Characteristics of human adipose derived stem cells in scleroderma in comparison to sex and age matched normal controls: implications for regenerative medicine.
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are emerging as an alternative stem cell source for cell-based therapies. Recent data suggest that autologous ADSC-enriched micrografting improves the effects of facial involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We have extensively characterised ADSCs from SSc patients and compared their phenotype and function to healthy age- and sex-matched control ADSCs.



ADSCs were isolated and characterised from a cohort of six SSc patients (ADSC-SSc) and were compared to six healthy age- and sex-matched controls (ADSC-N). Cell surface phenotype lineage commitment was explored by flow cytometric analysis of mesenchymal and hematopoietic markers and by the capacity to differentiate to chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Functional activities of ADSCs were assessed by biochemical and cellular assays for proliferation, metabolism, adhesion, morphology, migration, and invasion.



Upon characterization of ADSC-SSc, we found that there was no alteration in the phenotype or surface antigen expression compared to healthy matched control ADSCs. We found that the differentiation capacity of ADSC-SSc was equivalent to that of ADSC-N, and that ADSC-SSc did not display any morphological or adhesive abnormalities. We found that the proliferation rate and metabolic activity of ADSC-SSc was reduced (p < 0.01). We found that the migration and invasion capacity of ADSC-SSc was reduced (p < 0.01) compared to healthy matched control ADSCs.



This study provides important findings that can differentially characterise ADSCs from SSc patients. Results indicate that the surface phenotype and differentiation capacity of ADSCs from SSc patients are identical to healthy matched ADSCs. While the findings indicate that the proliferation and migration capacity of ADSC-SSc is reduced, ADSC-SSc are capable of ex-vivo culture and expansion. These findings encourage further investigation into the understanding by which ADSCs can impact upon tissue fibrosis.
Charles Wolfson Center for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. 12michellegriffin@gmail.com.|Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK. 12michellegriffin@gmail.com.|Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. 12michellegriffin@gmail.com.|UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK. 12michellegriffin@gmail.com.
Michelle
M
Griffin
Charles Wolfson Center for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.|Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
Caroline M
CM
Ryan
Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
Omar
O
Pathan
Center for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK.
David
D
Abraham
Center for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK.
Christopher P
CP
Denton
Charles Wolfson Center for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.|Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.|Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
Peter E M
PE
Butler
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D061251:Primary Cell Culture; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015415:Biomarkers
Adipose-derived stem cells; Invasion; Metabolism; Migration; Proliferation; Regenerative medicine; Scleroderma; Systemic sclerosis