Abstract
Human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) are a promising cell source for bone tissue engineering. However, before the clinical application of hASCs for the treatment of bone defects, key questions require answers, including whether pre-osteoinduction (OI) and flow cytometric cell purification are indispensible steps for in vivo bone formation by hASCs. In this study, hASCs were purified by flow cytometric cell sorting (FCCS). The osteogenic capabilities of hASCs and purified hASCs with or without pre-osteoinduction were examined through in vitro and in vivo experiments. We found that pre-OI enhanced the in vitro osteogenic capacity of hASCs. However, 8 weeks after in vivo implantation, there were no significant differences between hASCs and hASCs that had undergone OI (hASCs+OI) or between purified hASCs and purified hASCs+OI (P>0.05). Interestingly, we also found that purified hASCs had an osteogenic potential similar to that of unpurified hASCs in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that FCCS and in vitro pre-OI are not requirements for in vivo bone formation by hASCs.
Highlights
Many countries are faced with the problem of an aging population
Bone tissue engineering based on human adiposederived stromal cells has been considered as a promising alternative to traditional treatment options for bone deformities [3,4,5,6,7,8]. hASCs, as a readily available, abundant supply of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with minimum donor site morbidity, have been demonstrated by many studies to have osteogenic ability in vitro and in vivo [3,4], and offer exciting opportunities to improve the quality of life of aging people suffering from bone diseases
Results hASCs express specific MSC surface markers hASCs were isolated from the adipose tissues of two patients
Summary
Many countries are faced with the problem of an aging population. An older population results in a significant increase in the number of people living with bone deformities as a consequence of bone fracture, tumor, infection and osteoporosis [1,2], and this has wide-ranging socio-economic impacts. HASCs, as a readily available, abundant supply of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with minimum donor site morbidity, have been demonstrated by many studies to have osteogenic ability in vitro and in vivo [3,4], and offer exciting opportunities to improve the quality of life of aging people suffering from bone diseases. There is little evidence that hASCs purified by flow cytometry have higher osteogenic potential. Another problem is the necessity of in vitro pre-osteoinduction (OI) before in vivo implantation. Few studies to date have provided solid evidence that in vitro pre-OI increases the osteogenic capability of hASCs in vivo. We purified hASCs by flow cytometric cell sorting (FCCS), compared the osteogenic potential of hASCs and purified hASCs, and determined the necessity of pre-OI through systematic experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo
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