In Vitro Migration of Porcine Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Platelet-Rich Plasma

Abstract

The proliferation and migration of porcine adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have only begun to be studied in detail in vitro. The primary aim of these studies was to analyse in vitro ASC migration in varying concentrations of growth factors derived from the platelet-rich fraction of centrifuged plasma, the so-called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). ASCs were hypothesized to migrate at a faster velocity with increasing PRP concentrations. Whole blood was collected with a sodium citrate anticoagulant and subjected to two centrifugations. The first slower spin was to remove red blood cells to collect plasma, and the second faster spin was to collect the fraction with a high platelet concentration. Platelet concentration increased 3.5-fold compared to plasma, within the prescribed therapeutic range. For long-term culture of ASCs, DMEM supplemented with no more than 20% was necessary to maintain cell viability. ASC proliferation rate in PRP-supplemented media was comparable to that in fetal bovine serum (FBS), a standard cell culture media supplement. In addition, the velocity of ASC migration increased in cultures supplemented with 10%, 20% or 30% PRP. Generally, PRP was determined to be a media supplement with similar effects as FBS, potentially making it a suitable substitute for in vitro expansion of ASC populations. These results are likely partly explained by similarities in growth factor concentrations and their effects. Further characterization of PRP will be necessary to tease out the specific growth factor(s) responsible for the increase in swine ASC migration.