Objective Assessment of the mobilization of non-hematopoietic very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSEL) in acute myocardial infarction (MI). Background Acute MI induces mobilization of bone marrow stem cells. Recently rare population of VSELs, expressing markers of embryonic pluripotent stem cells (PSC) was identified in adult murine bone marrow and human umbilical cord blood. Methods 31 pts with acute MI and 30 healthy subjects (CTRL) were enrolled. Blood was sampled on admission, after 24 hours and 5 days later. Erythrocytes were lysed and lin-CD45- VSELs were isolated using a live cell sorting system (FACSAria). Results In healthy subjects the median number of circulating VSEL was very low [0.8 (0-1.3] cells/μL. In acute MI VSELs were mobilized early [2.7 (0.2-3.9) cells/μL; p<0.001), and remained elevated after 24 hrs and 5 days [4.7 (0.2-6.4); p<0.003 and 2.6 (0.3-3.6) cells/μL; p<0.03, respectively). The mobilization of VSEL was significantly reduced in patients older than 50 years and with diabetes in comparison to younger and non-diabetic patients. Circulating VSELs were small (7-8 μm) and enriched in mRNA of PSC markers (Oct-4, Nanog), cardiac lineage (GATA-4, Nkx2.5/Csx, MEF2C) and endothelial (VE-cadherin) markers. The presence of PSC markers (Oct-4, SSEA-4) and chemokine receptor CXCR4 in circulating VSELs was confirmed at the protein level by immunofluorescent staining and ImageStream system (ISS) analysis. Conclusion Acute MI induced mobilization of very small embryonic-like stem cells expressing pluripotent markers, early cardiac and endothelial markers and chemokine receptor CXCR4.

Background and Purpose-In a murine model of stroke, we identified a population of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells (SCs) in adult murine bone marrow that could be mobilized into peripheral blood (PB). This raised the question of whether a similar population of cells is mobilized in human stroke patients. Methods-We evaluated a number of cells that corresponded to VSEL SCs in the PB of 44 stroke patients and 22age-matched controls. After each patient's stroke, PB samples were harvested during the first 24 hours, on day ϩ3, and on day ϩ7 and then compared with normal controls. The circulating human cells with the phenotype of VSEL SCs were evaluated in PB by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and direct immunofluorescence staining. In parallel, we also measured the serum concentration of stromal derived factor-1 by ELISA. Results-In stroke patients, we found an increase in the number of circulating cells expressing SC-associated antigens, such as CD133, CD34, and CXCR4. More important, we found an increase in the number of circulating primitive cells expressing the VSEL phenotype (CXCR4

CL wear may predispose individuals to meibomian gland dysfunction, which is not usually investigated unless significant symptoms are present. Therefore, we recommend to routinely examine CL wearers for meibomian gland dysfunction manifestations and to introduce specific prophylaxis if required.