First report of a novel and phenotypically distinctstem cell population: Neonatal stem cellsTroy A Markel, MD, Paul Crisostomo, MD, Meijing Wang, MD, MS,Christine Herring, BS, Daniel Meldrum, MD, FACSIndiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

INTRODUCTION: Our recent studies revealed that embryonic stemcells are superior to adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(aBMSC) in protecting native tissue following ischemia. It seemedlogical that BMSCs from younger hosts (neonates�nBMSC) may bemore potent and functionally distinct when compared to aBMSC.But nBMSCs have not yet been explored. We hypothesized thatnBMSCs: 1) represent a phenotypically distinct stem cell source; 2)produce more IGF-1 than aBMSC following stimulation; and, 3)exhibit greater stimulated MAPK- activation than aBMSCs.

METHODS: BMSCs were purified from adult and 2-week-oldmice, and differentiation was assessed via ELF-phosphatase staining.Cells were stimulated with TNF (50ng/ml) or LPS (100ng/ml).nBMSC were subjected to p38 inhibition(10-6M). Twenty-four-hour IL-6, IGF-1, and VEGF production were measured (ELISApg/ml). p38-activation was confirmed by Western. p�0.05 signifi-cant, t test.

RESULTS: nBMSC produced greater basal IGF-1 compared toadults (Neonatal 142.5�/�15.83, Adult 22.69�/�1.68), andmore IL-6 and IGF-1 in response to TNF (IL-6:Neonatal 241.7�/�50.63, Adult 36.98�/�6.77; IGF-1:Neonatal 89.06�/�9.21,Adult 11.66�/�2.82) or LPS stimulation (IL-6:Neonatal 613.8�/�135.1, Adult 68.88�/�9.0; IGF-1:Neonatal 81.26�/�12.21,Adult 18.30�/�1.49). TNF stimulated VEGF production waslower in neonates. No difference in LPS stimulated VEGF was ob-served. p38-activation was elevated in neonates. p38 inhibition sig-nificantly decreased their growth factor production. Neonatal andadult BMSC did not exhibit ELF-phosphatase fluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal BMSCs are a novel and potent source ofgrowth factors that may facilitate better wound healing and ischemicprotection.This phenotypic difference may be due to greater MAPK-activation following stimulation. Understanding how these cells dif-fer from their adult counterparts may allow for maximization ofgrowth factor production and therapeutic potential.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in obeseadolescents results in android fat loss andresolution of co-morbid conditionsShivani Reddy, MD, Valerie Peck, MD, Christine Ren, MD,George Fielding, MD, Evan P Nadler, MDNew York University School of Medicine, New York, NY

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding(LAGB) in morbidly obese adolescents provides excellent short-termweight loss. However, the distribution of this weight loss has not beencharacterized. We hypothesized that LAGB in morbidly obese ado-lescents would result in fat mass loss and resolution of co-morbidities.

METHODS: Patients ages 14-17 who have undergone LAGB at ourinstitution since 2005 were reviewed. Data were collected at baselineand one-year follow-up. Data abstracted included age, gender,weight, percent excess weight loss (%EWL), BMI, body compositiondata by dual-energy X-ray absorptionmetry, and presence of co-morbidities.

RESULTS: 10 females and 4 males had at least one year of follow-upafter LAGB. Mean pre-operative age was 16.1�1.2 years, weight was305�85 lbs., and BMI was 48�7. At one year, %EWL and BMIwere 55�21 and 34�8 respectively (Table). Fat mass, lean mass, andandroid (visceral) fat were all significantly decreased. There were atotal of 43 co-morbidities preoperatively. At one-year follow-up, 34of the co-morbidities were assessible. 25 were completed resolved and5 were improved.

Age(yrs)

Wt.(lbs)

BMI(kg/m2) % EWL

Fatmass(kg)

LeanMass(kg)

AndroidFat (%)

GynecoidFat (%)

Pre-op 16.1 �1.2

305 �85

48 �7

N/A 61.6 �12

62.9 �14

54.3 �4.1

49.8 �3.3

1 YearFollow-up

17.1 �1.2

201 �55

34 �8

55 �21

37.9 �13

46.4 �11

47.4 �9.0

48.5 �9.0

P-value(Student’st-test)

N/A �0.001 �0.001 N/A �0.001 0.005 0.04 0.66

CONCLUSIONS: LAGB in morbidly obese adolescents producesandroid fat mass loss in excess of gynecoid fat mass and lean mass loss.The vast majority of co-morbidities were either completely resolvedor improved at one-year follow-up. Longitudinal analysis is war-ranted to ensure that lean mass loss plateaus as overall weight lossabates, however LAGB remains an attractive option in this patientpopulation.

A novel therapeutic agent in the management ofinflammatory bowel diseaseEdward Y Yoo, MD, Duane Duke, MD, Marian Haber, MD,Marshall Z Schwartz, MD, FACSSt Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA

INTRODUCTION: Determine the benefit of dietary glycine on in-flammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Dextran-Sulfate (DSS) ratmodel.

METHODS: Colitis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats (N�10/group) via oral 8% DSS in water. Control groups received water only.After 6 days all animals received water. All groups were given 7 or 14days of standard feed or 5% or 10% glycine supplemented feed.Weights were measured daily. A pathologist blinded to the specimengroup scored intestinal inflammation by histology. Ileal and colonicIL-2 was quantified using ELISA. IRB Protocol #03662 was fol-lowed.

RESULTS: Control animals receiving seven days of 5% or 10%glycine supplemented feed displayed decreased weight gain com-pared to control rats fed standard feed (p�0.01). Compared to theDSS-standard feed, fourteen days of 10% glycine resulted in weightloss (p�0.01). Ileal IL-2 was 71%* and 89%* higher in controlsreceiving seven days of 5% and 10% glycine compared to control ratsfed standard feed (*p�0.01). Seven days of 5% and 10% glycine

S49Vol. 205, No. 3S, September 2007 Surgical Forum Abstracts