In vitro mutual interaction between tenocytes and adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Abstract

Background aims: Tendon is a complex tissue with a reduced regenerative ability. Nowadays, little or nothing is known about the regenerative effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) on tendons.

Methods: The study aimed to evaluate the in vitro mutual interaction of ADSCs and tenocytes in standard culture conditions and a microwound healing model. Tenocyte viability, microwound recovery and the expression of genes encoding for the main extracellular matrix components and ADSC viability, differentiation and growth factor gene expression were evaluated.

Results: The effects of ADSCs on tenocytes were observed more in the microwound healing model, in which the rate of microwound healing and the expression of decorin, tenascin and collagens were significantly increased. The influence of tenocytes on ADSCs was also found in standard culture conditions: ADSCs were directed toward a tenogenic lineage, and growth factor expression increased.

Conclusions: This study clarifies some aspects of the mutual interaction of ADSCs and tenocytes and provides in vitro evidence for a possible future application of ADSCs as a therapeutic strategy for tendon repair.

Keywords: adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells; gene expression; mutual interaction; tendon healing; tenocytes.