A scaffold-free in vitro model for osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease which affects the whole joint structure. Many authors have focused on the factors responsible for the development of inflammatory processes involved in OA. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) represent a promising alternative of cell-based therapy strategy in the treatment of OA which could be combined with any other drug. Chondroitin sulfate plays a protective role in the joint based on the decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus having an important role in activating and inhibiting the metabolic pathways in chondrocytes. Aims: The effectiveness of chondroitin sulfate and ASCs combined in an in vitro model of OA has been evaluated in this study. Materials: Cytokines and factors which are involved in OA as well as specific cartilage gene expression after adding ASCs and chondroitin sulfate have been discussed in detail. Results: Our results show a decrease in the expression of all genes related to the pro-inflammatory cytokines analysed. Although there was no increase in the expression of the specific genes of the cartilage matrix, such as collagen type II and aggrecan. Conclusions: This study shows the effectiveness of association of ASCs and chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of OA.

Download Full-text

Vascular Wall–Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation on 3D Biodegradable Highly Porous CaSi-DCPD Doped Poly (α-hydroxy) Acids Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano10020243 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 243 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Monica Forni ◽

Chiara Bernardini ◽

Fausto Zamparini ◽

Augusta Zannoni ◽

Roberta Salaroli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

In Vitro Model ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Vascular Wall ◽

Porous Scaffolds ◽

Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Vitro Model ◽

Highly Porous

Vascularization is a crucial factor when approaching any engineered tissue. Vascular wall–mesenchymal stem cells are an excellent in vitro model to study vascular remodeling due to their strong angiogenic attitude. This study aimed to demonstrate the angiogenic potential of experimental highly porous scaffolds based on polylactic acid (PLA) or poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) doped with calcium silicates (CaSi) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), namely PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD and PCL-10CaSi-10DCPD, designed for the regeneration of bone defects. Vascular wall–mesenchymal stem cells (VW-MSCs) derived from pig thoracic aorta were seeded on the scaffolds and the expression of angiogenic markers, i.e. CD90 (mesenchymal stem/stromal cell surface marker), pericyte genes α-SMA (alpha smooth muscle actin), PDGFR-β (platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β), and NG2 (neuron-glial antigen 2) was evaluated. Pure PLA and pure PCL scaffolds and cell culture plastic were used as controls (3D in vitro model vs. 2D in vitro model). The results clearly demonstrated that the vascular wall mesenchymal cells colonized the scaffolds and were metabolically active. Cells, grown in these 3D systems, showed the typical gene expression profile they have in control 2D culture, although with some main quantitative differences. DNA staining and immunofluorescence assay for alpha-tubulin confirmed a cellular presence on both scaffolds. However, VW-MSCs cultured on PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD showed an individual cells growth, whilst on PCL-10CaSi-10DCPD scaffolds VW-MSCs grew in spherical clusters. In conclusion, vascular wall mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated the ability to colonize PLA and PCL scaffolds doped with CaSi-DCPD for new vessels formation and a potential for tissue regeneration.

Download Full-text