[Biological effects and potential applications of mesenchymal stem cell culture under low oxygen pressure]

As for hemopoietic stem cells, it is thought although not formally demonstrated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) reside in a specific microenvironment or niche characterized by a low O(2) tension. In support of this hypothesis is the observation that MSC can be amplified in vitro under 1-8% O(2) while retaining multipotent capacities. Culture in hypoxic condition may therefore be useful in therapy as the low number of MSC is a major limitation to their use in regenerative medicine and to a lesser extent in the treatment of some autoimmune and overt inflammatory diseases. However hypoxia may modify MSC with significant effects on their metabolism and gene expression hence modifications in their differentiation abilities to mature in specialized cells. This review discusses the various effects of hypoxia on the fate and behavior of MSC and potential clinical applications of culture under hypoxic conditions in regenerative medicine and immune/inflammatory disorders.