Characteristics and function of cryopreserved bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Hematology

Background:

• Investigating ex vivo expansion of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from cryopreserved mononuclear cells.
• Evaluating the functional capacity of cryopreserved EPCs (Cryo-EPCs) regarding proliferation and migration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using cryopreserved mononuclear cells for generating functional EPCs.
• To determine if cryopreservation impacts the proliferation and migration capabilities of EPCs.

Main Methods:

• Bone marrow mononuclear cells from swine were cryopreserved for 2-3 months.
• EPCs were identified using fluorescent staining (acetylated LDL, isolectin B4).
• Proliferation was assessed using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the tetrazolium method; migration was evaluated using stromal-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) and a Boyden chamber assay.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in EPC marker expression between fresh and Cryo-EPCs.
• Both fresh and Cryo-EPCs showed increased proliferation in response to VEGF (p < 0.01).
• Both fresh and Cryo-EPCs demonstrated enhanced migration with SDF-1alpha (p < 0.01), with no functional difference observed post-cryopreservation.

Conclusions:

• Ex vivo expansion of cryopreserved mononuclear cells is a viable method for obtaining bone marrow-derived EPCs.
• The proliferative and migratory functions of EPCs are well-preserved after cryopreservation.