[Biological characteristics and safety evaluation of endothelial progenitor cells from the umbilical cord blood].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the biological characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the umbilical cord blood (UCB), and to evaluate their oncogenicity after long-term culture in vitro.


METHODS
The mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from the UCB and cultured in MCDB131 medium supplemented with 20% FBS, VEGF and other growth factors. Morphology of the EPCs was observed, and the growth curve of the EPCs was investigated. Surface antigens of the EPCs were analyzed by the flow-cytometer. The capability of intaking the acetylated low-density lipoprotein (acLDL) of the EPCs was detected using fluoresencent chemical method. The vasoformative capability and genetic stability of EPCs were cultured in matrigel, and examined by karyotype analysis. The oncogenicity of EPCs was verified by the tumorigenesis test in athymic mouse and soft agar.


RESULTS
EPCs were successfully derived from the UCB, and could be passaged to at least 42(nd) generation and had strong abilities of proliferation, acLDL intake and vasoformation, but there was not oncogenicity. They expressed endothelial cell-surface antigens and maintained normal karyotype.


CONCLUSIONS
The EPCs with proliferative potential can be isolated from the UCB. They can be passaged in long-term cultures without oncogenicity, and can maintain normal karyotype. The EPCs can be served as a new type of cells in cell and gene therapy.
Ma
Zhi-cheng
ZC
National Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
Liang
De-sheng
DS
Xue
Zhi-gang
ZG
Zeng
Qiao
Q
Long
Zhi-gao
ZG
Wu
Ling-qian
LQ
Pan
Qian
Q
Dai
He-ping
HP
Xia
Kun
K
Xia
Jia-hui
JH
D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D007621:Karyotyping; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000473:pathology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000494:pharmacology
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A