Research Containing: Simulated microgravity

Simulated Microgravity Influences Bovine Oocyte in vitro Fertilization and Preimplantation Embryo Development

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

The aim of this study was to investigate, whether in vitro fertilization and preimplantation embryos exposed to a simulated microgravity environment in vitro would improve, or be deleterious to their fertilization and embryonic development. A Rotating Cell Culture System(TM) (RCCS) bioreactor with a High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) was used to simulate a microgravity environment. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Culture (IVC) were conducted in standard microdrop culture method conditions (Control) and simulated microgravity conditions; HARV rotated at 34 rpm (high speed) and at 3.7 rpm (Low speed) on a horizontal axis. Embryonic development rates were determined during IVF (experiment 1), during IVC at presumptive zygote stage (experiment 2) and IVC at 2-8 cell stages of embryo development (experiment 3). For IVF studies (experiment 1), 77.3% of bovine oocytes were fertilized in the Control group; however, bovine oocytes and sperm fertilization did not occur in high and low speed groups. Moreover, none of the presumptive zygotes (experiment 2) and 2-8 cell stage embryos (experiment 3) cultured in high and low speed groups were able to develop to the further stages. These results indicate that simulated microgravity environments have a negative impact on bovine In vitro fertilization and preimplantation embryo development.

Related URLs:
<Go to ISI>://WOS:000268160300026

Osteogenic induction of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts under two- and three-dimensional culture conditions

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLF) play a key role in the regeneration of periodontal compartment during guided tissue regeneration procedures. This property is attributed to the progenitor cell subsets residing in the area. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hPDLFs could undergo an osteogenic differentiation under two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) culture conditions upon osteogenic induction. hPDLFs were isolated from six healthy donors, cultured, and expanded according to standard protocols. Then, three osteogenic culture conditions (dexamethasone, ascorbic acid, and beta-glycerophosphate) were established: 1) 2D culture as single-cell monolayer, 2) 3D-static culture on mineralized poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold, and 3) 3D culture on mineralized PLGA scaffold inside the NASA-approved bioreactor stimulating microgravity conditions. After 21 days of osteogenic induction, the majority of monolayer cultures had undergone differentiation toward osteogenic lineage, as indicated by morphological changes, mineralization assay, and some phenotypical properties. However, immunohistochemistry revealed that the scaffold cultures expressed higher levels of osteogenic marker proteins compared with that of the monolayers. Secondly, hPDLF-PLGA constructs in bioreactor showed an increased expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin compared with that of static 3D culture after 21 days. Results indicate that human periodontal ligament contains a subpopulation of cells capable of undergoing osteogenic differentiation and presumably contributing to regeneration of bone defects in the adjacent area. Human PDLF-seeded mineralized PLGA scaffold in microgravity bioreactor may be used to support osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Thus, this system may offer new potential benefits as a tool for periodontal tissue engineering.

In vivo fertilization and development in microgravity using pleurodele ("ZEUS" project)

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

The objectives of this experiment are to perform natural fertilization and to achieve embryonic development in microgravity. Pleurodeles waltl, an urodele amphibian, is considered by CNES and NASA to be suitable experimental material for achieving in vivo fertilization in space. Previously inseminated females can be embarked in the Frog Environmental Unit (FEU) developed by NASA. Laying of eggs will be provoked by hormonal stimulation in flight and development will be followed. Various technical problems have been resolved in laboratory experiments and during parabolic flights : the time of hormone stimulation after insemination, choice of hormone guaranteeing [correction of guarenteing] 95% success, other factors conditioning [correction of conditionning] the laying, experimental procedures to study developmental kinetics at phenotypic levels, and selection of cellular and molecular markers of development.

Morphofunctional status and osteogenic differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stromal precursor cells during in vitro modeling of microgravity effects

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

We studied the effects of long-term (20-day) simulated microgravity (clinostatic exposure) and osteogenic differentiation stimuli on cultured mesenchymal stromal precursor cells isolated from human bone marrow. Clinostatic exposure significantly reduced proliferative activity of mesenchymal stem cells in comparison with the static and dynamic control, increased the number of large flat cells in the culture, and stimulated migration activity of cells. Phenotypic studies of surface antigens (CD90, CD54, CD106, CD105, CD34, CD45, class 1 HLA) during clinostatic exposure of mesenchymal stem cell cultures showed differences in their expression between experimental and control groups. Studies of osteogenesis of precursor cell showed that cell differentiation potential can be directed towards osteogenesis by a combination of clinostatic exposure and differentiation stimuli. The results confirm gravity sensitivity of human bone marrow precursor cells and open new vistas for understanding of the mechanisms of bone tissue loss in humans under conditions of space mission.

Cytoskeletal proteins and stem cell markers gene expression in human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells after different periods of simulated microgravity

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSCs) are present in a variety of tissues during prenatal and postnatal human development. In adult organism, they are prevalent in bone marrow and supposed to be involved in space-flight induced osteopenia. We studied expression of various genes in human bone marrow MSCs after different terms of simulated microgravity (SMG) provided by Random Positioning Machine. Simulated microgravity induced transient changes in expression level of genes associated with actin cytoskeleton, especially after 48 h of SMG. However, after 120 h exposure in SMG partial restoration of gene expression levels (relative to the control) was found. Similar results were obtained with bmMSCs subjected to 24 h readaptation in static state after 24 h in SMG. Analysis of 84 genes related to identification, growth and differentiation of stem cells revealed that expression of nine genes was changed slightly after 48 h in SMG. More pronounced changes in gene expression of "stem cells markers" were observed after 120 h of simulated microgravity. Among 84 investigated genes, 30 were up-regulated and 24 were down-regulated. Finally, MSCs osteogenesis induced by long-term (10-20 days) simulation of microgravity was accompanied by down-regulation of gene expression of the main osteogenic differentiation markers (ALPL, OMD) and master transcription osteogenic factor of MSCs (Runx2). Thus, our study demonstrated that changes in expression level of some genes associated with actin cytoskeleton and stem cell markers are supposed to be one of the mechanisms, which contribute to precursor's cellular adaptation to the microgravity conditions. These results can clarify genomic mechanisms through which SMG reduces osteogenic differentiation of bmMSCs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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<Go to ISI>://WOS:000298622700004

Simulated microgravity inhibits the proliferation and osteogenesis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (vol 40, pg 671, 2007)

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

OBJECTIVES: Microgravity is known to affect the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). However, a few controversial findings have recently been reported with respect to the effects of microgravity on BMSC proliferation. Thus, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity on rat BMSC (rBMSC) proliferation and their osteogeneic potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: rBMSCs isolated from marrow using our established effective method, based on erythrocyte lysis, were identified by their surface markers and their proliferation characteristics under normal conditions. Then, they were cultured in a clinostat to simulate microgravity, with or without growth factors, and in osteogenic medium. Subsequently, proliferation and cell cycle parameters were assessed using methylene blue staining and flow cytometry, respectively; gene expression was determined using Western blotting and microarray analysis. RESULTS: Simulated microgravity inhibited population growth of the rBMSCs, cells being arrested in the G(0)/G(1) phase of cell cycle. Growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor-I, epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblastic growth factor, markedly stimulated rBMSC proliferation in normal gravity, but had only a slight effect in simulated microgravity. Akt and extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 phosphorylation levels and the expression of core-binding factor alpha1 decreased after 3 days of clinorotation culture. Microarray and gene ontology analyses further confirmed that rBMSC proliferation and osteogenesis decreased under simulated microgravity. CONCLUSIONS: The above data suggest that simulated microgravity inhibits population growth of rBMSCs and their differentiation towards osteoblasts. These changes may be responsible for some of the physiological changes noted during spaceflight.

Related URLs:
<Go to ISI>://WOS:000253978100014

IMPACT OF OSTEOCLAST PRECURSORS SUBJECTED TO RANDOM POSITIONING MACHINE ON OSTEOBLASTS

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Osteoblast-osteoclast interaction plays an important role in the bone remodeling. During long duration space flight, astronauts undergo serious bone loss mainly due to the disruption of equivalence between bone formation and bone resorption. Osteoclast precursors often operate under the control of osteoblasts. However, here we show that the osteoclast precursors could in turn influence osteoblasts. RAW264.7 cells, the murine osteoclast precursors, were treated in the simulated weightlessness produced by a Random Positioning Machine (RPM). After 72 h, conditioned mediums (CM) by the RAW264.7 cells from RPM (RCM) or static control (CCM) were collected and were used to culture osteoblastic-like MC3T3-E1 cells. The results showed that the RCM culture inhibited cell viability and slightly altered cell cycle, but the morphology of the MC3T3-E1 cells was not changed by RCM compared to that of CCM. Furthermore, the intracellular ALP level, NO release and expression of osteoblastic marker genes were all down-regulated by RCM culture. These results suggest that osteoclast precursors subjected to RPM exert negative regulation on osteoblasts.

Related URLs:
<Go to ISI>://WOS:000310159000027

The simulated microgravity enhances the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neurons

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Growing evidence shows that physical microenvironments and mechanical stresses, independent of soluble factors, help influence mesenchymal-stem-cell fate. rMSCs (rat mesenchymal stem cells) present spread, spindle shape when cultured in normal gravity (NG) while in simulated microgravity (SMG) they become unspread, round shape. Here we demonstrate that simulated microgravity can enhance the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neurons, which might be a new strategy for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. rMSCs were cultured respectively in normal gravity and in a clinostat to simulate microgravity, followed with neuronal differentiated medium. The neuronal cells derived from rMSCs in SMG express higher microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (CHAT). Furthermore, as rMSCs are subjected to SMG, they excrete more neurotrophins like nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Neuronal cells from SMG group generated more mature action potentials and displayed repetitive action potentials by comparison to cells from NG group. We conclude that simulated microgravity can enhance the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neurons.

Insufficient flow reduction during LBNP in both splanchnic and lower limb areas is associated with orthostatic intolerance after bedrest

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

We quantified the impact of a 60-day head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR) with countermeasures on the arterial response to supine lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Twenty-four women [8 control (Con), 8 exercise + LBNP (Ex-LBNP), and 8 nutrition (Nut) subjects] were studied during LBNP (0 to −45 mmHg) before (pre) and on HDBR day 55 (HDBR-55). Left ventricle diastolic volume (LVDV) and mass, flow velocities in the middle cerebral artery (MCA flow) and femoral artery (femoral flow), portal vein cross-sectional area (portal flow), and lower limb resistance (femoral resistance index) were measured. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was measured in the fibular nerve. Subjects were identified as finishers or nonfinishers of the 10-min post-HDBR tilt test. At HDBR-55, LVDV, mass, and portal flow were decreased from pre-HDBR (P < 0.05) in the Con and Nut groups only. During LBNP at HDBR-55, femoral and portal flow decreased less, whereas leg MSNA increased similarly, compared with pre-HDBR in the Con, Nut, and NF groups; 11 of 13 nonfinishers showed smaller LBNP-induced reductions in both femoral and portal flow (less vasoconstriction), whereas 10 of 11 finishers maintained vasoconstriction in either one or both regions. The relative distribution of blood flow in the cerebral versus portal and femoral beds during LBNP [MCA flow/(femoral + portal flow)] increased or reduced <15% from pre-HDBR in 10 of 11 finishers but decreased >15% from pre-HDBR in 11 of 13 nonfinishers. Abnormal vasoconstriction in both the portal and femoral vascular areas was associated with orthostatic intolerance. The vascular deconditioning was partially prevented by Ex-LBNP.

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Research Containing: Simulated microgravity

Simulated Microgravity Influences Bovine Oocyte in vitro Fertilization and Preimplantation Embryo Development

Osteogenic induction of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts under two- and three-dimensional culture conditions

In vivo fertilization and development in microgravity using pleurodele ("ZEUS" project)

Morphofunctional status and osteogenic differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stromal precursor cells during in vitro modeling of microgravity effects

Cytoskeletal proteins and stem cell markers gene expression in human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells after different periods of simulated microgravity

Simulated microgravity inhibits the proliferation and osteogenesis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (vol 40, pg 671, 2007)

IMPACT OF OSTEOCLAST PRECURSORS SUBJECTED TO RANDOM POSITIONING MACHINE ON OSTEOBLASTS

The simulated microgravity enhances the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neurons

Insufficient flow reduction during LBNP in both splanchnic and lower limb areas is associated with orthostatic intolerance after bedrest