Pioglitazone-Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulate Cell Proliferation, Collagen Synthesis and Matrix Gene Expression in Tenocytes

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)

Various therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported. However, the rapid clearance of these cells in vivo, difficulties in identifying their therapeutic mechanism of action, and insufficient production levels remain to be resolved. We investigated whether a pioglitazone pre-treatment of MSCs (Pio-MSCs) would stimulate the proliferation of co-cultured tenocytes. Pioglitazone increased the proliferation of MSCs and enhanced the secretion of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and collagen in these cells. We then examined the effects of Pio-MSCs on tenocytes using an indirect transwell culture system. A significant increase in tenocyte proliferation and cell cycle progression was observed in these co-cultures. Significant increases were observed in wound scratch closure by tenocytes from a Pio-MSC co-culture. Pio-MSCs also enhanced the secretion of collagen from tenocytes. A higher mRNA level of collagen type 1 (Col 1) and type 3 (Col 3), scleraxis (Scx), and tenascin C (TnC) was found in the tenocytes in Pio-MSC co-cultures compared with monocultured cells or tenocytes cultured with non-treated MSCs. Our results indicate that pioglitazone enhances the therapeutic effects of MSCs on tendon repair.

Evidence level

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

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