Comparing human fetal liver-derived mesenchymal stromal cells to human adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Abstract

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be isolated from various tissue sources and can be derived from adult and fetal tissues. Depending on their age, MSC have different therapeutic potentials. In this study human fetal liver MSC (fMSC) were compared to adult bone marrow MSC (aMSC) regarding their phenotype and function. Methods: fMSC and aMSC were compared in terms of their size using CASY TT and their senescence using ß-galactosidase staining. Population doublings (PD) and population doubling time (PDT) were also examined. Following induction of osteogenic differentiation, calcium deposits were stained using Alizarin red S. Finally, flow cytometry was used to examine the cells’ phenotype and purity. Results: fMSC had a significantly lower peak diameter compared to aMSC. Moreover, fMSC displayed a greater number of PD and a shorter PDT in comparison to aMSC, and the percentage of fMSC undergoing senescence was significantly lower than aMSC. Furthermore, fMSC that were induced into osteoblasts deposited more calcium salts, and hence stained more positive for Alizarin red S relative to aMSC. Finally, both cell sources were positive for the MSC markers CD90 and CD73 and negative for the non-MSC markers CD45, CD31 and HLA class II. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate that fMSC possess a greater proliferative and osteogenic differentiation capacity compared to aMSC. Altogether, fMSC may be a more robust cell source compared to aMSC as a therapy for diseases, including those that require bone repair.