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Ascorbic acid inhibits senescence in mesenchymal stem cells through ROS and AKT/mTOR signaling

Mengkai Yang1, Songsong Teng1, Chunhui Ma1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.

Cytotechnology
|May 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Ascorbic acid prevents mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) aging by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and AKT/mTOR signaling. This finding supports using ascorbic acid to improve stem cell transplantation efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) aging impairs their therapeutic function in transplantation.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of MSC senescence is crucial for improving cell-based therapies.
  • Current strategies focus on inhibiting MSC senescence, but underlying mechanisms require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of D-galactose-induced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) aging.
  • To determine the potential of ascorbic acid in preventing MSC senescence.
  • To elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and AKT/mTOR signaling in MSC aging.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of MSC aging using D-galactose.
  • Assessment of senescent cell markers.
  • Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
  • Analysis of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation.
  • Treatment with ascorbic acid, ROS scavengers, and AKT inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • D-galactose treatment increased the number of senescent MSCs.
  • Ascorbic acid inhibited D-galactose-induced ROS production and AKT/mTOR signaling activation.
  • Co-treatment with ROS scavengers or AKT inhibitors significantly reduced senescent cells in D-galactose-treated MSCs.
  • Ascorbic acid demonstrated a protective effect against MSC senescence.

Conclusions:

  • Ascorbic acid inhibits MSC senescence via the ROS and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
  • Ascorbic acid has the potential to prevent MSC aging.
  • Preventing MSC senescence with ascorbic acid could enhance stem cell transplantation efficiency in clinical applications.
Keywords:
D-GalactoseMSCsROSSenescence

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