Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is an attractive option for use as seed cells in tissue engineering strategies. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to be involved in the formation of various tissue types including bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a promising reagent for inducing angiogenesis. Constructed a coexpressing vector of human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (hVEGF165). The vectors were transfected into proliferated BMSCs isolated from healthy adult bone marrow. The expression of hBMP-2 and hVEGF165 genes of BMSCs were assayed by Western-blot, and the level of alkaline phosphatase activities of BMSCs was determined by RT-PCR analysis of osteocalcin mRNA expression. The levels of collagen I by immunohistochemical staining were also determined.BMSCs transfected with reconstructed plasmid pIRES-hBMP-2-VEGF165 could secret a high level of BMP-2 and hVEGF165. The production of type I collagen, the activity of alkaline phosphatase, and the expression of osteocalcin mRNA were also significantly improved in the transfected BMSCs, compared with the control group.The exogenous hBMP-2 and hVEGF165 genes can be expressed constitutively in the transfected BMSCs, and the lineage-committed differentiation abilities of BMSCs containing combination of genes BMP-2 and VEGF165 are enhanced.

Inverted nipple, which is defined as a nipple located on a plane lower than the areola, presents both functional and cosmetic problems. It is a source of repeated irritation and inflammation and interferes with nursing. In addition, its abnormal appearance may cause psychologic distress. With consideration of its underlying pathophysiologic components and severity, a number of techniques have been introduced for correction of this anomaly. Most of these techniques involve extensive skin incision around the nipple that may jeopardize the blood and nerve supply to the nipple or create much scar tissue that is esthetically objectionable. For correcting the inverted nipple, the authors introduce an alternative, simple method using continuous elastic outside distraction. Compared with other methods using outside distraction, the authors used an adjustable elastic instrument made of steel wire, spring, and plastic syringe; continuous distraction of the inverted nipples; and sustaining 3 to 6 months. From August 2002 to December 2003, 14 patients (26 nipples) were treated. 12 patients had bilateral inverted nipples. Patient age at operation ranged from 14 to 40 years (mean age, 24 years). All nipples were congenital, and they had no previous operation. Six nipples were grade I, 9 nipples were grade II, and 11 nipples were grade III according to the classification of inverted nipple by Han and Hong. The mean follow-up period was 7.3 months (range, 3-12 months). Follow-up examinations revealed no evidence of recurrence of inversion. There was no complication associated with surgery, such as infection, hematoma, permanent sensory disturbance, or nipple necrosis. All patients were satisfied with their results. The authors conclude that their procedure is reliable, a simple, safe, and effective method for correction inverted nipple. But a long-term follow-up is needed. This technique can be applied to any type of inverted nipple as a primary surgical procedure.

Distraction osteogenesis requires a long consolidation period and has a low but real failure rate. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) accelerate bone deposition in fractures and critical-sized bone defects. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a promising reagent for inducing angiogenesis, and is an essential coordinator of extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and bone formation in the growth plate. However, their effects on mandibular distraction osteogenesis are unknown. We investigated the effect of local delivery of plasmid pIRES-hBMP-2-hVEGF165 into a distraction area by electroporation-mediated approach.A New Zealand rabbit model were used. Activation of the device was commenced after 3 days of latency period and proceeded at the rate of 0.8 mm per day for 7 days. After the completion of activation, the rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: group A: recombinant plasmid 2 μg (0.1 μg/μL) pIRES-hVEGF165-hBMP2 was injected into the distraction area after the completion of activation; group B: recombinant plasmid pIRES-hBMP2 was injected into the distraction area; group C: recombinant plasmid pIRES-hVEGF165 was injected into the distraction area; group D: pIRES was injected into the distraction area, and group E: normal saline was injected into the distraction area. After injection every group used electroporation. Subsequently, the rabbits were examined by quantitative computed tomography, mechanical testing, and histomorphometric analysis.BMD of newly formed bone of the distraction area in groups A, B, and C were remarkably higher than those of groups D and E at different times (P < 0.001). At 4 and 8 weeks of consolidation, the crushing strength of 3 points of the newly formed bone in group A was remarkably higher than those of groups B, C, D, and E (P < 0.01). The results demonstrated statistically remarkable increase in regenerated bone in the gene-transfected groups.Electroporation-mediated transfecting recombinant plasmid pIRES-hVEGF165-hBMP2 could produce a satisfactory proceeding of osteogenesis and calcification, which surpassed that of the control group. This finding indicates that a combination of VEGF and BMP may make osteogenesis and angiogenesis appear at the same time. Furthermore, it may magnify the effect of single growth factor, and promote growth and reparative process of bone.