culture systems of NSCs and microglial cells were employed using Transwell Permeable Supports. The effects of Aβ1-42 on NSCs were studied in 4 groups using co-culture systems: NSCs, Aβ+NSCs, co-culture and Aβ+co-culture groups. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and flow cytometry were utilized to assess the differences of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of NSCs between the groups. LQ test was performed to assess the amounts of IL-6, TNF-α and MIP-α secreted, and flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to assess apoptosis of NSCs and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in each group., Results: IFA results showed that isolated rat NSCs were nestin-positive and microglial cells were CD11b/c-positive. Among all the groups, the Aβ+co-culture group has the lowest BrdU expression level, the lowest MAP2-positive, ChAT-positive cell counts and the highest NSC apoptosis rate. Smaller amounts of IL-6, TNF-α and MIP-α were being secreted by microglial cells in the HupA+Aβ+co-culture group compared with those in the Aβ+ co-culture group. Also the Bcl-2: Bax ratio was much higher in the HupA+Aβ+co-culture group than in the Aβ+co-culture group., Conclusions: HupA inhibits cell apoptosis through restraining microglia's inflammatory response induced by Aβ1-42.

Aims: Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been reported to prevent the development of liver fibrosis and have emerged as a promising strategy for cell-based therapy. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. Hepatic stellate cells (SC) activation is a pivotal event in the development of liver fibrosis., Main Methods: We hypothesized that MSC play an important role in regulating SC proliferation and apoptosis through paracrine mechanisms. To investigate the paracrine interactions between MSC and SC, a co-culture experimental model was developed using human MSC (hMSC) and human SC (hSC)., Key Findings: We demonstrate that hMSC and hSC both express nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor p75. Results acquired from transwell co-culture experiments using hSC and hMSC showed that hMSC secrete NGF, which enhances hSC apoptosis. Transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KappaB) and B cell leukemia-xl (Bcl-xl) take part in the process., Significance: These findings demonstrated that hMSC indirectly modulate activated hSC in vitro via NGF-mediated signaling cascades and provide a potential mechanism of how transplanted MSC are effective in treating liver fibrosis.

During liver injury, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate and differentiate into hepatocytes. Hepatic stellate cell (SC) activation is a pivotal event in the development of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that SCs may play an important role in regulating MSC proliferation and differentiation through the paracrine signaling pathway. We demonstrate that MSCs and SCs both express hedgehog (Hh) pathway components, including its ligands, receptors, and target genes. Transwell co-cultures of SCs and MSCs showed that the SCs produced sonic hedgehog (Shh), which enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. These findings demonstrate that SCs indirectly modulate the activity of MSCs in vitro via the Hh pathway, and provide a plausible explanation for the mechanisms of transplanted MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis.