Hypoxia- and inflammation-driven preconditioning modulates angiogenic and metabolic pathways in canine

Pablo Ocampo-Ortiz1, Viviana Vallejo-Aristizabal2, Marcos Gomides Carvalho3

  • 1Department of veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Pamplona, Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia.

Plos One
|March 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Preconditioning canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAT-MSCs) with deferroxyamine (hypoxia) or interferon-gamma (inflammation) improved cell concentration and modulated angiogenic pathways. These findings suggest potential for enhancing MSC efficacy in regenerative medicine applications.

Area of Science:

  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Immunomodulation
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Exogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for immune-mediated diseases and organ transplants.
  • The transplant microenvironment can impair MSC capabilities and survival.
  • Investigating preconditioning strategies is crucial to enhance MSC efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of deferroxyamine (DFO) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) preconditioning on canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (cAT-MSCs).
  • To assess changes in cAT-MSC viability, proliferation, gene expression, and proteomic profiles.
  • To understand how DFO and IFN-γ treatments affect MSCs in simulated inflammatory and hypoxic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (cAT-MSCs) were treated with DFO (hypoxia), IFN-γ (inflammation), or both for 48 hours.
  • Assessed cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and cell concentration at 24 and 144 hours.
  • Performed gene expression analysis (Casp9, FGF2, DKC1, PT53, VEGFA) and proteomics analysis.

Main Results:

  • Pretreated groups showed greater cell spacing at 24 hours and higher cell concentrations at 144 hours compared to controls.
  • Gene expression varied, with increased Casp9 in IFN-γ group vs. IFN-γ+DFO; VEGFA upregulated with DFO treatment.
  • Proteomics identified unique protein profiles for each treatment group, revealing modulation of angiogenic and metabolic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • DFO and IFN-γ preconditioning can enhance MSC concentration and modulate key cellular pathways.
  • Preconditioning appears to preserve immunomodulatory function and cellular integrity under simulated adverse conditions.
  • Further research integrating multi-omics and in vivo studies is needed to confirm paracrine functions and therapeutic efficacy.