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Schwab A, Pap T, Krenn V, Rüther W, Lohmann C, Bertrand J. Loose Bodies Found in the Human Intra-Articular Space Showed Characteristics Similar to Endochondral Bone Formation. Cartilage 2023:19476035231212608. [PMID: 38041252 DOI: 10.1177/19476035231212608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loose bodies are free-floating tissues of cartilage and bone that can cause pain, swelling, the inability to straighten the knee, or intermittent locking of the knee. Loose bodies can arise from degenerative joint disease, flake fractures, osteochondritis dissecans, or chondromatosis. We hypothesized that loose bodies can be classified in stages with tissue characteristics similar to endochondral ossification. DESIGN Loose bodies were harvested from patients undergoing joint replacement. Samples were processed for histology, gene expression analysis, and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Cartilage- and bone-related genes and proteins were selected for immunofluorescence stainings (collagen type I, II, and X, SOX9 [SRY-box transcription factor 9], and MMP13 [matrix metalloproteinase 13]) and gene expression analysis (FN [fibronectin], COL1A1, COL2A1, COL10A1, SOX9, MMP13, and aggrecan [ACAN]). RESULTS Loose bodies were grouped in 4 stages: fibrous, (mineralized) cartilaginous, cartilage and bone, and bone. Hyaline-like cartilage tissue with Benninghoff arcades was present in stages 2 and 3. A transition from cartilaginous to mineralized tissue and bone trabecula was defined by an increase in COL1A1 and COL10A1 (stage 3 vs. 4: p = 0.047) positive area. Stage 4 showed typical trabecular bone tissue. The relative volume of calcified tissue (mineralized cartilage and bone tissue) decreased with stages (stages 1-2 vs. 3: p = 0.002; stage 1-2 vs. 4: p = 0.012). COL2A1 expression and stained area decreased from stages 1-2 to 4 (p = 0.010 and p = 0.004). ACAN expression decreased from stage 1-2 to stage 3 (p = 0.049) and stage 4 (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Loose bodies show tissue characteristics similar to endochondral ossification. They are probably a relevant substrate for regenerative therapeutic interventions in joint disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schwab
- Department of Orthopaedics, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Pap
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Westphalian Wilhelm University, Münster, Germany
| | - Veit Krenn
- MVZ-Zentrum für Histologie, Zytologie und Molekulare Diagnostik GmbH, Trier, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rüther
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Lohmann
- Department of Orthopaedics, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Bertrand
- Department of Orthopaedics, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Textor M, Hoburg A, Lehnigk R, Perka C, Duda GN, Reinke S, Blankenstein A, Hochmann S, Stockinger A, Resch H, Wolf M, Strunk D, Geissler S. Chondrocyte Isolation from Loose Bodies-An Option for Reducing Donor Site Morbidity for Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021484. [PMID: 36675010 PMCID: PMC9867247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Loose bodies (LBs) from patients with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) are usually removed and discarded during surgical treatment of the defect. In this study, we address the question of whether these LBs contain sufficient viable and functional chondrocytes that could serve as a source for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and how the required prolonged in vitro expansion affects their phenotype. Chondrocytes were isolated from LBs of 18 patients and compared with control chondrocyte from non-weight-bearing joint regions (n = 7) and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs, n = 6) obtained during primary arthroplasty. No significant differences in the initial cell yield per isolation and the expression of the chondrocyte progenitor cell markers CD44 + /CD146+ were found between chondrocyte populations from LBs (LB-CH) and control patients (Ctrl-CH). During long-term expansion, LB-CH exhibited comparable viability and proliferation rates to control cells and no ultimate cell cycle arrest was observed within 12 passages respectively 15.3 ± 1.1 mean cumulative populations doublings (CPD). The chondrogenic differentiation potential was comparable between LB-CH and Ctrl-CH, but both groups showed a significantly higher ability to form a hyaline cartilage matrix in vitro than BMSC. Our data suggest that LBs are a promising cell source for obtaining qualitatively and quantitatively suitable chondrocytes for therapeutic applications, thereby circumventing donor site morbidity as a consequence of the biopsies required for the current ACI procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Textor
- Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Arnd Hoburg
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Centrum für Muskuloskelettale Chirugie (CBMSC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Med Center 360 Degree Berlin, Kieler Straße 1, 12163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rex Lehnigk
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Centrum für Muskuloskelettale Chirugie (CBMSC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Perka
- Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Centrum für Muskuloskelettale Chirugie (CBMSC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg N. Duda
- Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Centrum für Muskuloskelettale Chirugie (CBMSC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| | - Simon Reinke
- Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Blankenstein
- Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hochmann
- Cell Therapy Institute, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Herbert Resch
- Department of Traumatology, Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Wolf
- Cell Therapy Institute, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dirk Strunk
- Cell Therapy Institute, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sven Geissler
- Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BECAT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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[Mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopy and conservative treatment for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in middle-aged and elderly patients]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2023; 37:6-11. [PMID: 36708108 PMCID: PMC9883643 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202208064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective To compare the mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopy versus conservative treatment on symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (SDLM) in middle-aged and elderly patients. Methods The clinical data of 118 middle-aged and elderly patients (154 knees) with SDLM who received arthroscopy or conservative treatment between June 2014 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 76 patients (96 knees) in the arthroscopy group (group A) and 42 patients (58 knees) in the conservative treatment group (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with group B, the symptoms duration in group A was longer, the incidences of discoid lateral meniscus injury and mechanical symptoms were higher, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Lysholm score before treatment were worse, with significant differences (P<0.05). VAS score and Lysholm score before and after treatment were recorded and compared. Results The patients in both groups were followed up 60-74 months, with an average of 66.3 months. The follow-up time of group A and group B was (65.9±3.5) months and (67.0±4.0) months respectively, with no significant difference (t=-1.615, P=0.109). At last follow-up, in either group A or group B, the VAS score and Lysholm score significantly improved when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The differences of VAS score and Lysholm score in group A before and after treatment were significantly better than those in group B (P<0.05). Conclusion Arthroscopy and conservative treatment have a satisfactory mid-term effectiveness on SDLM in middle-aged and elderly patients. However, the improvement of symptoms and function of arthroscopy was significantly better than that of conservative treatment. For middle-aged and elderly SDLM patients with invalidated conventional treatment for 6 months, severe clinical symptoms, long duration of symptoms, and combined with mechanical symptoms, arthroscopy should be given priority even if they are complicated with early osteoarthritis.
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Wodzig M, Peters M, Emanuel K, Van Hugten P, Wijnen W, Jutten L, Boymans T, Loeffen D, Emans P. Minced Autologous Chondral Fragments with Fibrin Glue as a Simple Promising One-Step Cartilage Repair Procedure: A Clinical and MRI Study at 12-Month Follow-Up. Cartilage 2022; 13:19-31. [PMID: 36305343 PMCID: PMC9924984 DOI: 10.1177/19476035221126343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate early radiological and clinical outcome of autologous minced cartilage treatment as a single-step treatment option in patients with a chondral or osteochondral lesion (OCL) in the knee. DESIGN Eighteen patients with an OCL in the knee were included. Cartilage from healthy-appearing loose bodies and/or the periphery of the defect were minced into small chips and sealed in the defect using fibrin glue. Preoperatively, and at 3 (n = 14) and 12 (n = 18) months follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 score was used to assess the cartilage repair tissue on MRI at 12 months. The International Knee Documentation Score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, EuroQoL-5D, and Visual Analogue Scale pain were collected preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS Three months postoperative, MRI showed complete defect filling in 11 out of 14 patients. Mean MOCART 2.0 score at 12 months was 65.0 ± 18.9 with higher scores for lateral femoral chondral lesions compared to medial femoral chondral lesions (75.8 ± 14.3, 52.5 ± 15.8 respectively, P = 0.02). Clinical and statistical significant improvements were observed in the patient-reported outcome measures at 12 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively. CONCLUSION Treatment of OCLs using the autologous minced cartilage procedure resulted in good cartilage repair measured by MOCART 2.0. Clinically relevant improvements were observed in the clinical scores. This study suggests autologous minced cartilage as a promising, single-step treatment for OCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.H.H. Wodzig
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The
Netherlands,M.H.H. Wodzig, Department of Orthopedic
Surgery, Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center,
Maastricht 6229 HX, The Netherlands.
| | | | - K.S. Emanuel
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The
Netherlands,Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P.P.W. Van Hugten
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The
Netherlands
| | - W. Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The
Netherlands
| | - L.M. Jutten
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The
Netherlands
| | - T.A. Boymans
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The
Netherlands
| | - D.V. Loeffen
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht
University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - P.J. Emans
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Joint-Preserving Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The
Netherlands
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Wang Y, Pei YA, Sun Y, Zhou S, Zhang XB, Pei M. Stem cells immortalized by hTERT perform differently from those immortalized by SV40LT in proliferation, differentiation, and reconstruction of matrix microenvironment. Acta Biomater 2021; 136:184-198. [PMID: 34551328 PMCID: PMC8627502 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although matrix microenvironment has the potential to improve expanded stem cell proliferation and differentiation capacity, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) deposited by senescent cells does not contribute to the rejuvenation of adult stem cells, which has become a barrier to personalized stem cell therapy. Genetic modification is an effective strategy to protect cells from senescence but it carries the increased risk of malignant transformation and genetic instability. In this study, lentivirus carrying either human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) or simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40LT) was used to transduce human infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (IPFSCs). We found that virus transduction modified the proliferative, chondrogenic, and adipogenic abilities of IPFSCs. Interestingly, dECM deposited by immortalized cells significantly influenced replicative senescent IPFSCs in proliferation and differentiation preference, the effect of which is hinged on the approach of immortalization using either SV40LT or hTERT. Our findings indicate both dECM expansion and immortalization strategies can be used for replicative senescent adult stem cells' proliferation and lineage-specific differentiation, which benefits future stem cell-based tissue regeneration. This approach may also work for adult stem cells with premature senescence in elderly/aged patients, which needs further investigation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Adult stem cells are a promising solution for autologous cell-based therapy. Unfortunately, cell senescence due to donor age and/or ex vivo expansion prevents clinical application. Recent progress with decellularized extracellular matrix provides a potential for the rejuvenation of senescent stem cells by improving their proliferation and differentiation capacities. Given the fact that the young matrix can provide a healthy and energetic microenvironment, in this study, two approaches using lentivirus transduction of hTERT and SV40LT were compared. The goal was to immortalize donor cells for deposition of decellularized extracellular matrix. The matrix was demonstrated to contribute diverging effects on the chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation of expanded stem cells and exhibited proliferation benefits as well. These findings provide an invaluable asset for stem cell-based tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Wang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA; Department of Joint Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixuan Amy Pei
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuan Sun
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
| | - Ming Pei
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA; WVU Cancer Institute, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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Jeuken R, Vles G, Jansen E, Loeffen D, Emans P. The Modified Hedgehog Technique to Repair Pure Chondral Shear-off Lesions in the Pediatric Knee. Cartilage 2021; 13:271S-279S. [PMID: 31215793 PMCID: PMC8808865 DOI: 10.1177/1947603519855762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The paediatric knee is prone to pure chondral shear-off lesions due to the developing osteochondral unit. Refixation of the chondral fragment is commonly done using metalwork or absorbable biomaterials. Both fixation methods come with biomaterial-related drawbacks. Earlier work on chondral allografts for cartilage repair in adults has shown successful osteochondral integration when the chondral allograft is treated with multiple incisions and then glued to the subchondral bone using fibrin glue. This is commonly referred to as the "hedgehog technique." This study investigates the feasibility of a modification of the hedgehog technique in autologous cartilage to repair shear-off lesions in children. DESIGN Three consecutive patients (aged 11, 12, and 14 years) with shear-off chondral fragments of 2, 5, and 8 cm2 were treated using this modified hedgehog technique. The calcified side of the chondral fragments were multiply incised and trimmed obliquely for an interlocking fit in the defect site. Fibrin glue and, if indicated sutures, were applied to fix the fragment to the defect. In 1 patient, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair was also performed. Patients were evaluated clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) up to 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS Twelve months after surgery, all patients reported no pain and showed complete return to sport and full range of motion. MRI showed no signs of fragment loosening. CONCLUSIONS The modified hedgehog technique is a feasible treatment option to repair pure chondral shear-off lesions in the paediatric knee. This was the first time this technique was used in autografting.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.M. Jeuken
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Maastricht University Medical Center,
Maastricht, The Netherlands,R.M. Jeuken, Department of Orthopaedic
Surgery and Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Maastricht University
Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands.
| | - G.F. Vles
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics,
University College Hospital London, Fitzrovia, London, UK
| | - E.J.P. Jansen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - D. Loeffen
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht
University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - P.J. Emans
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Maastricht University Medical Center,
Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Pellicciari C. Histochemistry as a versatile research toolkit in biological research, not only an applied discipline in pathology. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62. [PMID: 30572698 PMCID: PMC6317132 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The impressive progress of histochemistry over the last 50 years has led to setting up specific and sensitive techniques to describe dynamic events, through the detection of specific molecules in the very place where they exist in live cells. The scientific field where histochemistry has most largely been applied is histopathology, with the aim to identify disease-specific molecular markers or to elucidate the etiopathological mechanisms. Numerous authors did however apply histochemistry to a variety of other research fields; their interests range from the microanatomy of animal and plant organisms to the cellular mechanisms of life. This is especially apparent browsing the contents of the histochemical journals where the articles on subjects other than pathology are the majority; these journals still keep a pivotal role in the field of cell and tissue biology, while being a forum for a diverse range of biologists whose scientific interests expand the research horizon of histochemistry to ever novel subjects. Thus, histochemistry can always receive inspiring stimuli toward a continuous methodological refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Pellicciari
- University of Pavia, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani".
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Pellicciari C. Is there still room for novelty, in histochemical papers? Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2758. [PMID: 28076939 PMCID: PMC5381530 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Histochemistry continues to be widely applied in biomedical research, being nowadays mostly addressed to detect and locate single molecules or molecular complexes inside cells and tissues, and to relate structural organization and function at the high resolution of the more advanced microscopical techniques. In the attempt to see whether histochemical novelties may be found in the recent literature, the articles published in the European Journal of Histochemistry in the period 2014-2016 have been reviewed. In the majority of the published papers, standardized methods have been preferred by scientists to make their results reliably comparable with the data in the literature, but several papers (approximately one fourth of the published articles) described novel histochemical methods and procedures. It is worth noting that there is a growing interest for minimally-invasive in vivo techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, autofluorescence spectroscopy), which may parallel conventional histochemical analyses to acquire evidence not only on the morphological features of living organs and tissues, but also on their functional, biophysical and molecular characteristics. Thanks to this unceasing methodological refinement, histochemistry will continue to provide innovative applications in the biomedical field.
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