Cytokine and growth factor expressions profile of mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton's jelly of human umbilical cord

Abstract

Objective To characterize Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord (WMSCs) by observing their cytokine and growth factor expressions.Methods We isolated WMSCs from the umbilical cords from healthy full-term newborns.We verified the stemness by colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay,detected the cell surface marker expression by flow cytometry,and observed the cytokine and growth factor expressions by protein chip assay.Results Human WMSCs were found to synthesize substantial levels of 78 of the 79 factors on the chip,with the only exception of IL-13.WMSCs were shown to produce significantly high levels [mean optical density (OD) ＞ 0.800] of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-lα,IL-1β,IL-6 and IL-8,as well as the chemokines growth related oncogene (GRO) and GRO-α.The expressed growth factors verified the osteogenesis and chondrogenesis differentiation potentials of WMSCs.In addition,the expression profile included 6 immune suppressive-related factors and tumor growth suppressors,which may reduce the chance of immune rejection and tumorigenesis of the allograft cells.Expressions of metalloproteases inhibitor,TIMP-1 and TIMP-2,could be important for the generation of functional tissue as they may prevent the breakdown of newly synthesized extracellular cell matrix (ECM) and protect the perivascular niche.Expressions of nerve growth factors (BDNF,NT-3,NT-4 and GDNF) indicate WMSCs have a potential to be induced and differentiated into nerve cells.Conclusions WMSCs are easy to obtain.The cytokines they express can reduce the chance of immune rejection and tumorigenesis and protect the implanted cells from metalloproteases digestion.So WMSCs may be a promising cellular candidate for use in regenerative medicine and fabrication of engineering tissue or organ. Key words: Umbilical cord; Mesenchymal stem cells; Cytokine; Cytokine antibody micro-array