Starvation and Inflammation Modulate Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cells' Molecular Signature

Simona Piccolo1, Giulio Grieco1, Caterina Visconte1

  • 1Laboratorio di Biotecnologie Applicate all'Ortopedia, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Cristina Belgioioso 173, 20157 Milano, Italy.

PubMed

Insights

Serum starvation impacts the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) secretomes. Starvation reversed inflammation induced by priming, highlighting its crucial role in regenerative medicine for osteoarthritis.

Area of Science:

  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their secretomes show promise for treating inflammatory joint disorders like osteoarthritis (OA).
  • Production methods significantly influence MSCs and their secretome characteristics.
  • The impact of serum removal (starvation) in clinical-grade protocols for secretome production is often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of serum starvation on the molecular profile of interleukin-1 beta (IL1β)-primed adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs).
  • To assess how starvation affects the secretome's therapeutic potential in an osteoarthritis chondrocyte model.

Main Methods:

  • ASCs were primed with IL1β, followed by serum starvation.
  • Gene expression analysis was performed for 84 secreted factors and 84 stemness-related genes.
  • Protein levels were validated, and secretome effects were tested on OA chondrocytes.

Main Results:

  • IL1β priming increased inflammatory mediator release and decreased anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes.
  • Subsequent serum starvation reversed these inflammatory effects induced by IL1β priming.
  • Starvation significantly modulated the molecular profile and therapeutic function of ASC secretomes.

Conclusions:

  • Serum starvation has a substantial impact on the molecular composition and functional properties of ASC secretomes.
  • The effects of starvation must be carefully considered and investigated in clinical-grade protocols for ASC secretome production.
  • Understanding starvation's role is critical for optimizing MSC-based therapies for osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions.