Objective To compare the myogenic differentiation abil ity in vitro of rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (ADCSs) from different sites so as to provide ideal seed cells for repair and reconstruction of urinary tract. Methods Adipose tissues were obtained from the nape of the neck, post peritoneum, and vicinity of epididymis of a 4-month-old male New Zealand rabbit and ADSCs were harvested through collagenase digestion. ADSCs were purified by differential attachment method. The protein marker CD44 of rabbit ADSCs was used to identify the stem cells by immunocytochemistry, then the5th generation of ADSCs were induced to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and myogenic cells. Multi- differentiation was confirmed by Oil red O staining, von Kossa staining, and RT-PCR. Myogenic differentiation abil ities of ADSCs from 3 different sites were compared between the control group (L-DMEM medium containing 10%FBS) and the experimental group (myogenic medium) by RT-PCR method. Results ADSCs could be easily isolated from adipose tissues of the nape of the neck, post peritoneum, and vicinity of epididymis. ADSCs displayed a typical cobblestone morphology. Brown particles could be seen in ADSCs by CD44 immunocytochemistry staining. Oil red O staining showed red fat drops in ADSCs after 14 days of adipogenic culture. Black matrix could be seen in ADSCs by von Kossa staining after 28 days of osteogenic culture. RT-PCR detection showed moderate α-actin expression in the control group and b α-actin expression in the experimental group after 42 days of myogenic culture. The growth rate of α-actin from the adipose tissue of post peritoneum (28.622% ± 4.879%) was significantly lower (P lt; 0.05) than those from the adipose tissues of the nape of the neck (35.471% ± 3.434%) and vicinity of epididymis (38.446% ± 4.852%). Conclusion The ADSCs from different sites show different myogenic differentiation abil ities in vitro. ADSCs from the adipose tissues of the nape of the neck and vicinity of epididymis can be used as ideal seed cells for tissue engineering of lower urinary tract.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CBMdisc and China Academic Periodical database from the establishment of each database to April 2009. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated anti-VEGF agents (sunitinib, sorafenib and bevacizumab). The quality of the included trials was evaluated by two reviewers independently. Meta-analyses were conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2 software. Results Four RCTs involving 2 320 patients were identified. According to the different interventions for advanced renal cell carcinoma, we divided the patients into two groups: anti-VEGF agents monotherapy and anti-VEGF agents plus interferon combination treatment. Our meta-analyses showed: monotherapy was superior to interferon on inhibition of tumor progression [OR=0.38, 95%CI (0.29, 0.51), Plt;0.01] and control of tumor [OR=2.53, 95%CI (1.87, 3.43), Plt;0.01], but was not significantly different from interferon on the overall effective rate [OR=1.97, 95%CI (0.20, 19.57), P=0.56] and serious side effects [OR=1.98, 95%CI (0.90, 4.34), P=0.09]. There were significant differences between anti-VEGF agents plus interferon and interferon alone on inhibition of tumor progression [OR=0.67, 95%CI (0.53, 0.84), P=0.000 5], overall effective rate [OR=2.65, 95%CI (1.94, 3.61), Plt;0.01], control of tumor [OR=2.14, 95%CI (1.65, 2.78), Plt;0.01] and serious side effects [OR=2.63, 95%CI (2.09, 3.31), Plt;0.01]. Conclusion Compared with interferon, anti-VEGF agents could inhibit tumor progression more effectively. Moreover, the combination therapy with interferon could offer a more favorable overall effective rate for advanced renal cell carcinoma, but then followed by more serious side effects. We need to weigh the merits and demerits of drugs before making a clinical decision for advanced renal cell carcinoma.