Ad-EGFP Group Research Articles

LncRNA JPX targets SERCA2a to mitigate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by binding to EZH2

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators in heart disease, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. LncRNA just proximal to XIST (JPX) is a molecular switch for X-chromosome inactivation. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a core catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which is involved in chromatin compaction and gene repression. This study aims to explore the mechanism of JPX regulating the expression of Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) by binding to EZH2 and preventing cardiomyocyte I/R damage in vivo and in vitro.First, we constructed mouse myocardial I/R and HL1 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation models, and found that JPX was low expressed in both models. JPX overexpression alleviated cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, reduced the I/R-induced infarct size in mouse hearts, lowered the serum cTnI concentration, and promoted mouse cardiac systolic function. The evidence implies that JPX can alleviate I/R-induced acute cardiac damage. Mechanistically, the FISH and RIP assays showed that JPX could bind to EZH2. The ChIP assay revealed EZH2 enrichment at the promoter region of SERCA2a. Both the EZH2 and H3K27me3 levels at the promoter region of SERCA2a were reduced in the JPX overexpression group compared to those in the Ad-EGFP group (P < 0.01).In summary, our results suggested that LncRNA JPX directly bound to EZH2 and reduced the EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 in the SERCA2a promoter region, protecting the heart from acute myocardial I/R injury. Therefore, JPX might be a potential therapeutic target for I/R injury.

VEGF gene transfection restores the angiogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis in mice.

BackgroundTo explore the effectiveness of adenovirus-enhanced green fluorescent protein-vascular endothelial growth factor165 (AD-EGFP-VEGF165) transfection on fibroblasts from mice, and we assessed whether VEGF165 restores the angiogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) in mice.MethodsAD-EGFP-VEGF165 and AD-EGFP were transfected into fibroblasts from mouse buccal tissues in vitro. The expression of VEGF before and after transfection was detected by RT-qPCR and ELISA in each group of fibroblasts. Fifteen OSF mice (pre-experimental construction) were randomly divided into 3 groups, and equal amounts of AD-EGFP-VEGF165 virus, AD-EGFP virus, and saline were injected into the buccal submucosal tissue of OSF mice. The expression of VEGF and local tissue angiogenesis were observed and measured in each group of animals.ResultsThe Ad-EGFP-VEGF165-transfected fibroblasts increased human and mouse VEGF expression compared to the Ad-EGFP group and control group (P<0.05). The buccal submucosal tissue of mice was injected with Ad-EGFP-VEGF165 after the 6th day, and the expression of VEGF was effectively expressed in AD-EGFP-VEGF165 group (P<0.05), while no positive expression observed in other groups. and the number of microvessels in the AD-EGFP-VEGF165 group increased significantly compared to the other groups (P<0.05).ConclusionsAd-EGFP-VEGF165 can be successfully transfected into fibroblasts from mice, and restored the angiogenesis of OSF in mice.

Mutant Rad50 enhances killing effects of radiation on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE1

Objective: To investigate the killing effects of radiation and mutant Rad50 transfection on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE1. Methods: The experimental groups included: control group, Ad-Rad50-GFP group, Ad-EGFP group, irradiation group, Ad-Rad50-GFP combined with irradiation group, and Ad-EGFP combined with irradiation group. CNE1 cells were transfected with recombinant adenoviral vector Ad-Rad50-GFP carrying mutant Rad50 gene. The expressions of Mre11, Rad50, Nbs1, and relevant constituents composing MRN complex were detected by Western Blot. Neutral comet assay was used to detect the effect of mutant Rad50 on restoration process of DNA damage. Cell growth curve was used to evaluate the growth inhibition of CNE1 by mutant Rad50 and radiation. Results: Expressions of Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 in cells of Ad-Rad50-GFP group were less significantly than those in control group when irradiation was completed (0.48 vs 0.62, 0.42 vs 0.5, and 0.53 vs 0.69, respectively, P<0.05) and 24 hours after irradiation (0.41 vs 0.69, 0.46 vs 0.58, and 0.34 vs 0.78, respectively, P<0.05). The mean tail moment (MTM) in Ad-Rad50-GFP plus irradiation group was higher than that in irradiation group when irradiation was completed (16.06 vs 14.8, P<0.05), 24 hours after irradiation (58.23 vs 15.89, P<0.05) and 48 hours after irradiation: (45.12 vs 11.42, P<0.05). Seven days after irradiation, the cells in Ad-Rad50-GFP plus irradiation group was less than those in control group or irradiation group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Mutant Rad50 enhances killing effects of radiation on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE1.

Effect of Recombinant Adenovirus AdE-SH2-Caspase 8 on the Apoptosis of Imatinib-resistant K562/G01 Cell Line

To investigate the effect of SH2-Caspase 8 fusion protein expressed by recombinant adenovirus AdE-SH2-Caspase8-HA-GFP (SC) on the apoptosis of K562/G01 cell line, which is a BCR/ABL positive chronic myeloid leukemia cell line and resistant to imatinib. The K562/G01 cell line was infected with AdE-SH2-Caspase 8-HA-GFP adenovirus (SC), then the cells were divided into 3 groups: AdE-SH2m-Caspase 8-HA-GFP (SmC) group, AdE-GFP (CMV) group and PBS group as control. The infection efficiency was observed under fluorescent microscopy and by flow cytometry. The expression of fusion protein SH2-Caspase 8-HA was measured by Western blot. The morphology of the cells detected by Wright's staining. The apoptosis of the cells were detected by flow cytometry and DNA ladder. The expression of Caspase 3 and PARP were detected by Western blot. The infection efficiency of SC on K562/G01 cells was high which was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and FCM. SH2-Caspase 8-HA fusion protein were expressed correctly in K562/G01 cells. After treatment with SC the apoptosis of K562/G01 cells could be observed by microscopy. The result of FCM showed that early apoptosis of K562/G01 cells increased significantly as compared with control groups (P < 0.05). DNA ladder showed that the classic DNA ladders appeared in K562/G01 cells after treatment with SC. The wester blot detection showed that the expression level of apoptosis-related protein Caspase 3 and PARP increased. The recombinant adenovirus SC expressing SH2-Caspase 8 fusion protein can induces the apoptosis of K562/G01 cells.

Attenuation of atherosclerotic lesions in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice using gene silencing of macrophage migration inhibitory factor.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) involves the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) and increased plasma MIF levels in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are associated with AS. Here, we have been suggested that MIF could be a critical contributor for the pathological process of diabetes-associated AS by using adenovirus-mediated RNA interference. First, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animal model was constructed in 114 apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (apoE−/− mice) fed on a regular chow diet. Then, the animals were randomly divided into three groups: Adenovirus-mediated MIF interference (Ad-MIFi), Ad-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and normal saline (NS) group (n ≈ 33/group). Non-diabetic apoE−/− mice (n = 35) were served as controls. Ad-MIFi, Ad-EGFP and NS were, respectively, injected into the tail vein of mice from Ad-MIFi, Ad-EGFP and NS group, which were injected repeatedly 4 weeks later. Physical, biochemical, morphological and molecular parameters were measured. The results showed that diabetic apoE−/− mice had significantly aggravated atherosclerotic lesions. MIF gene interference attenuated atherosclerotic lesions and stabilized atheromatous plaque, accompanied by the decreased macrophages and lipids deposition and inflammatory cytokines production, improved glucose intolerance and plasma cholesterol level, the decreased ratio of matrix matalloproteinase-2/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and plaque instability index. An increased expression of MIF and its ligand CD74 was also detected in the diabetic patients with coronary artery disease. The results suggest that MIF gene interference is able to inhibit atherosclerotic lesions and increase plaque stability in diabetic apoE−/−mice. MIF inhibition could be a novel and promising approach to the treatment of DM-associated AS.

Role of spinal neuronal CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 in maintenance of bone cancer pain in mice

Objective To evaluate the role of spinal neuronal CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) in the maintenance of bone cancer pain (BCP) in mice.Methods Thirty-two male C3H/HeJ mice,aged 4-6 weeks,weighing 20-25 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =8 each):sham operation + normal saline group (group S),BCP + normal saline group (group BCP),BCP 4+ empty adenovirus vector Ad-EGFP group (group Ad-EGFP) and BCP + CRTC1 gene RNA interference adenovirus (Ad-CRTC1) group (group Ad-CRTC1).In BCP,Ad-EGFP and Ad-CRTC1 groups,the model of BCP was established by intramedullary injection of α-minimal essence media containing osteolytic NCTC 2472 cells into the right femur.In group S,the mice were inoculated with α-minimal essence media containing no tumor cells.Normal saline 5 μl,Ad-EGFP 5μl (in normal saline),and Ad-CRTC1 5 μl (in normal saline) were injected intrathecally in BCP,Ad-EGFP and Ad-CRTC1 groups,respectively,once a day for 3 consecutive days starting from day 14 after inoculation of the tumor cells.On 1 day before inoculation,on 4,7,10 and 14 days after inoculation and on 1,3,5 and 7 days after intrathecal injection (T0-s),the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and spontaneous lifting times were measured.Results Compared with the baseline value at T0,MWT was significantly decreased,and the spontaneous lifting times were increased at T1 in each group,no significant change was found in MWT and the spontaneous lifting times at T2 in group S,and MWT was gradually decreased,and the spontaneous lifting times were gradually increased with the prolonging time in BCP,Ad-EGFP and Ad-CRTC1 groups.Compared with group S,MWT was significantly decreased,and the spontaneous lifting times were increased in the other groups.MWT was significantly higher,and the spontaneous lifting times were lower at T5-8 in group Ad-CRTC1 than in BCP and AdEGFP groups.Conclusion Spinal neuronal CRTC1 is involved in the maintenance of BCP in mice. Key words: Bone neoplasms ; Pain ; Neurons ; Spinal cord ; CRTC protein

Local Gene Silencing of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Prevents Vulnerable Plaque Disruption in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a CC chemokine (CCL2), has been demonstrated to play important roles in atherosclerosis and becoming an important therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that local RNAi of MCP-1 by site-specific delivery of adenovirus-mediated small hairpin RNA (shRNA) may enhance plaque stability and prevent plaque disruption in ApoE−/− mice. We designed an adenovirus-mediated shRNA against mouse MCP-1 (rAd5-MCP-1-shRNA). Male apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE−/−) mice (n = 120) were fed a high-fat diet and vulnerable plaques were induced by perivascular placement of constrictive collars around the carotid artery, intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide and stress stimulation. Mice were randomly divided into RNA interference (Ad-MCP-1i) group receiving local treatment of rAd5-MCP-1-shRNA suspension, Ad-EGFP group receiving treatment of rAd5-mediated negative shRNA and mock group receiving treatment of saline. Two weeks after treatment, plaque disruption rates were significantly lower in the Ad-MCP-1i group than in the Ad-EGFP group (13.3% vs. 60.0%, P = 0.01), and local MCP-1 expression was significantly inhibited in the Ad-MCP-1i group confirmed by immunostaining, qRT-PCR and western blot (P<0.001). Compared with the Ad-EGFP group, carotid plaques in the Ad-MCP-1i group showed increased levels of collagen and smooth muscle cells, and decreased levels of lipid and macrophages. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were lower in the Ad-MCP-1i group than in the Ad-EGFP group. In conclusion, site-specific delivery of adenoviral-mediated shRNA targeting mouse MCP-1 downregulated MCP-1 expression, turned a vulnerable plaque into a more stable plaque phenotype and prevented plaque disruption. A marked suppression of the local inflammatory cytokine expression may be the central mechanism involved.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells modified by hTGF-β1 combined with calcium aiginate gel in three dimensional condition to construct tissue engineering cartilage

Objective To investigate the feasibility of hTGF-β1 transfected bone mrrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) combined with calcium alginate gel in three dimensional condition to construct tissue engineering cartilage. Methods Rats BMSCs were obtained and cultured by whole bone marrow method,and then the third-generation cells were seeded into cell culture plate,and were divided into 3 groups:AdhTGF-β1 transfected group, Ad-EGFP transfected group and control group. The control group was added in common medium without any treatment while the other 2 groups were respectively added in serum-free medium containing Ad-hTGF-β1 or that containing Ad-EGFP.Seven days later,real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR and Western blot were employed for detecting the expression of TGF-β1.Then,the BMSCs which successfully transfected by Ad-hTGF-β1,were continually cultured in vitro.And the confound of cells-calcium alginate gel,the cell density was 1.0 × l07 per ml,were prepared and cultuered in constant temperature incubator.Ten days later,examine the morphous and proliferation of cell.Last,paraffin slice of the cell-gel confound was stained by HE,toluidine blue and Masson staining,while immunohistochemical for the secretion of collagen Ⅱ. Results Seven days after the transfection, real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR revealed that the average relative expression of TGF-β1 was:Ad-hTGF-β1 group 0.863,and Ad-EGFP group 0.183, the control group 0.180, and the expression difference of TGF-β1 was statistically diffence (P ＜0.05). Western blot proved strong TGF-β1 expression in Ad-hTGF-β1 group while it was detected a little in the other two groups. Globose cells were observed through inverted microscope in the calcium alginate gel.MTT proved the amount of cells were not statistically diffence (P ＞ 0.05) at different time point.HE staining proved amount cartilage lacuna formation in the gel, while the secretion of cartilage matrix were proved by toluidine blue and Masson,and immunohistochemical proved the expression of collagen Ⅱ. Conclusion BMSC trnsfected by hTGF-β1 could be successfully induced to chondrocyte, as the cells morphous maintained.This three dimensional condition could preferably mimicry cell growth pattern as in vivo. Key words: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ; TGF-β1 ; Gene transfection ; Chondrocytes ; Tissue engineering; Three dimensional culture

Small Interference RNA Targeting TLR4 Gene Effectively Attenuates Pulmonary Inflammation in a Rat Model

Objective. The present study was to investigate the feasibility of adenovirus-mediated small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene in ameliorating lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods. In vitro, alveolar macrophages (AMs) were treated with Ad-siTLR4 and Ad-EFGP, respectively, for 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h, and then with LPS (100 ng/mL) for 2 h, and the function and expression of TLR4 were evaluated. In vivo, rats received intratracheal injection of 300 μL of normal saline (control group), 300 μL of Ad-EGFP (Ad-EGFP group), or 300 μL of Ad-siTLR4 (Ad-siTLR4 group) and then were intravenously treated with LPS (50 mg/kg) to induce ALI. Results. Ad-siTLR4 treatment significantly reduced TLR4 expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines following LPS treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Significant alleviation of tissue edema, microvascular protein leakage, and neutrophil infiltration was observed in the AdsiTLR4-treated animals. Conclusion. TLR4 plays a critical role in LPS-induced ALI, and transfection of Ad-siTLR4 can effectively downregulate TLR4 expression in vitro and in vivo, accompanied by alleviation of LPS-induced lung injury. These findings suggest that TLR4 may serve as a potential target in the treatment of ALI and RNA interfering targeting TLR4 expression represents a therapeutic strategy.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 overexpression improves central nitric oxide-mediated sympathetic outflow in chronic heart failure

Angiotensin (ANG)-converting enzyme (ACE)2 in brain regions such as the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) controlling cardiovascular function may be involved in the regulation of sympathetic outflow in chronic heart failure (CHF). The purpose of this study was to determine if ACE2 plays a role in the central regulation of sympathetic outflow by regulating neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) in the PVN. We investigated ACE2 and nNOS expression within the PVN of rats with CHF. We then determined the effects of ACE2 gene transfer in the PVN on the contribution of NO-mediated sympathoinhibition in rats with CHF. The results showed that there were decreased expressions for ACE2, the ANG-(1-7) receptor, and nNOS within the PVN of rats with CHF. After the application of adenovirus vectors encoding ACE2 (AdACE2) into the PVN, the increased expression of ACE2 in the PVN was confirmed by Western blot analysis. AdACE2 transfection significantly increased nNOS protein levels (change of 50 ± 5%) in the PVN of CHF rats. In anesthetized rats, AdACE2 treatment attenuated the responses of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure, and heart rate to the NOS inhibitor N-monomethyl-L-arginine in rats with CHF (RSNA: 28 ± 3% vs. 16 ± 3%, P < 0.05) compared with CHF + AdEGFP group. Furthermore, neuronal NG-108 cells incubated with increasing doses of AdACE2 showed a dose-dependent increase in nNOS protein expression (60% at the highest dose). Taken together, our data highlight the importance of increased expression and subsequent interaction of ACE2 and nNOS within the PVN, leading to a reduction in sympathetic outflow in the CHF condition.

Recombinant hTGF-β1 adenovirus transfect bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and the change of TAZ mRNA expression

Objective To investigate the feasibility of Ad-hTGF-β1 transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSCs) into chondrocytes differentiation and the change of TAZ mRNA. Methods Rats BMSCs were obtained and cultured by whole bone marrow method, and then the third-generation cells were seeded into cell culture plate, and divided into three groups:Ad-hTGF-β1 transfected group,Ad-EGFP transfected group and the control group. The control group was added in common medium without any treatment while the other two groups were respectively added in serum-free medium containing Ad-hTGF-β1 or that containing Ad-EGFP. Seven days later, real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR and Western blot were employed for detecting the expression of TGF-β1 ,while immunohistochemical and Western blot for the expression of collagen Ⅱ , and real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR for the expression of TAZ mRNA. Results Seven days after the transfection, real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR revealed that the average relative expression of TGF-β1 was:Ad-hTGF-β1 group 0.863, Ad-EGFP group 0.183, and the control group 0.180; The average relative expression of TAZ was:Ad-hTGF-β1 group 0.810, Ad-EGFP group 0.416, and the control group 0.366.The expression difference of TGF-β1 and TAZ were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05). Western blot and immunohistochemical proved strong collagen Ⅱ expression in Ad-hTGF-β1 group while it was detected a little in the other two groups. Conclusion BMSCs could be successfully and stably induced into chondrocytes differentiation by Ad-hTGF-β1. Meanwhile, the mRNA of TAZ is up regulate during the differentiation,so it is suppose that TGF-β1 improve BMSCs into chondrocytes differentiation by TAZ. Key words: Bone marrow mesenhymal stem cell; Chondrocytes; Gene transfection; TGF-β1

Maxillary sinus floor elevation using a tissue‐engineered bone complex with β‐TCP and BMP‐2 gene‐modified bMSCs in rabbits

To study the effects of maxillary sinus floor elevation by a tissue-engineered bone complex with beta tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) gene-modified bone marrow stromal cells (bMSCs) in rabbits. bMSCs derived from New Zealand rabbit bone marrow were cultured and transduced with the adenovirus with BMP-2 (AdBMP-2), adenovirus with enhanced green fluorescent protein gene (AdEGFP) in vitro. Gene transfer efficiency was detected by EGFP expression. These gene-modified autologous bMSCs were then combined with a beta-TCP granule scaffold at a concentration of 2 x 10(7) cells/ml and used to elevate the maxillary sinus floor in rabbits. Twenty rabbits were randomly allocated into groups and sacrificed at weeks 2 and 8. For each time point, 20 maxillary sinus floor elevation surgeries were made bilaterally in 10 rabbits for the following groups (n=5 per group): group A (beta-TCP alone), group B (untransduced bMSCs/beta-TCP), group C (AdEGFP-bMSCs/beta-TCP), and group D (AdBMP-2-bMSCs/beta-TCP). All samples were evaluated by histology and histomorphometric analysis. The fate of implanted bMSCs was traced initially by a confocol fluorescent microscope in the AdEGFP group. Gene transfer efficiency reached up to 60-80% with 50 PFU/cell transduction as demonstrated by fluorescent microscopic analysis in the AdEGFP group. The augmented maxillary sinus height was maintained for the four groups till 8 weeks post-surgery, while new bone area increased over the time. At week 2, bone areas in groups B-D were significantly larger than those in group A, while at week 8, in group D, the BMP-2 gene-enhanced tissue-engineered bone had the largest bone area among the groups (P<0.05, ANOVA). In that group, a mature bone structure was detected in the center of the elevated space. Under a confocal microscope, green fluorescence in newly formed bone was observed for the EGFP group, which suggested that those implanted bMSCs might have contributed to the new bone formation. bMSCs modified with the AdBMP-2 gene can promote new bone formation and maturation in the rabbit maxillary sinus. BMP-2 regional gene therapy and a tissue engineering technique could be effectively used in maxillary sinus elevation and bone regeneration.

Combination of β-TCP and BMP-2 gene-modified bMSCs to heal critical size mandibular defects in rats

To investigate the effects of mandibular defects repaired by a tissue engineered bone complex with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) gene-modified bone marrow stromal cells (bMSCs). bMSCs derived from Fisher 344 rats were cultured and transduced with adenovirus AdBMP-2, AdEGFP gene in vitro. Osteogenic differentiation of bMSCs was determined by alkaline phosphatase staining, von Kossa assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Gene transduced or untransduced bMSCs were seeded on beta-TCP scaffolds to repair mandibular full thickness defects with a diameter of 5 mm. Eight weeks post-operation, X-ray examination, micro-computerized tomography and histological and histomorphological analysis were used to evaluate the bone healing effects. Alkaline phosphatase staining and mineralized nodules formation were more pronounced in AdBMP-2 group 14 days after gene transduction when compared with that of AdEGFP or untransduced group. The mRNA expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin also significantly increased 9 days after AdBMP-2 gene transduction. Mandibular defects were successfully repaired with AdBMP-2-transduced bMSCs/beta-TCP constructs. The percentage of new bone formation in AdBMP-2 group was significantly higher than that of other control groups. Bone morphogenic protein-2 regional gene therapy together with beta-TCP scaffold could be used to promote mandibular repairing and bone regeneration.

Therapeutic potential of angiogenin modified mesenchymal stem cells: Angiogenin improves mesenchymal stem cells survival under hypoxia and enhances vasculogenesis in myocardial infarction

Background To examine the effects of angiogenin modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on ventricular remodeling and cardiac function in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction. Methods MSCs were transfected with adenoviral vectors carrying either angiogenin (MSC AdANG) or EGFP (MSC AdEGFP). Angiogenin gene amplification, protein expression and cell death were assayed after hypoxic treatment. DiI labeled MSC AdANG and MSC AdEGFP were injected into infracted heart. Six weeks after cell transplantation, echocardiography and histological study were performed. Results After hypoxia treatment, angiogenin modified MSCs effectively expressed angiogenin for at least 14 days. The death of MSC AdANG was one-third of MSCAd EGFP, and 50% of untreated MSCs. In the infracted myocardium, the number of DiI labeling cells in MSC AdANG group with high angiogenin expression was three-fold that in MSC AdEGFP group. Echocardiograms suggested that angiogenin modified MSCs significantly improved left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. Histological study confirmed that ventricular remodeling was attenuated significantly in MSC AdANG group. Furthermore, vasculogenesis was enhanced significantly in MSC AdANG group as measured by both factor VIII and α-SMA staining. Conclusion Angiogenin modified MSCs enhanced the tolerance of engrafted MSCs to hypoxia injury in vitro and improved their viability in infracted hearts, thus helping preserve the LV contractile function and attenuate LV remodeling through vasculogenesis.

Transduction of heme oxygenase-1 gene to human Islet cells via adenovirus vector enhances anti-apoptosis function and insulin release

To investigate the effects of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene on human islets in vitro, and to explore the potential value of gene therapy in clinical islet transplantation. Adenovirus vector carrying human HO-1 gene (Ad-HO-1) or EGPF (Ad-EGFP) were established respectively. Human cadaveric pancreases were isolated, purified, cultured, and divided into 3 groups to be transfected with Ad-HO-1, Ad-EGFP or blank vector. Human tumor necrosis factor and cyclohexamide (CHX) were added into the culture fluid of the pancreatic islets. 48 hours later the pancreatic islets were digested into single cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis. Glucose of the concentration of 16.7 mmol/L was added into the culture fluid of the 3 groups of islet cells. After 1-hour co-incubation radioimmunochemistry was used to detect the level of insulin in the supernatant. After stimulation of glucose the insulin concentration in the supernatant of the Ad-HO-1 group was 270 mIU/L +/- 89 mIU/L, significantly higher than those of the Ad-EGFP group (189 mIU/L +/- 88 mIU/L) and control group (182 mIU/L +/- 59 mIU/L, both P < 0.05). The apoptotic ratio of the Ad-HO-1 group was 63.1% +/- 10.9%, significantly lower than that of the control group (90.9% +/- 11.3%, P < 0.01) after treatment with TNFalpha and CHX. Transfection of Ad-HO-1 into human islets improves anti-apoptotic function in cultured human islets and promotes insulin release of human pancreatic islets.