Abstract: Three-dimensional information on a biological parameter relating to at least one selected from viability, proliferating ability, migration, and differentiation of cultured cells can be obtained by a simple two-dimensional analytical technique by constructing a cell evaluation system including a multilayered cell sheet, target cells, and a two-dimensional analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment for ischemic heart disease administering a scar formation accelerator containing at least one selected from SFRP2, SFRP4, Midkine, Pleiotrophin and Thymosin beta-10 as an effective ingredient to promote scar formation less fibrosis and retaining elasticity, and thereby improving cardiac function.

Abstract: A method of obtaining pancreatic endocrine cells from cells originating in an adipose tissue characterized by comprising culturing the adipose tissue-origin cells; the pancreatic endocrine cells that can be obtained thereby; a method of treating or preventing a disease caused by the hypofunction in pancreatic endocrine cells wherein the above-described pancreatic endocrine cells are used; a method of screening a substance capable of promoting or inhibiting the differentiation into pancreatic endocrine cells characterized by comprising adding a candidate substance to a medium in the course of culturing adipose tissue-origin cells to obtain the pancreatic endocrine cells; and so on.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a method for producing a hepatic-lobule-like cell mass from an adipose-tissue-derived cell, which is characterized by culturing the adipose-tissue-derived cell; a hepatic-lobule-like cell mass produced by the method; a method for the screening of a substance capable of promoting or inhibiting the formation of a hepatic-lobule-like cell mass, which is characterized by culturing an adipose-tissue-derived cell to produce the hepatic-lobule-like cell mass, wherein a candidate substance is added to a culture medium; and a kit for use in the screening method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell mass containing an adipose-tissue-derived multipotent progenitor cell. Also disclosed is a method for producing an adipose-tissue-derived multipotent progenitor cell from an adipose tissue, which comprises the steps of: (a) removing erythrocytes from an adipose-tissue-derived cell mass to produce a preadipose-tissue-derived multipotent progenitor cell mass; and (b) removing cells other than the adipose-tissue-derived multipotent progenitor cell from the preadipose-tissue-derived multipotent progenitor cell mass to produce the desired adipose-tissue-derived multipotent progenitor cell. Further disclosed is an adipose-tissue-derived multipotent progenitor cell produced by the method.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide technology of using a preadipocyte to restore comprehensively bone, cartilage and periodontal ligament, and cause a periodontal hard tissue to regenerate. By culturing a preadipocyte using a culture medium containing (i) at least one member selected from the group consisting of glycerophosphate and salts thereof, and (ii) at least one member selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, derivatives thereof and salts thereof and not containing an adrenal cortical hormone in such an amount that promotes differentiation of a preadipocyte into a periodontal hard tissue cell, differentiation of the cell into a periodontal hard tissue cell is induced efficiently. Furthermore, a scaffold is combined with the preadipocyte cultured with the above-mentioned culture medium to be transplanted into a periodontal tissue that requires regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment for ischemic heart disease administering a scar formation accelerator containing at least one selected from SFRP2, SFRP4, Midkine, Pleiotrophin and Thymosin beta-10 as an effective ingredient to promote scar formation less fibrosis and retaining elasticity, and thereby improving cardiac function.

Abstract: To provide a new reductive-stimuli-responsive degradable gel that allows any control of decomposition of the three-dimensional base material for cell culture and production of a completely biological three-dimensional cellular structure consisting only of cells and cells-produced extracellular matrix and that allows safe recovery of the cellular structure produced. A stimuli-responsive hydrogel, characterized by being produced by crosslinking a water-soluble polymer with a compound having a disulfide bond in the molecular chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medicament comprising a gene encoding an angiogenic cytokine for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), idiopathic cardiomyopathy (ICM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or heart failure, to be given in combination with ventricular assist device (VAD).

Abstract: The present invention provides introduction of NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide into rat cranial nerve through a carotid artery during global brain ischemia. Polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that one hour after global brain ischemia, transfected NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide effectively suppressed expression of tumor necrosis factor ?, interleukin 1? and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 messenger RNAs. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine nick-end labeling staining and immunohistochemistry using microtubule-associated protein 2 demonstrated that transfected NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide significantly attenuated neuronal damage seven days after global brain ischemia. Therapeutic transfection of NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide during brain ischemia may be effective for attenuation of neuronal damage, suggesting a strategy for protecting the cerebrum from global ischemia.

Abstract: Decellularization of tissue by means of an amphipathic solvent a well-established practice. However, situations exist where the provision of enhanced decellularization is preferred. There is a demand for treating methods for coping with such situations. Thus, it is intended to provide a method for enhancing decellularization. The method comprises not only the immersing of a tissue in a solution containing an amphiphilic molecule in non-micellar form (for example, 1,2-epoxide polymer) but also performing a radical reaction (for example, treatment selected from the group consisting of exposure to gamma-ray irradiation, ultraviolet irradiation, a free radical supply source, ultrasonication, electron beam irradiation, and X-ray irradiation).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of producing a three-dimensional tissue by which cell lamination can be carried out easily. According to the method, a three-dimensional tissue in which cell layers are laminated with an extracellular matrix intervening between each pair of the adjacent cell layers is produced by: (A) forming a cell layer on a substrate; (B) bringing the cell layer formed on the substrate into contact with a solution containing a first substance and a solution containing a second substance alternately, thus forming, on the cell layer, an extracellular matrix in which the first substance and the second substance are laminated alternately; and (C) culturing a cell on the extracellular matrix to form a further cell layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent-introducing medical device that can guide a reagent into a reagent injector while maintaining all biological materials contained in the reagent in a healthy state. In an embodiment of the reagent-introducing medical device, an apparatus body (12) comprises a channel (77, 78, 80, 50e) through which a reagent flows, as well as a reagent inlet (76) and outlet (21), and further comprises a first control mechanism (58, 64) for controlling the flow of the reagent to create a laminar reagent flow in the channel (77, 78, 80, 50e) and a second control mechanism (70) for further controlling the laminar reagent flow in the channel to create a rotational reagent flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic tissue or sheet capable of withstanding implantation operations, which can be used in actual operation and can be produced by culture. The present invention also provides a novel therapy which can substitute for cell therapy. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for producing a prosthetic tissue comprising a cell derived from a part other than myocardium and capable of withstanding implantation operation. The above-described objects of the present invention were partially achieved by finding that by culturing cells under specific culture conditions, the cells are unexpectedly organized into a tissue, and the resultant prosthetic tissue is capable of being detached from culture dishes. The present invention also provides a three-dimensional structure applicable to heart, comprising a cell derived from a part other than the myocardium of an adult.

Abstract: It is a purpose to provide a medicinal-liquid injection apparatus in which a needle-like tubular member is smoothly movable in a lumen without damaging an inner circumferential surface of the lumen. It includes that the needle-like tubular member having an acuminate needle portion as a free end portion thereof, in which a medicinal liquid can flow, is inserted in the lumen of a tubular main body insertable in a body of a living being, and a protection member having a flexible portion provided in a state such that the protection member is movable together with the needle-like tubular member and such that the flexible portion is interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the lumen and a tip of the needle portion of the needle-like tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical holder comprises a grasping member for grasping a tissue, a manipulation member for manipulating the grasping member, and a connection portion with one end connected to the manipulation member, wherein: the grasping member includes a first grasping plate, and a second grasping plate provided so as to oppose the first grasping plate in a movable manner so that they are able to become closer to each other or more distranced from each other; a first grasping portion which can grasp a part of a tissue between the first grasping plate and the second grasping plate, and an opening which can expose another part of the tissue are provided in one end portion of the grasping member; and a second grasping portion which can form a tissue grasping space between the first grasping plate and the second grasping plate is provided in another end portion of the grasping member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant capable of being cellularized in treatment of an injured organ or tissue in organisms. The present inventors found that a biocompatible implant comprising a biological molecule and a support is capable of being cellularized. The implant can be used instead of conventional implants which essentially comprise cells. The present invention provides a biocompatible implant comprising A) a biological molecule and B) a support. The present invention also provides A) a first layer having a rough surface, B) a rough surface; B) a second layer having a strength which allows the support to resist in vivo shock. The first layer is attached to the second layer via at least one point.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for using NF?B decoys to regulate (suppress) transcription activated by NF?B, and to suppress neointimal formation in grafts. Furthermore, the present invention relates to agents for protection from intimal thickening in vascular grafts that comprise NF?B decoys.

Abstract: The present invention provides introduction of NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide into rat cranial nerve through a carotid artery during global brain ischemia. Polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that one hour after global brain ischemia, transfected NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide effectively suppressed expression of tumor necrosis factor ?, interleukin 1? and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 messenger RNAs. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine nick-end labeling staining and immunohistochemistry using microtubule-associated protein 2 demonstrated that transfected NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide significantly attenuated neuronal damage seven days after global brain ischemia. Therapeutic transfection of NF-?B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide during brain ischemia may be effective for attenuation of neuronal damage, suggesting a strategy for protecting the cerebrum from global ischemia.

Abstract: It is a purpose to provide a medicinal-liquid injection apparatus in which a needle-like tubular member is smoothly movable in a lumen without damaging an inner circumferential surface of the lumen. It includes that the needle-like tubular member having an acuminate needle portion as a free end portion thereof, in which a medicinal liquid can flow, is inserted in the lumen of a tubular main body insertable in a body of a living being, and a protection member having a flexible portion provided in a state such that the protection member is movable together with the needle-like tubular member and such that the flexible portion is interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the lumen and a tip of the needle portion of the needle-like tubular member.