title: Differentiation Potential of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells When Cocultured with Smooth Muscle Cells, and the Role of Low-Intensity Laser Irradiation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to investigate the differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) when cocultured with smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and to determine the role of low-intensity laser irradiation (LILI).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ADSCs isolated from adipose tissue are isolated with ease and in large amounts. SMCs constitute most parts of the intestinal, urinary, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems. LILI has been found to have positive effects on different cell types, including ADSCs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used ADSCs (Stempro Adipose Derived Stem Cells-R7788-115) and SMCs (SKU-T-1 American Type Culture Collection HTB-114) cell lines. These cell lines were cocultured in a 1:1 ratio with and without growth factors and then exposed to LILI using 636 nm at 5 J/cm2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cell viability and proliferation increased significantly in the cocultured groups that were exposed to LILI alone, as well as in combination with growth factors. Further, there was a significant decrease in the expression of stem cell markers with a concomitant increase in SMC markers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that ADSCs have the ability to differentiate into SMCs when cocultured with SMCs, whereas LILI potentially augments the differentiation potential and need. This further highlights the significant role that LILI has to offer ADSC therapy in regenerative medicine.
authors.affiliation: Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg , Johannesburg, South Africa .
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mvula
authors.affiliation: Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg , Johannesburg, South Africa .
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abrahamse
mesh_terms: D017667:Adipocytes / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000528:radiation effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012380:Role; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: photobiology; photobiomodulation; photochemistry; phototherapy; stem cells