Background/Aims: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has emerged as an option for the treatment of chronic hepatic cirrhosis, while its therapeutic efficacy could be improved. The bcl-2 gene is anti-apoptotic and can help cell survival and proliferation. Therefore, we explored whether transplanted MSCs with enhanced bcl-2 expression may be beneficial in the treatment of experimental cirrhosis in rats. Methods: MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow, expanded in vitro and transfected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineered the bcl-2 gene (AAV-bcl-2). Rats with cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) were treated with AAV-bcl-2 infected BMSCs-AAV-bcl-2, with the cells traced in vivo post transplantation. Liver pathology and function were evaluated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post transplantation, respectively. Results: On day 7 post transplantation, the infused AAV-bcl-2 had integrated into the hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) that expressed albumin (ALB), Cytokeratin 18 (CK18), and hepatocytes nuclear factor 4a (HNF4a). On day 28 post transplantation, rats in the cirrhosis + BMSCs-AAV-bcl-2 group showed the most dense HLCs, highest mRNA and protein levels of ALB, CK18, and HNF4a, compared to the other groups. Their liver function recovered most rapidly in 4 week observation, while histological sign of cirrhosis remained at the end of this period. Conclusion: BMSCs over expressing bcl-2 gene showed better survival, and enhanced the differentiation into hepatocytes-like cells, and appeared to promote the recovery of liver function in rats with experimental cirrhosis.

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Dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) transplantation has been demonstrated to promote the regeneration and repair of tissues and organs and is a potentially effective treatment for radioactive esophageal injury. In this study, to explore the therapeutic effects of DPSCs on acute radiation-induced esophageal injury, DPSCs were cultured and transplanted into rats with acute radioactive esophageal injuries induced by radioactive 125I seeds in vivo. In the injured esophagus, PKH26-labeled DPSCs co-localized with PCNA, CK14, CD71, and integrin α6, and the expression levels of these four makers of esophageal stem cells were significantly increased. After DPSC transplantation, the injured esophagus exhibited a greater thickness. In addition, the esophageal function and inflammation recovered faster. The results demonstrated that transplanted DPSCs, which trans-differentiated into esophageal stem cells in vivo, could repair the damaged esophageal tissue.

Rare earth, with the reputation of “industrial vitamins”, has become a strategic key metal for industrial powers with increasingly significant industrial application value. As a unique rare earth resource, ionic rare earth ore (IREO) has the outstanding advantages of complete composition, rich resource reserves, low radioactivity, and high comprehensive utilization value. IREO is the main source of medium and heavy rare earth raw materials, which are in great demand all over the world. Since the discovery of IREO, it has attracted extensive attention. Scientists in China and the around world have carried out a lot of research and practical work and achieved a series of important breakthroughs. This paper introduces the discovery process, metallogenic causes, deposit characteristics, and the prospecting research progress of IREO, so as to deepen the understanding of the global distribution of ionic rare earth resources and the prospecting direction of ionic rare earth deposits. The leaching principle of IREO, the innovation of leaching process, the influencing factors and technological development of in situ leaching process, and the technical adaptability of in situ leaching process are reviewed. The development of leachate purification and rare earth extraction technology is summarized. We aim to provide guidance for the industrial development of IREO through the above review analysis. Additionally, the problems existing in the development of IREO are pointed out from the aspects of technology, economy, and the environment. Ultimately, a series of suggestions are put forward, such as the development of ammonium free extraction technology in the whole exploitation process of in situ leaching and leachate purification and rare earth precipitation, research on enhancing of seepage and mass transfer process, and research on the development of new technologies for impurity removal of leachate and extraction of rare earth, so as to promote the development of green and efficient exploitation new technologies and sustainable development of ionic rare earth ore.