Simvastatin induces osteogenic differentiation in human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSC)

Amniotic fluid is a complex mixture composed of water, salts and different cells types derived from embryo exfoliation. Some of these cells present similar characteristics to mesenchymal stem cells as adherent properties, typical surface antigens and differentiation capacity. These cells are called amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSCs) and are easily obtained by amniocentesis, propagated in culture and differentiated in several cell types with specific inductions. In this study, we observe the ability of simvastatin, a 3-HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, to induce AFSMCs osteogenic differentiation. When AFSMCs were incubated with medium containing simvastatin, it was observed morphological changes, calcium deposits formation confirmed by Alizarin Red stain. Differentiated cells also expressed typical osteogenic genes, as osteopontin and osteocalcin. In conclusion, simvastatin could be used as an optional osteogenic induction agent for amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells.