Comparing the effects of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) and piascledine on the expression of collagen II, X and aggrecan genes in chondrogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells in fibrin alginate composite scaffold

Abstract

Background: Cartilage injuries are the leading cause of disability in the elderly in developed countries. In addition, articular cartilage has a limited ability to repair. Current treatment methods for cartilage tissue injuries lead to fibrous tissue formation. Cell therapy is a treatment in which stem cells using tissue engineering can be differentiated into chondrocytes by using growth factors and scaffolds. Since growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β) leads to hypertrophy of cartilage chondrocytes tissue and many scaffolds are weak in terms of mechanics and stability, it is essential to achieve the appropriate scaffolds and inducing factors. Studies have shown that fibrin alginate scaffold is appropriate in terms of mechanical and stability and piascledine increases the cartilage-specific genes expression. Therefore, in this study the chondrogenic effect of TGF-β1 and piascledine on adipose derived stem cells in fibrin alginate scaffold was compared and evaluated. Methods: Fat samples were obtained from three persons. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) was extracted from adipose tissue and proliferated. Then the cells were transferred to the fibrin alginate scaffold and the cells were cultured for 21 days under the influence of the induction medium. The rate of proliferation and survival of cells was evaluated by 3 (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide MTT method and the rate of gene expression of Aggrecan and Collagen II and X was evaluated with Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR) method. Findings: The results showed that proliferation rate and survival of cells in a fibrin alginate scaffold in the group containing Piascledine increased compared to the other groups, but this increase is not significant (P> 0.050). Also, Piascledine increased collagen II gene expression (P < 0.001) and reduced collagen X gene expression when compared to TGF-β1. Conclusion: Piascledine was found as a proper effective inducer in chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells cultured in fibrin alginate scaffold. © 2016, Journal of Isfahan Medical School. All rights reserved.