Keywords Adipose-derived stem cells - Collagen - Platelet-rich fibrin - Adipogenic differentiation
- In vitro
Introduction
The replacement of soft-tissue components is necessary in various clinical conditions,
such as breast and facial reconstruction, rectification of congenital deformities,
or tumor resection.[1 ] Combining functional rehabilitation with anatomic restoration poses a challenge
in reconstructive surgery, which at present is achieved by selecting tissue form other
regions of the body. Logically, multipotent stem cells offer the best option for multifaceted
therapy to regenerate complex dermal tissue. Particularly, mesenchymal stem/stromal
cells (MSCs) are enabled with features of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation.
They have been investigated using different adult tissue sources.[2 ] Adipose tissue as one of the main sources offers several advantages due to its abundance
and accessibility by means of minimally invasive harvesting procedures.[3 ]
[4 ] Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were first investigated as an alternative source
of MSCs and considered as most preferred cell type, based on their phenotype, plasticity,
and immunomodulatory properties for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative
medicine.[3 ]
[4 ]
[5 ]
Regenerative therapy was originally based on the use of three-dimensional scaffolds.[6 ] Combination of scaffolds, growth factors, and multipotent stem cells are suggested
to increase the efficacy of regenerative approaches.[7 ] Particularly, the application of a biodegradable scaffold with an appropriate stem
cell, with or without the supplementation of growth factors, is the most routinely
followed therapeutic method.[1 ] Collagen is the most widely used scaffold material, which adapts in cases such as
osteochondral defects, connective tissues, adipose tissue, and mammary glands.[8 ] In managing the oral mucosal defects, the xenograft, bovine-derived collagen membrane
(0.5 mm) has proven to be more convenient in its usage.[9 ]
[10 ] In a recent study, collagen promoted adipocytogenesis, and as a major constituent
of extracellular matrix, it provided mechanical rigidity; also, fibrils acted as guidance
structures for contacting cells.[11 ]
With advanced production protocols and development in technologies, such as the concentrated
platelet-rich plasma (cPRP), a new generation of platelet concentrates have been identified
and optimized for a novel kind of fibrin with adhesive property.[12 ] Later on, Choukroun et al first described platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in 2001, widely
used in oral and maxillofacial procedures.[13 ] The procedure involves centrifugation of autologous blood, and then resuspension
of platelets in a small amount of recovered plasma after the removal of erythrocytes
and leucocytes. The property of PRF which makes it possible to retain the growth factors
and enables cell migration is credited to its three-dimensional structure.[14 ] The effective properties, including angiogenesis and adipogenesis, were demonstrated
in PRF as critical requirements in tissue repair.[15 ]
Studies on the role of PRF in promoting cellular and differentiation properties of
stem cells are limited.[16 ]
[17 ] Reports on human stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs), advancement in proliferation,
migration, and differentiation, was noted with addition of PRF. Further, PRF enhanced
the osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs by activating the extracellular signal-regulated
kinase (ERK) pathway.[17 ] The present study hypothesized that collagen gel and PRF, when used as scaffolding
materials, would improve the adipogenicity of ADSCs in vitro. Hence, it was aimed
to compare the adipogenic differentiation potential of human ADSCs cultured individually
with collagen gel and PRF in vitro.
Materials and Methods
Ethics Statement
This study was conducted in accordance to the Declaration of Helsinki principles.
The necessary approval was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee and Institutional
Committee for Stem Cell Research (IC-SCR).
Isolation and Culture of ADSCs
Adipose tissue was collected by liposuction from healthy individuals after obtaining
their written consent. The tissue was enzymatically digested using 0.1% collagenase
(Gibco-Invitrogen, Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY, USA) for 2 hours in a humidified
incubator. Then, Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM)-High glucose (HG) along
with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Gibco-Invitrogen) was added to neutralize the traces
of the enzyme. Debris were removed, and suspended cells were cultured in DMEM-HG with
10% FBS, 100 U/mL penicillin and 100 µg/mL streptomycin (Gibco-Invitrogen) at 37 °C
in 5% CO2 incubator with medium change twice a week. At 80% confluency, the ADSCs were harvested
using 0.25% trypsin-EDTA (Gibco-Invitrogen) for subpassaging. ADSCs from passage 3
to passage 6 (P3 to P6) were used for all the assays.
Preparation of Collagen Gel and PRF
Commercially available collagen gel (PureCol EZ Gel– Collagen solution by Biogenuix,
New Delhi, India) was used by preparing a firm gel after warming to 37 °C in an incubator.
PRF was prepared from the peripheral blood sample (5 mL) collected as a part of craniofacial
treatment procedure by following Choukron’s protocol.[13 ] Briefly, a single spin of blood sample at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes produced three
layers, comprising platelet-poor plasma (PPP) in the first layer, PRF in the middle
layer, and the bottom layer consisting of erythrocytes ([Fig. 1 A-C ]). Harvested PRF was stored in – 80 °C deep freezer (Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany).
Fig. 1 Preparation of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). (A ). Separation of three layers after centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 10 min. (B ). Separation of fibrin from the plasma and RBCs. (C ). PRF ready for use or storage.
Assessment of Morphology and Viability
The morphology of ADSCs was assessed at different passages by phase contrast microscopy
(Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Viability of ADSCs was determined by trypan blue (0.4%, Gibco-Invitrogen)
exclusion test using hemocytometer.
Proliferation and Population Doubling Time (PDT) Assay
ADSCs were seeded at 1×104 cells/well in a 12-well tissue culture plate (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) in triplicates.
At every three-day interval until day 12, cells were harvested and counted by hemocytometer.
PDT was calculated using a standard formula.
Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) Assay
ADSCs were cultured for a period of 14 days at 37 °C in a 5% CO2 . The cells were stained with 0.1% crystal violet (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA)
and incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes. The staining solution was decanted,
and approximately 50 cells were considered as a single colony.
Flow Cytometry Analysis
ADSCs were stained with antibodies against CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD34 and CD45 (eBioscience,
CA, USA, or Biolegend, CA, USA). Later, the cells were incubated with fluorescein
isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated secondary antibody (eBioscience). A total of 10,000
cells were analyzed with flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson, NJ, USA).
Osteogenic Differentiation
ADSCs were seeded at a density of 1×104 cells/well onto 12-well plates and allowed for 21 days in osteogenic induction medium
consisting of DMEM-HG supplemented with 0.1 μM dexamethasone, 10 mM β-glycerol phosphate,
and 0.2 mM ascorbic acid (Sigma-Aldrich). After induction, cells were stained with
Alizarin red (Sigma-Aldrich) for confirming the mineralization.
Adipogenic Differentiation
ADSCs were seeded at a density of 1×104 cells/well onto 12-well plates and cultured for 21 days in adipogenic induction medium
containing 0.5 μM dexamethasone, 0.5 mM isobutyl methylxanthine, and 50 μM indomethacin
(Sigma-Aldrich). Adipogenesis was assessed by culturing cells on collagen gel and
PRF, individually. ADSCs cultured in basal medium served as control. Assessment of
the lipid droplets was made by Oil red O (Sigma-Aldrich) staining.
Statistical Analysis
Data were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation (SD) from minimum triplicates.
One way-analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out by GraphPad Prism software (GraphPad,
CA, USA), followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Level of significance was
set at p < 0.05.
Results
Establishment, Morphology and Viability of ADSCs
The ADSCs were successfully established in vitro. Isolated ADSCs exhibited fibroblast-like
characteristics and the cells showed adherence to plastic dishes, which is a property
of MSCs (
[Fig. 2 ] A ). Trypan-blue exclusion assay showed the viability values ranging from 86% to 96%
from passage 1 (P1) to P4 (
[Fig. 2 ] B ). Higher viability of ADSCs at later passages indicated that culture conditions did
not affect the number of live cells.
Fig. 2 (A ). Isolated adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) showed long, sender, fibroblast-like
morphology (arrows). (B ). The percentage of viability ranged from 86% to 96% from passage 1 (P1) to P4. (C ). Increase in proliferation rate from day 3 to day 12 was observed in established
ADSCs. (D ). ADSCs showed the ability to form colonies as stained by crystal violet staining.
Superscripts a, b, c, and d indicate statistically significant difference at p < 0.05.
Proliferation, PDT and CFU Assay
Proliferation rate and PDT of ADSCs was analyzed under in vitro conditions. A significant
(p < 0.05) increase in proliferation rate from day 3 to day 12 was observed in established
ADSCs (
[Fig. 2 ] C ). As the time of culture increased, higher the PDT of cells was observed. Further,
ADSCs showed the ability to form colonies or proliferate in cluster, although fibroblast-like
morphology persisted until reaching the confluence (
[Fig. 2 ] D ).
Flow Cytometry Analysis
Flow cytometry analysis showed that ADSCs were positive for MSC-specific markers (CD29,
CD44, CD73 and CD90) at higher levels (> 80%) and hematopoietic cell markers (CD34
and CD45) at very low levels (< 3%).
Osteogenic Differentiation
Osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs was investigated by culturing in specific induction
medium for 21 days. ADSCs grown in basal media showed fibroblast-like morphology (
[Fig. 3 ] A ). However, ADSCs cultured with osteogenic induction media for 21 days clearly exhibited
the deposition of calcium mineralized nodules, as shown by Alizarin red S staining
(
[Fig. 3 ] B ).
Fig. 3 Osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). (A ). ADSCs without osteogenic induction media showing fibroblast-like morphology after
21 days of culture. (B ). ADSCs cultured with osteogenic induction media showed the deposition of calcium
mineralized nodules (arrow), as evidenced by Alizarin Red S staining.
Adipogenic Differentiation
ADSCs without adipogenic induction media retained their fibroblast-like morphology
after 21 days of culture (
[Fig. 4 ] A ). Oil red O staining suggested that ADSCs induced with adipogenic differentiation
media exhibited the enhanced secretion or synthesis of neutral lipid vacuoles (
[Fig. 4 ] B ).
Fig. 4 Adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). (A ). ADSCs without adipogenic induction media retained fibroblast-like morphology after
21 days of culture. (B ). ADSCs cultured with adipogenic induction media showing the enhanced secretion of
neutral lipid vacuoles (arrow), as evidenced by Oil red O staining.
Adipogenic Differentiation of ADSCs Cultured on Collagen Gel
Culture of ADSCs on collagen gel showed the adhesion and proliferation activity by
day 3, with slightly flattened morphology (
[Fig. 5 ] A ). The number of cells was higher with enhanced proliferation on collagen gel, as
stained by crystal violet (
[Fig. 5 ] B ). After adipogenic induction for 21 days, ADSCs differentiated into adipocytes at
slightly higher intensity, as visualized by Oil red O staining (
[Figs. 5 ]C and 5D ).
Fig. 5 Adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) cultured on collagen
gel. (A ). Morphology was slightly flattened on day 3 of culture. (B ). Presence of proliferating cells was confirmed by crystal violet staining. (C and D ). Differentiated adipocytes were indicated by the lipid droplets (arrows), as evidenced
by Oil red O staining.
Adipogenic Differentiation of ADSCs Cultured on PRF
Adhesion and proliferation of ADSCs on PRF membrane are presented in
[Fig. 6 ] A . No adipogenic activity was observed in cells cultured with basal medium. However,
Oil red O staining (
[Fig. 6B ] and 6C ) revealed that ADSCs cultured on PRF with adipogenic induction medium for 21 days
had the capability of forming adipocytes at marginally increased intensity.
Fig. 6 Adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) cultured on platelet-rich
fibrin (PRF). (A ). Cells cultured on PRF in control. (B and C ). ADSCs stained with Oil red O solution indicating the presence of neutral lipid
droplets (arrows) after 21 days of adipogenic induction.
Discussion
The array of therapeutic interventions ranges from the treatments that selectively
start-up with wound into healing cascade to various other methods that mechanically
protect the wound or increase perfusion and oxygenation of the local tissues.[18 ] The concept of adipose tissue transplant as filler has evolved of late, and it is
presently regarded as a source of abundant MSCs. In this view, studies on the application
of ADSCs in head and neck soft-tissue defects have swiftly increased recently. However,
there are unanswered questions that limit the clinical translation of ADSCs for craniofacial
applications. Hence, this in vitro study assessed the biological properties of ADSCs,
and later evaluated their adipogenesis with collagen gel and PRF individually, as
a preliminary attempt toward soft-tissue augmentation.
In 2001, Zuk et al analyzed the fundamental cell types and multilineage potential
of mesodermal stem cells obtained by enzymatic digestion of lipoaspirates.[4 ] In this study, enzymatic digestion was performed for liberating the cells and stromal
vascular fraction (SVFs) in the same method. Processing of the lipoaspirates using
an enzyme resulted in the successful establishment of ADSCs that exhibited a long,
slender, fibroblast-like morphology and showed greater adherence to plastic dishes,
confirming the properties of MSCs.
It is essential to evaluate the influence of long-term culture on the phenotype and
differentiation potential of ADSCs. Higher viability of ADSCs was observed in the
present study, even at passage 6, indicating that culture conditions did not affect
the number of live cells. Cell growth in the presence of biomaterials was assessed,
and the observations showed more than 90% confluency on collagen gel and PRF. The
cell viability when cultured on collagen gel and PRF was higher, but not clear due
to difficulty in visualization through phase-contrast microscope. Supporting these
observations, Girandon et al recorded greater cell viability cultured on the scaffolds.[19 ] An earlier study also noticed increased cell viability when ADSCs were held to the
scaffold matrix.[20 ]
The scaffolds used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have a specific
morphology and surface chemistry, and thereby have a vital effect on behaviour of
cells such as adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and cell-matrix interaction.[21 ] In this study, higher adhesion of ADSCs was recorded along with enhanced proliferative
potential. However, PDT was longer as the number of cell culture days extended. Further,
ADSCs showed the ability to form colonies, indicating their potency characteristics.
The flow cytometry assay signified the positivity of CD29, CD44, CD73 and CD90 markers
with no expression of markers for hematopoietic lineage in the cultured ADSCs. For
the validation of the purity and potency of ADSCs, surface marker analysis is crucial.[22 ] Earlier reports showed the expression of MSC-specific markers in purified ADSCs,
such as CD49f, CD44, CD90, CD105, CD13 and CD71.[23 ] Further, ADSCs cultured in osteogenic induction media exhibited calcified mineralized
nodule deposition, as observed by Alizarin Red S staining. Previous studies have also
demonstrated the successful osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs.[12 ]
[23 ]
As observed earlier, adipocyte induction of ADSCs by appropriate treatment resulted
in the accumulation of lipid droplets.[12 ]
[23 ] When ADSCs were coalesced with collagen gel, they exhibited higher cell number and
reached 90% confluency. Bovine collagen gel was selected in this study, as bovine
collagen matrix precipitates in wound healing with almost negligible side effects.
We observed that ADSCs on collagen gel at confluency stage showed better characteristics
of cell viability, adherence, morphology, proliferation capacity, and enhanced adipogenic
differentiation, as evidenced by the intensity of Oil red O staining.
Interestingly, a second generation of platelet concentrate, PRF, forms a 3D matrix
and contains all the constituents required for tissue repair. PRF consists of higher
concentration of blood derived growth factors and is easier to produce, as it does
not require any additives with less centrifugation time, as compared with other similar
concentrates.[14 ] In this study, ADSCs seeded on to PRF showed moderate compatibility and capability
of differentiating into adipocytes at marginally increased intensity. Previously,
PRF released autologous growth factors and showed a long-lasting effect on proliferation
and differentiation of rat osteoblasts than PRP.[24 ] However, studies supporting the potency of PRF in promoting adipogenicity of MSCs
are lacking. The quick, effective, and undemanding procedure made us include PRF as
one of the biomaterials in this study, and the results indicated that it had moderate
influence on adipogenic potential of ADSCs.
Conclusion
In summary, ADSCs cultured on collagen gel and PRF, individually, showed higher number
of differentiated adipocytes than ADSCs grown with induction medium alone. Among the
biomaterials, the extent of lipid accumulation was slightly higher on collagen gel
than on PRF, since all the intracellular space was occupied with large red-stained
lipid vacuoles. However, qualitative assessment alone in this study restricts the
definite conclusion, and further quantitative molecular assays are required to confirm
better suitability of scaffold for soft-tissue regeneration.
