Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
Isolation and Enrichment of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells MSCs and Separation of Single-colony Derived MSCs
Published on: March 22, 2010
Anti-proliferative effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from multiple sources on ovarian cancer cell
C Khalil1,2, M Moussa1, A Azar2
1Regenerative Medicine and Inflammation Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have surfaced as ideal candidates for treatment of different therapeutically challenging diseases however their effect on cancer cells is not well determined. In this study, we investigated the effect of MSCs derived from human bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT), and umbilical cord derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on ovarian cancer.Measurements of ovarian tumor marker proteins were computed by ELISA. Proliferative, apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects of the MSCs were measured by Flow cytometry (FCM). MMPs expression was measured by RT-PCR.The co-culture of cancer cell lines OVCAR3, CAOV3, IGROV3 and SKOV3 with the conditioned media of MSCs (CM-MSC) and MSCs showed an increase in cellular apoptosis, along with a reduction in the level of CA-125 and a decline of LDH and beta-hCG. A decrease in CD24 of the cancer cell lines in co-culture with the CM-MSCs showed a reduction of the cancer tumorigenicity. In addition, the invasion and aggressiveness of cancer cell lines was significantly decreased by CM-MSC; this was translated by a decrease in MMP-2, MMP-9, and CA-125 mRNA expression, and an increase in TIMP 1, 2, and 3 mRNA expression. An increase in IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines, and a decrease in GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-9, were also noted.In conclusion, mesenchymal stem cells derived from different sources and their conditioned media appear to have a major role in inhibition of cancer aggressiveness and might be considered as a potential therapeutic tool in ovarian cancer.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) inhibit ovarian cancer aggressiveness by increasing apoptosis and reducing tumor markers. MSCs and their conditioned media show potential as therapeutic tools for ovarian cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for disease treatment, but their impact on cancer requires further investigation.
- The therapeutic potential of MSCs against ovarian cancer remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of human bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT), and umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on ovarian cancer cells.
- To evaluate the anti-cancer properties of MSCs and their conditioned media (CM-MSC).
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR3, CAOV3, IGROV3, SKOV3) with MSCs and CM-MSC.
- Analysis of tumor markers (CA-125, LDH, beta-hCG) using ELISA.
- Flow cytometry (FCM) for proliferation and apoptosis.
- RT-PCR for MMPs, TIMPs, and cytokine expression.
Main Results:
- MSCs and CM-MSC significantly increased cancer cell apoptosis and reduced tumor markers (CA-125, LDH, beta-hCG).
- Reduced cancer cell tumorigenicity (CD24 expression), invasion, and aggressiveness were observed.
- Decreased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and CA-125 mRNA, with increased TIMP 1, 2, and 3 mRNA expression.
- Modulation of cytokine profiles, including increased IL-4 and IL-10, and decreased GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-9.
Conclusions:
- MSCs from various sources and their conditioned media exhibit significant anti-cancer effects on ovarian cancer.
- These findings suggest MSCs hold considerable potential as a therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
01:27Source And Potency Of Stem Cells
01:33Adult Stem Cells
01:25Multiple Voltage Sources
In series, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of another battery. Hence, the voltage of each battery is added to give the net voltage, which is increased because each battery boosts the electrons that enter it. The same current flows through each battery because they are connected in series.
Batteries are...
01:18Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...
01:16Cell Lines