3D co-culture model of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) reverses late passage adipose-derived stem cell senescence for wound healing.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background: Extensive passage of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro leads to loss of function. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) can be isolated from adult peripheral blood. A 3D co-culture system may rescue in vitro ASC senescence. Methods: A 3D co-culture model was successfully established using hyaluronic acid (HA) gel and a 10:1 ratio of late-passage ASCs and ECFCs. Cell density and culture conditions were optimized. Stem cell phenotype was characterized by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to measure the trophic effect of angiogenic growth factors and compare the effects of these factors between the 3-D co-culture and single cell culture. Therapeutic potential of ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures was evaluated in a mouse chronic injury model. Results: Following incubation in a HA substrate 3D co-culture system, ASC morphology, phenotype, secretory profile and differentiation capacity was restored. The ASC/ECFC co-culture increased the secretion of cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor, compared with single cell 3D culture or monolayer culture. Mice radiation-ulcer wounds treated with ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures (spheroids) showed epithelialization and improved healing compared with wounds treated with ASCs or ECFCs alone. Further, transplanted ASC/ECFC spheroids exhibited superior angiogenic potential due to the ability of the ASCs to transdifferentiate into pericyte

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.