Systems biology approach to identify alterations in the stem cell reservoir of subcutaneous adipose tissue in a rat model of diabetes: effects on differentiation potential and function.

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)

Aims/hypothesis Autologous progenitor cells represent a promising option for regenerative cell-based therapies. Nevertheless, it has been shown that ageing and cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes affect circulating endothelial and bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, limiting their therapeutic potential. However, their impact on other stem cell populations remains unclear. We therefore investigated the effects of diabetes on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and whether these effects might limit the therapeutic potential of autologous ASCs. Methods A systems biology approach was used to analyse the expression of genes related to stem cell identification in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), the stromal vascular fraction and isolated ASCs from Zucker diabetic fatty rats and their non-diabetic controls. An additional model of type 2 diabetes without obesity was also investigated. Bioinformatic approaches were used to investigate the biological significance of these changes. In addition, functional studies on cell viability and differentiation potential were performed. Results Widespread downregulation of mesenchymal stem cell markers was observed in SAT of diabetic rats. Gene expression and in silico analysis revealed a significant effect on molecules involved in the maintenance of pluripotency and self-renewal, and on the alteration of main signalling pathways importan

Evidence level

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

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