High Sensitivity of Human Adipose Stem Cells to Differentiate into Myofibroblasts in the Presence of C. aspersa Egg Extract

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Regeneration therapy using adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) has been proposed in the treatment of skin aging.

Myofibroblast plays a relevant role in the organization of the extracellular matrix of the damaged skin.

A natural extract was derived from the eggs of the mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa (e-CAF) that seems to play a role on skin repair.

We have investigated the potential effects of e-CAF in the differentiation of ADSC.

Materials and methods.

ADSC were cultured in the absence or presence of e-CAF (50 and 200 μg/mL) for 24 hours and 7 days.

Real-time cell assay, morphological, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR techniques were used to evaluate the cell culture and expression of αSMA, collagen I, and tropoelastin.

Results.

e-CAF induced significant reduction in the rate of growth of ADSC from 24 hours to 7 days of culture.

e-CAF also induced bigger sizes, higher levels of cytoplasmic refringence and complexity, and a more polyhedral morphological changes in the cultured ADSC.

The protein and mRNA expression of αSMA was significantly increased in e-CAF-cultured ADSC.

Conclusion.

e-CAF promotes ADSC differentiation to myofibroblasts and should be considered as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of skin aging.