脱细胞神经移植物对骨髓间充质干细胞的诱导分化

目的探讨脱细胞神经移植物诱导大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞分化为施旺细胞样细胞的可行性。方法将分离纯化的SD大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞进行体外培养扩增,行表型鉴定后,取第5代细胞,诱导组采用脱细胞神经移植物匀浆进行诱导,非诱导组加入等量无血清培养基,倒置相差显微镜观察诱导后细胞形态变化,免疫细胞化学染色检测诱导后细胞S-100,神经胶质纤维酸性蛋白(glial fibrillary acidic protein GFAP)的表达情况。结果BMSCs表型鉴定为CD44+、CD54+、CD34-,免疫细胞化学染色GFAP、S-100的阳性表达率分别为为(42±4)%和(64±5)%。结果 脱细胞神经移植物可诱导骨髓间充质干细胞分化为施旺细胞样细胞。     

大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞的鉴定及肝内移植的研究

目的:从脂肪组织中获取间充质干细胞(ADMSCs)并验证其多向分化潜能,探讨ADMSCs在肝再生中的作用。方法:获取大鼠脂肪组织,用胶原酶消化法获取干细胞,并进行体外扩增、传代,取第3代细胞分别用不同诱导培养液进行成骨、成脂诱导,诱导后通过细胞形态学和特殊染色观察诱导效果。用PKH26标记细胞,制作部分肝切除模型,将标记的自体ADMSCs经门静脉植入体内,2周后切下取肝脏制成冰冻切片,荧光显微镜观察植入细胞在肝脏的定位,免疫荧光染色观察其白蛋白的表达。结果:从脂肪组织中分离出的细胞能在体外大量扩增,能被诱导分化为成骨细胞、脂肪细胞,ADMSCs移植2周后,可见PKH26标记细胞散在分布于肝内,免疫荧光染色显示标记细胞白蛋白染色阳性。结论:大鼠脂肪组织中可以获取具有多向分化潜能的间充质干细胞,该细胞在肝再生环境中能向肝细胞分化,参与肝再生。     

大鼠脊髓匀浆上清诱导骨髓间充质干细胞分化为神经元样细胞的实验研究

目的:观察大鼠脊髓匀浆上清诱导骨髓间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)形成的神经元样细胞形态特征.方法:通过贴壁法培养分离大鼠骨髓MSCs,体外扩增纯化后加入正常大鼠脊髓匀浆上清诱导72h,倒置显微镜下观察诱导前后细胞的形态结构.激光共聚焦显微镜观测钙离子细胞形态和荧光强度变化,免疫细胞化学方法鉴定诱导后细胞的表型特征.结果:倒置显微镜下可见MSCs呈纺锤形和多角形,核居中,有1-2个核仁,诱导后细胞呈神经元样,细胞伸出较长的轴突样和树突样突起.免疫细胞化学法显示NSE(神经元特异性烯醇化酶)、NF(神经丝蛋白)阳性,GFAP(神经胶质细胞酸性蛋白)阴性.共聚焦显微镜扫描脊髓匀浆上清诱导前细胞形态呈细长的梭形,细胞核不明显,胞体染色强,突起染色弱,荧光像素值低;诱导后,细胞呈现神经元样形态,胞体大,有多个突起,胞体及各突起染色强,荧光像素值高.结论:大鼠脊髓匀浆上清液可在体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞分化为神经元样细胞.     

脐带间充质干细胞成脂分化的研究

目的:探讨脐带间充质干细胞向成脂细胞方向分化的潜能,为脂肪组织工程提供一种来源丰富的干细胞来源。方法:采用胰酶和胶原酶Ⅰ型联合消化法获得脐带间充质干细胞,通过免疫细胞化学法对其表面标志物进行鉴定,化学诱导方法诱导脐带间充质干细胞向成脂细胞方向分化,倒置显微镜观察其形态变化,油红O染色对诱导后的细胞进行染色。结果:胰酶和胶原酶Ⅰ联合消化法分离的细胞贴壁生长,呈现成纤维细胞形态,免疫细胞化学显示脐带间充质干细胞表达CD29、CD44和CD105,但不表达CD31、CD34和CD105,脐带间充质干细胞在成脂诱导培养基中细胞生长速度明显减慢,细胞形态转变为肥大、扁平、含有大量脂滴的脂肪细胞,油红O染色示胞浆充满了油滴空泡。结论:脐带间充质干细胞具有向成脂细胞方向分化的潜能,为脂肪组织工程提供了一种来源丰富、免疫力低和低分化的种子细胞。     

大鼠骨髓基质细胞的培养及生物学特性鉴定

目的:分离、培养大鼠MSCs,对其生物学特性进行鉴定.方法:取大鼠长骨中的骨髓组织,以贴壁法培养分离大鼠MSCs,经多次传代得到较纯的MSCs,倒置相差显微镜下观察细胞形态,应用免疫细胞化学方法对细胞的表面抗原标志进行检测.取3代MSCs,B-ME诱导6小时候后,倒置相差显微镜下观察细胞形态,应用免疫细胞化学方法鉴定诱导后细胞的表型特征.结果:倒置相差显微镜观察发现,接种后24h,细胞开始贴壁.培养3代以后,细胞呈梭形或多角形,折光性好,核为圆形、居中.免疫细胞化学检测细胞表面抗原显示:CD34-、CD45-、CD29+、CD44+、CD90+.诱导后细胞发出突起,逐渐生长延伸并彼此相连,形态学上具有神经细胞的明显特征.免疫细胞化学显示诱导后细胞NSE(神经元特异性烯醇化酶)阳性.结论:所采用的细胞分离培养方法简便可行,所获得的细胞其表型特征与文献报道一致,且具有向神经细胞分化的潜能.     

Wnt3a诱导小鼠胚胎干细胞向心肌细胞分化的研究

目的：研究Wnt3a在诱导小鼠胚胎干细胞心肌细胞分化中的作用和原理。方法：设计不同浓度,不同成分的Wnt3a条件培养基对小鼠胚胎干细胞诱导分化,对分化细胞进行形态学鉴定,通过免疫细胞化学检测心肌肌钙蛋白-T（cTnT）的表达,通过RT．PCR检测肌球蛋白重链（ot．MHC）和肌球蛋白轻链（MLC．2v）的表达。结果：Wnt3a诱导小鼠胚胎干细胞分化为心肌样细胞,分化细胞具有自动收缩性,免疫细胞化学检测心肌肌钙蛋白．T（cTllT）表达阳性,RT．PCR检测肌球蛋白重链（d—MHC）和肌球蛋白轻链（MLC-2v）表达阳性。经典Wnt信号途径的抑制剂Frizzled一8／Fc,能够抑制Wnt3a的诱导分化作用。结论：Wnt3a通过经典Wnt信号途径诱导小鼠胚胎干细胞向心肌细胞分化。     

茂丹通脉片含药血清体外诱导 S 分M化C为 内皮细胞的作用

目的：观察芪丹通脉片含药血清体外诱导大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）向内皮细胞分化的作用。方法：灌胃法制备芪丹通脉片含药血清和对照血清。采用密度梯度离心法分离和培养大鼠MSCs,取第三代MSCs,采用10wg／LVEGF预诱导24h后,分别加入15％芪丹通脉片含药血清与对照血清体外时MSCs诱导分化,至第7天,利用相差显微镜观察细胞形态改变,透射电镜观察细胞超微结构。免疫荧光方法检测内皮细胞特异性表面标志CD31、Ⅷ因子的表达。结果：至第7天,合15％芪丹通脉片合药血清组诱导后的MSCs形态发生明显改变,呈“卵石样”改变,透射电镜下细胞胞浆内可见Weible-Palade小体,共聚焦显微镜下可见CD31、Ⅷ因子阳性细胞。对照血清组MSCs形态仍呈长梭型,电镜下胞浆内无Weible-Palade小体,共聚焦显微镜下无CD31、Ⅷ因子阳性细胞。结论：益气活血复方芪丹通脉片含药血清具有体外诱导大鼠MSCs向内皮细胞定向分化的作用。     

大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞向心肌细胞分化的研究

目的：研究体外不同诱导条件下大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）向心肌细胞分化的潜能。方法：取Wistar大鼠股骨和胫骨骨髓,分离培养MSCs,采用第二代或第三代MSC8,以5-氮杂胞苷（5-aza）、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（bFGF）及两者联合作用,作为分化诱导剂,连续观察三周,相差显微镜下观察其形态变化。免疫细胞化学方法鉴定心肌特异性蛋白T（Troponin T,cTnT）、连接蛋白43（Connexin43）、α-横纹肌动蛋白（α-Sarcomevic Actin）的表达,应用半定量RT—PCR技术分析Nkx2．5、GATA-4、TGF-？等相关调控基因在分化过程中的表达。结果：免疫细胞化学显示cTnT、Connexin43、α-Sarcomeric Actin诱导前无表达,单纯bFGF诱导组及对照组未发现cTnT、Connexin43、α-Sarcomevic Actin染色阳性细胞,单纯5-aza诱导组诱导后上述三种蛋白阳性细胞表达比例分别为22％、28％、32％,5-aza与bFGF联合诱导组诱导后上述三者阳性细胞表达比例分别为28％、33％、40％,联合诱导组诱导后细胞阳性率明显高于单纯5-aza诱导组,两组相比较差异有显著性意义（P〈0．05）。RT—PCR检测结果显示,GATA-4、Nkx2．5、TGF—β在诱导前的MSCs有低表达,单纯5-aza诱导组及5-aza与bFGF联合诱导组诱导后3周,这三种基因有较强的表达,单纯5-aza诱导组诱导检测结果显示,GATA-4、Nkx2．5、TGF—β在诱导前的MSCs有低表达,单纯5-aza诱导组及5-aza与bFGF联合诱导组诱导后3周,这三种基因有较强的表达,单纯5-aza诱导组诱导前后相比较,差异有显著性意义（P〈0．05）,5-aza与bFGF联合诱导组诱导前后相比较,差异也有显著性意义（P〈0．05）,单纯5-aza诱导组与5-aza和bFGF联合诱导组诱导后两组之间相比较,差异亦有显著性意义（P〈0．05）,表明单纯5-aza诱导及5—aza与bFGF联合诱导均可使MSCs向心肌细胞转化,联合诱导可以使更多的MSCs向心肌细胞方向转化。单纯bFGF诱导组诱导前后无显著性差异。结论：5-aza及bFGF联合诱导,可以作为更好的促进MSCs向心肌细胞分化的条件。     

体外诱导大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞向肝细胞方向分化的研究

目的:探讨大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞(ADMSCs)是否可以在体外被诱导向肝细胞方向分化。方法:从大鼠脂肪组织中分离出干细胞,行体外扩增、传代;用免疫荧光染色法检测其表面标志,用成纤维细胞生长因子(FGF-4)和肝细胞生长因子(HGF)诱导其向肝细胞分化;倒置显微镜观察细胞形态变化,诱导后14天和21天分别用免疫荧光检测法检测肝细胞标志物白蛋白的表达,每次换液时留取培养上清用尿素氮测试盒检测尿素氮含量。结果:免疫荧光检测显示从脂肪组织所获取的细胞表面标志CD29阳性,而CD31和CD145均为阴性;诱导14天后可逐渐观察到肝细胞样形态改变;免疫荧光检测到白蛋白表达;尿素氮检测显示诱导组尿素氮含量随时间延长而逐渐升高。结论:从大鼠脂肪组织中获取的脂肪间充质干细胞能在体外被诱导分化成形态、表型及功能与肝细胞相似的细胞。     

神经妥乐平体外诱导大鼠骨髓基质细胞分化为神经元样细胞

目的探索神经妥乐平(NT)体外诱导大鼠骨髓基质细胞(bone marrow stromal cells,rMSCs)分化为神经元样细胞的可行性,以期为临床应用MSCs治疗神经系统疾病奠定基础。方法取一月龄SD大鼠骨髓,分离出MSCs进行培养、扩增、纯化。用NT诱导MSCs分化为神经元样细胞。用神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、神经胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)免疫细胞化学染色鉴定阳性细胞。结果MSCs经诱导后胞体变圆,伸出细长突起,呈神经元样形态。免疫组化鉴定显示(31.50±7.32)%的细胞表达NSE阳性,(45.30±9.38)%的细胞表达GFAP阳性。结论MSCs在体外可被NT诱导分化为神经元样细胞。     

Exosomes derived from adipose tissue,bone marrow,and umbilical cord blood for cardioprotection after myocardial infarction

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential for improving cardiac function following myocardial infarction (MI). This study was performed to explore the cardioprotection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs), and umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCBMSCs) for myocardium in rats after MI. MI models were established in rats, which were injected with PBS, BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UCMSCs. Cardiac function was detected by ultrasonic cardiogram. TTC staining, TUNEL staining, and immunohistochemistry were adopted to determine infarction area, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and microvascular density (MVD), respectively. Exosomes were derived from BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UCBMSCs, and identified by morphological observation and CD63 expression detection. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were isolated and cultured with hypoxia, subjected to PBS and exosomes derived from BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UCMSCs. Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine NRCM apoptosis and the levels of angiogenesis-related markers (VEGF, bFGF, and HGF). According to ultrasonic cardiogram, BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UCMSCs facilitated the cardiac function of MI rats. Furthermore, three kinds of MSCs inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, infarction area, and increased MVD. NRCMs treated with exosomes derived from BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UCMSCs reduced the NRCM apoptosis and promoted angiogenesis by increasing levels of VEGF, bFGF, and HGF. Notably, exosomes from ADMSCs had the most significant effect. On the basis of the results obtained from this study, exosomes derived from BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UCBMSCs inhibited the cardiomyocyte apoptosis and promoted angiogenesis, thereby improving cardiac function and protecting myocardium. Notably, exosomes from ADMSCs stimulated most of the cardioprotection factors.     

Evaluating the role of autologous mesenchymal stem cell seeded on decellularized pericardium in the treatment of myocardial infarction: an animal study

Inappropriate left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) can result in subsequent severe dysfunction. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that decellularized pericardium (DP) or seeded pericardial patch with autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) could be safely used in a MI scar and could improve heart function. Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups. Four weeks after MI induction by ligation of the left anterior descending artery in 12 rabbits, animals of G1 (n = 4) received DP patch with labeled ADMSCs. DP patch was implanted in animals of G2 (n = 4). Rabbits of G3 (n = 4) remained without any intervention after MI induction (control group). Serial examinations including echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), scanning electron microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the implanted scaffolds on recovery of the infracted myocardium. The results demonstrated that left ventricular contractile function and myocardial pathological changes were significantly improved in rabbits implanted with either DP or ADMSC-seeded pericardium. However, the seeded pericardium was more effective in scar repairing 2 months after the operation, IHC staining with Desmin and CD34 and positive immunofluorescence staining verified the differentiation of ADMSCs to functional cardiomyocytes. This approach may involve the application of autologous ADMSCs seeded on pericardial patch in an attempt to regenerate a contractible myocardium in an animal model of MI.     

Impact of preconditioning stem cells with all-trans retinoic acid signaling pathway on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by down-regulation of TGFβ1, IL-6, and caspase-3 and up-regulation of HIF1α and VEGF

The survival reduction after transplantation limited the clinical uses of stem cells so the current study explored preconditioning adipose-derived stem cells (ADMSCs) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) effects on cisplatin that caused acute kidney injury (AKI). One hundred and fifty Sprague–Dawley male rats were distributed into five groups: control group; Cisplatin (CIS) group; CIS and ATRA group; CIS and ADMSC group, and CIS, ATRA, and ADMSCs group. Ten rats were euthanized after 3rd, 7th, and 11th days from CIS injection. Renal function, molecular studies, and histopathological analysis were studied. The preconditioning of ADMSCs with ATRA increased the viability of the cells which was reflected in the amelioration of kidney functions after CIS injection by the significant reduction of serum creatinine, microalbuminuria, as well as NO, and the significant rise of creatinine clearance, as well as SOD compared to the group of cisplatin. ATRA also supported ADMSCs by a significant down-regulation of caspase-3, il-6 and TGFβ1, and a significant up-regulation of HIF1, VEGF and CD31 compared to group of cisplatin which reversed the cisplatin effect. ATRA increased renoprotective properties of ADMSCs against cisplatin- induced AKI by reducing the apoptosis, inflammation, and stimulating angiogenesis.     

The immunomodulatory effects of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells‐conditioned medium in chronic colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a chronic recurrent disorder is characterized by mucosal immune response dysregulation, which is more prevalent in the youth. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are the multipotent cells that can be effective in immune response regulation via cell–cell interaction and their secretions. In this study, the effects of ADMSCs and mesenchymal stem cell‐conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) were evaluated on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. Chronic colitis was induced in female C57BL/6 mice using 2% DSS in drinking water for three cycles; there were 4 days of DSS‐water administration that was followed by 7 days of DSS‐free water, in a cycle. ADMSCs, 10⁶ cells per mouse, were injected intraperitoneally (IP), whereas the MSC‐CM injection was also performed six times from the last day of DSS in Cycle 1. Clinical symptoms were recorded daily. The colon pathological changes, cytokine levels, and regulatory T (Treg) cell percentages were then analyzed. After receiving ADMSCs and MSC‐CM in colitis mice, the clinical symptoms and disease activity index were improved and the survival rate was increased. The histopathological examination also showed tissue healing in comparison with the nontreated group. In addition, the increased level of transforming growth factor beta, increased percentage of Treg cells, increased level of interleukin (IL)‐10, and decreased level of IL‐17 were observed after the treatment. This study showed the regulatory effects of ADMSCs and MSC‐CM on inflammatory responses. Therefore, the use of ADMSCs and MSC‐CM can be introduced as a new and effective therapeutic approach for patients with colitis.     

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate the inflammatory reaction in CLP-induced septic acute lung injury rats via sTNFR1

We hypothesized that the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs), which secrete high amounts of soluble molecules, such as soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), may ameliorate sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). A total of 120 male adult Sprague–Dawley rats were separated into four groups: the sham control (SC), sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), CLP–ADMSCs, and CLP–sTNFR1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) groups; CLP groups underwent CLP and then received 1 × 10⁶ ADMSCs with or without knockdown of sTNFR1 intravenously at 1 hr after surgery. Rats were killed at 3, 6, 24, and 48 hr after the SC or CLP procedures. 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine-labeled ADMSCs extensively colonized the lungs at 6, 24, and 72 hr after injection. The lung wet/dry (W/D) weight ratios in the CLP group were higher than those in SC group; however, ADMSCs ameliorated the W/D weight ratios following CLP, and this effect was abolished by sTNFR1 siRNA treatment. The levels of serum sTNFR1 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were higher in the CLP–ADMSCs group and lower in the SC group than in other groups; interestingly, these levels were higher in CLP and CLP–sTNFR1 siRNA groups than in SC group. Tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 levels increased significantly after CLP, and ADMSCs could alleviate these changes, but the effect was weakened by sTNFR1 siRNA treatment. The lung cell apoptosis and edema levels were consistent with IL-6 levels among all groups. Therapeutically administered ADMSCs secrete sTNFR1, which most likely protects against ALI in septic rats by ameliorating inflammation and lung edema.     

Human adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells are resistant to several chemotherapeutic agents

Human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are multipotential stem cells, originated from the vascular stromal compartment of fat tissues which can be used as an alternative cell source for many different cell therapies. However, their response to chemotherapeutic agants remains unknown. Here we assessed the acute direct effects of individual chemotherapeutic drug on ADMSCs. Using an in vitro culture system, the response of ADMSCs to the three chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin, comptothecin and vincristine was determined in comparison with that of testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) cell line. The recovery of cell numbers following exposure to chemotherapeutic agents were also evaluated. Our results showed that human ADMSCs were resistant to chemo-therapeutic agents which are commonly used in clinic, the full recovery was seen respectively in ADMSCs after the drug treatment. Moreover, ADMSCs maintained their stem cell characteristics in vitro after the exposure to all chemotherapeutic agents.     

Ferulic acid maintains the self-renewal capacity of embryo stem cells and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in high fat diet-induced obese mice

Self-renewal is required for embryo stem cells (ESCs) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). This study examined the ability of ferulic acid in mouse ESCs and ADMSCs, in a high fat diet-induced mouse model. Initially, five natural compounds of ferulic acid, xanthohumol, curcumin, ascorbic acid, and quercetin were screened in ESCs using an alkaline phosphate ⁺(AP⁺) assay, as a self-renewal biomarker. A ferulic acid treatment was the highest AP⁺ staining in hop-hit screening compounds. Also a ferulic acid increased Nanog mRNA levels in ESCs. The in vivo effects of ferulic acid were next examined in an obese mouse model. C57BL/6 J male mice were fed either a high fat diet (HFD) or control diet with ferulic acid (5 g/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Ferulic acid exhibited weight loss and improved glucose homeostasis, lipid profiling, and hepatic steatosis in a HFD-induced mouse model. Next, ADMSCs (Sca-1⁺CD45⁻), a hallmark of fat stem cells, were then isolated and quantified from mouse abdominal adipose tissue. A HFD decreased the Sca-1⁺CD45⁻ cell population of ADMSCs, but HFD-induced obese mice given ferulic acid showed an increased the Sca-1⁺CD45⁻ cell population of ADMSCs. Moreover, ferulic acid enhanced NANOG mRNA levels in human ADMSCs and its related gene mRNA expression. Overall, this study suggests that ferulic acid preserves self-renewal in ESCs, and contributes to ADMSCs self-renewal and effective weight control in obesity.     

Hypoxia enhances proliferation and stemness of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

The aim of the study was to obtain the highest number of multipotent adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) by using culture conditions which favour cell expansion without loss of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-like properties. Based on the assumption that stem cells reside in niches characterized by hypoxic condition, we investigated if the low oxygen tension may improve the proliferation and stemness of ADMSCs. Intact adipose tissue was resected from eight subjects, and the stromal vascular fraction was obtained by using type II collagenase. The heterogeneity of cellular lineages was confirmed by immunophenotypic analysis that showed the presence of leukocytes (CD45+), endothelial cells (CD34+), and pericytes (CD140+). The immunophenotype of confluent ADMSCs was similar to that of bone marrow-derived MSCs, except for the expression of CD34, which was variable (donor-dependent) and inversely correlated to the CD36 expression. ADMSCs showed a high clonal efficiency (94.5 ± 1 %) and were able to generate osteoblastic, chondrocytic and adipocytic lineages. ADMSCs were cultured under normoxic (21 % O₂) and hypoxic (1 % O₂) conditions, and we found that hypoxia significantly favoured ADMSC proliferation and preserved the expression of stemness genes, i.e. Nanog and Sox2. Since hypoxia reflects the microenvironment in which ADMSCs must proliferate and differentiate, the culture in hypoxic condition allows to better understand the biology of these cells and their regenerative potential. Low oxygen concentrations promote cell proliferation and stemness, thus enriching the pool of cells potentially able to differentiate into multi-lineages, and extending the possibility of a long-term expansion.     

Exendin-4 protects adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide through the PI3K/Akt–Sfrp2 pathways

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs)-based therapy is a promising modality for the treatment of myocardial infarction in the future. However, the majority of transplanted cells are readily lost after transplantation because of hypoxia and oxidative stress. An efficient means to enhance the ability of ADMSCs to survive under pathologic conditions is required. In our study, we explored the effects of exendin-4 (Ex-4) on ADMSCs apoptosis in vitro induced by hydrogen peroxide, focusing in particular on mitochondrial apoptotic pathways and PI3K/Akt–secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (Sfrp2) survival signaling. We demonstrated that ADMSCs subjected to H₂O₂ for 12 h exhibited impaired mitochondrial function and higher apoptotic rate. However, Ex-4 (1–20 nM) preconditioning for 12 h could protect ADMSCs against H₂O₂-mediated apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Ex-4 pretreatment upregulated the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione as well as downregulating the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Western blots revealed that increased antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and c-IAP1/2 as well as decreased proapoptotic proteins Bax and cytochrome c appeared in ADMSCs with Ex-4 incubation, which inhibited the caspase-9-involved mitochondrial apoptosis pathways with evidence showing inactivation of caspase-9/3 and preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, we illustrated that Ex-4 enhanced Akt phosphorylation, which increased the expression of Sfrp2. Notably, blockade of the PI3K/Akt pathway or knockdown of Sfrp2 with siRNA obviously abolished the protective effects of Ex-4 on mitochondrial function and ADMSCs apoptosis under H₂O₂. In summary, this study confirmed that H₂O₂ induced ADMSCs apoptosis through mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways, and Ex-4 preconditioning may reduce such apoptosis of ADMSCs through the PI3K/Akt–Sfrp2 pathways.