Abstract
Introduction Adipose tissue has been shown to contain adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which constitute a very convenient source of stem cells because it can be obtained easily in large quantities. Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder caused by loss of skin melanocytes and can be treated by grafting autologous melanocytes. However, it is difficult to obtain sufficient skin for autologous cell transplantation. If ADSCs can differentiate into melanocytes, adipose tissue could be used as an alternative source of melanocytes in vitiligo treatment. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential differentiation of ADSCs into melanocyte precursor cells. Materials and methods Human subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained. Isolation and culture of ADSCs was done. After 1 week, differentiation of ADSCs into melanocytic lineage was initiated using basic medium M254 supplemented with Human Melanocyte Growth Supplement, which was replaced every other day for 3 weeks. C-kit immunocytochemistry and Melan-A/MART-1 immunofluorescence were performed to assess the differentiation of ADSCs into melanocytic lineage. Functional characterization of melanocytic differentiation was validated by detecting tyrosinase activity assay after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of differentiation. Data obtained from quantitative morphometric study and tyrosinase activity assay were statistically analyzed. Results After 1 week of culture in the differentiation medium, ADSCs began to exhibit melanocytic morphology with multiple cytoplasmic processes, which became more apparent by the end of the third week. Melanocytic differentiation was confirmed by positive C-kit and Melan-A/MART-1 immunophenotyping as well as by positive tyrosinase activity, which increased significantly by the end of week 3 after differentiation. Conclusion ADSCs could be differentiated into morphological and functional melanocytic lineages, which might be useful as an alternative treatment for vitiligo.
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