Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue exhibit significantly higher chondrogenic differentiation potential compared to those from rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent joint disease affecting both humans and animals. It is characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and joint surface eburnation. Currently, no effective pharmacological treatment is available to restore the original function and structure of defective cartilage. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the potential of stem cell-based therapy in treating joint diseases involving cartilage degeneration, offering a promising avenue for future research and treatment. The primary aim was to compare the characteristics and, more importantly, the chondrogenic differentiation potential of human and rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). METHODS: Rat adipose tissue was collected from Sprague Dawley rats, while human adipose tissue was obtained in the form of lipoaspirate. The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were then harvested using collagenase enzyme and subcultured. We meticulously evaluated and compared the cell morphology, percentage of cell viability, population doubling time, metabolic proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation potential of MSCs harvested from both sources. Chondrogenic differentiation was induced at passage 3 using the 3D pellet culture method and assessed through histological and molecular analysis. RESULTS: The findings revealed that human and rat AD-MSCs were phenotypically identical, and an insignificant difference was found in cell morphology, percentage of cell viability, metabolic proliferation, and population doubling time. However, the chondrogenic differentiation potential of human AD-MSCs was evaluated as significantly higher than that of rat AD-MSCs. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that research regarding chondrogenic differentiation of rat AD-MSCs can be effectively translated to humans. This discovery is a significant contribution to the field of regenerative medicine and has the potential to advance our understanding of stem cell-based therapy for joint diseases.