title: Hypoxia-mimetic agents inhibit proliferation and alter the morphology of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The therapeutic efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic diseases is closely related to level of hypoxia in the damaged tissues. To elucidate the potential therapeutic applications and limitations of hMSCs derived from human umbilical cords, the effects of hypoxia on the morphology and proliferation of hMSCs were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After treatment with DFO and CoCl₂, hMSCs were elongated, and adjacent cells were no longer in close contact. In addition, vacuole-like structures were observed within the cytoplasm; the rough endoplasmic reticulum expanded, and expanded ridges were observed in mitochondria. In addition, DFO and CoCl₂ treatments for 48 h significantly inhibited hMSCs proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). This treatment also increased the number of cells in G0/G1 phase and decreased those in G2/S/M phase.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hypoxia-mimetic agents, DFO and CoCl₂, alter umbilical cord-derived hMSCs morphology and inhibit their proliferation through influencing the cell cycle.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
authors.forename: Hui-Lan
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Yong-Liang
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: Qian-Qian
authors.initials: QQ
authors.lastname: Bu
authors.forename: Xin-Ai
authors.initials: XA
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Hai-Tao
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.forename: Hong-Wei
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D001372:Aza Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D015687:Cell Hypoxia; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003035:Cobalt / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C406982:1,8-diazafluoren-one; D001372:Aza Compounds; D003035:Cobalt; C018021:cobaltous chloride