In the present study we assessed the potential of human outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC), a subpopulation within endothelial progenitor cell cultures, to support the vascularization of a complex tissue engineered construct for bone. OEC cultured on starch polycaprolactone fiber meshes (SPCL) in monoculture retained their endothelial functionality and responded to angiogenic stimulation by VEGF...

Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs) ensheathe unmyelinated olfactory axons and exhibit antigenic and morphological characteristics both of astrocytes and of Schwann Cells (SCs). As a matter of fact they express an astrocyte-specific marker (GFAP) and low-affinity p75 nerve growth factor receptor (p75 NGFr), S100, as well as adhesion molecules such as laminin and N-CAM like SCs. Immunocytochemica...

objective(s): in the past few decades, variety of foetal, embryonic and adult stem and progenitor cells have been tried with conflicting outcome for cell therapy of central nervous system injury and diseases. cellular characteristics and functional plasticity of globose basal stem cells (gbcs) residing in the olfactory epithelium of rat olfactory mucosa have not been studied in the past by the ...

An effective isolation protocol for outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC) resulting in higher cell numbers and a reduced expansion time would facilitate the therapeutical application. In this study a standard protocol based on the isolation of mononuclear cells from adult peripheral blood was modified by adding a passaging step 7 days after the isolation. OEC colonies gained by both protocols were ...

The substantial socioeconomic burden of a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, coupled with a positive anecdotal and media spin on stem cell treatments, drives many affected families to seek information and treatment outside of the current clinical and scientific realm. Preclinical studies using several types of stem and adult cells--including mesenchymal stem cells, neural precursor cells, olfactory e...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease, which have no any effective treatment method. There are various pathophysiological processes underlying the disease such glial neurotrophic support. There is no cure yet for ALS but there are many clinical trials that focused different therapeutic targets. One of the most popular treatment methods is cell transplantation...

BACKGROUND Stroke and traumatic injury to the nerve system may trigger axonal destruction and the formation of scar tissue, cystic cavitations and physical gaps. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can secrete neurotrophic factors to promote neurite growth and thus act as a prime candidate for autologous transplantation. Biological scaffolds can provide a robust delivery vehicle to injured nerve...