Differentiation from synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells into hyaline cartilage: an in vitro study

Abstract

Background: To explore the roles of seven factors including transforming growth factor (TGFβ1), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), BMP-7, ascorbic acid (ASA), and Dex in the differentiation from synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) into hyaline cartilage. Methods: SMSCs were acquired by enzymatic digestion method and limited dilution method. Then, they were induced to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. Seven factors including TGFβ1, BMP-2, bFGF, IGF, BMP-7, AsA, and Dex were included in the orthogonal array testing. L8 [27] orthogonal array and table heading were designed by SPSS 22.0 statistical software package, and the level 2 conditions were defined. Results: Staining of the SMSCs using oil red O, alkaline phosphatase, and toluidine blue after the osteogenic/adipogenic/chondrogenic differentiation showed positive results. Orthogonal array testing showed that TGF-β1 had the strongest effect on the differentiation from SMSCs into hyaline cartilage. Conclusions: SMSCs can be successfully induced to differentiate into various tissue cells, during which TGFβ1 has the strongest effect.