Different phenotypes and chondrogenic responses of human menstrual blood and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to activin A and TGF-β3

Abstract Background Due to its low capacity for self-repair, articular cartilage is highly susceptible damage and deterioration, which leads the development of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MenSCs) are much less characterized, compared bone marrow (BMMSCs). However, MenSCs seem an attractive alternative classical BMMSCs due ease access broader differentiation capacity. The aim this study was evaluate chondrogenic potential stimulated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β3) activin A. Methods ( n = 6) 5) were isolated from different healthy donors. Expression cell surface markers CD90, CD73, CD105, CD44, CD45, CD14, CD36, CD55, CD54, CD63, CD106, CD34, CD10, Notch1 analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation determined using CCK-8 kit migration ability evaluated scratch assay. Adipogenic according Oil-Red staining osteogenic Alizarin Red staining. Chondrogenic (activin A TGF-β3 stimulation) investigated in vitro vivo (subcutaneous scaffolds nude BALB/c mice) expression genes (collagen type II, aggrecan), GAG assay histologically. Activin protein production ELISA during monolayer culture. Results exhibited a higher rate, BMMSCs, profile several markers. collagen II gene glycosaminoglycan synthesis treated but not both vivo, although effects alone more pronounced vitro. Conclusion These data suggest that exerts differential on induction vs. implies mechanisms regulation activated these cells. Following further optimization protocols choice factors, potentially including A, may turn out be promising population stem cell-based therapies stimulate repair regeneration OA related osteoarticular disorders.