Comparison of cartilage specific gene expression between condrcoyets treated with adipose derived stem cells supernatant and chondrocytes co-cultured with stem cells

Background: It has been accepted that different effects of stem cells can be contributed to their paracrine secretions into the supernatant. Accordingly, the goal of this study is to evaluate the probable effects of adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) supernatant on chondrocyte gene expression and to compare it with co-culture condition of chondrocyte and ASCs.

Methods: To evaluate the supernatant effects, chondrocyte at the second passage were treated with ASCs-supernatant for 72 hr. Co-culture of cells were performed by seeding the same number of chondrocytes and ASCs in culture flasks for 72 hr too. After this period, cells in both groups were prepared for evaluation of cartilage specific genes expression using Real time RT-PCR technique. Data were analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA and Tukey's post-test.

Results: Treatment of chondrocytes with ASCs supernatant resulted in significant increase in the expression of Collagen II and Sox-9, but that of the aggrecan and COMP did not change significantly ‏.

Conclusion: ASCs supernatant can be a beneficial medium compared to the stem cells itself and can be introduced as a candidate for promotion of cartilage lesions healing.