The trans-differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is employed, but there is little understanding of the cell source-dependent trans-differentiation potential of MSCs into corneal epithelial cells. In the present study, we induced trans-differentiation of MSCs derived from umbilical cord matrix (UCM-MSCs) and from dental tissue (D-MSCs), and we comparatively evaluated the in vitro trans-differentiation properties of both MSCs into corneal epithelial-like cells. Specific cell surface markers of MSC (CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105) were detected in both UCM-MSCs and D-MSCs, but MHCII and CD119 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in UCM-MSCs than in D-MSCs. In UCM-MSCs, not only expression levels of Oct3/4 and Nanog but also proliferation ability were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in D-MSCs. In vitro differentiation abilities into adipocytes and osteocytes were confirmed for both MSCs. UCM-MSCs and D-MSCs were successfully trans-differentiated into corneal epithelial cells, and expression of lineage-specific markers (Cytokeratin-3, -8, and -12) were confirmed in both MSCs using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR analysis. In particular, the differentiation capacity of UCM-MSCs into corneal epithelial cells was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of D-MSCs. In conclusion, UCM-MSCs have higher differentiation potential into corneal epithelial-like cells and have lower expression of CD119 and MHC class II than D-MSCs, which makes them a better source for the treatment of corneal opacity.

본 연구는 topoisomerase inhibitors가 배양 각막 상피세포에서 세포고사를 유도하 는지를 조사기 위해 시행하였다. Topoisomerase inhibitors'{l camptothecin과 etoposide 를 제조사의 추천농도로 1-2 일 동안 배양하여 MTT assay를 이용하여 세포독성을 검 정하여 농도틀 정하고 세포고사를 확인하였다 세포고사의 형태적인 특징은 Hoechst 33342 staining, Annexin V - FITC/PI staining, DePsipher assay and CytoDEA TH staining을 이용하여 확인하였고 DNA fragmentation은 TUNEL파 agarose gel 전기 영동으로 확인하였다. Camptothecin 과 etoposide는 농도 의존성으로 세포고사룹 유또 하였는데 각막상피세포에서는 저l 조사의 추천농도보다 낮은 농도에서 세포고사플 유 도하여 다른 세포보다 민감한 것으로 나타났다- 이러한 결파로 볼 때 topOlsomerase l띠1ibitor는 각막상피세포에서 홀륭한 양성 대조군으로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

Background : Dry eyes are caused by highly increased osmolarity of tear film, inflammation, and apoptosis of the ocular surface. Polygonum cuspidatum is a herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Polygonum found in Asia and North America. However, the effects of P. cuspidatum aqueous extract (PCE) on hyperosmolarity-induced inflammation and apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells have not been examined. Methods and Results : Hyperosmotic media induced human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) cytotoxicity though increased inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. PCE treatment significantly inhibited expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), and activation of NF-κB p65 in hyperosmolar stress-induced HCECs. In addition, Hyperosmolarity-induced increase in BAX expression and activation of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and caspase 3 were attenuated in a concentration-dependent manner by PCE. PCE treatment restored anti-oxidative proteins such as Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in hyperosmolar stress-induced HCECs. Conclusion : PCE protected against hyperosmolar stress-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidation by inhibiting expression of COX-2, BAX, MMP9; activation of NF-κB, caspase 3, and PARP; and increasing expression of MUC4 and anti-oxidative proteins. Overall, our data provide insight into the protective effects of PCE as a candidate for eye health.