The feasibility of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced to endothelial-like cells and the safety of induced cells intraocular application in a short period

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of differentiation of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) into endothelial-like cells and the safety of induced cells intraocular application.

Methods

HADSCs were induced to endothelial-like cells in vitro.The experimental group was added with streptomycin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and the control group was added with the same amount of phosphate buffered saline (PBS), the expression of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a marker of endothelial cells, was observed in the two groups.Six C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into experimental group and control group by using the random number method, 3 mice for each group, the induced cells were injected intravitreally into C57BL/6J mice as experimental group, and the same amount of PBS buffer was injected intravitreally into C57BL/6J mice as control group.The changes of retinal cells were observed by electron microscopy.The use and care of the animals complied with Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.

Results

After induction of hADSCs in vitro, the endothelial cell marker was expressed.VWF immunofluorescence of the experimental group showed strong green fluorescence, and the color rendering rate was 100%.The control group showed no coloration of vWF immunofluorescence, and the color positive rate was 0.After 1 month of intravitreal injection, the retinal ganglion cells and rod cells were not degraded and necrotic.

Conclusions

HADSCs can differentiate into endothelial-like cells in vitro, and there is no retinal toxicity in a short-term.