Discussion: Extracellular Vesicles from Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for the Improvement of Angiogenesis and Fat-Grafting Application

Preparing Adipogenic Hydrogel with Neo-Mechanical Isolated Adipose-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Adipose Tissue Engineering

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous transplantation of decellularized adipose tissue was capable of recellularization during soft tissue repair. However, further improvements are required to promote angiogenesis and adipogenesis. Here, the authors proposed a neo-mechanical protocol to isolate adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles (ATEVs) through lipoaspirate as a mediator for both angiogenesis and adipogenesis, and prepared ATEV-rich decellularized adipose tissue hydrogel for adipose tissue engineering.

METHODS

Adipose liquid extract and lipid-devoid adipose tissue were extracted through homogenization and repeated freeze and thaw cycles. ATEVs were isolated from adipose liquid extract by ultracentrifugation. Decellularized adipose tissue hydrogel was prepared by optimized decellularization of lipid-devoid adipose tissue. The optimum dose of ATEVs for angiogenesis and adipogenesis was estimated by co-culturing with vascular endothelial cells and 3T3-L1 cells, then mixed with the hydrogel. ATEV-enriched hydrogel was injected subcutaneously into the back of severe combined immunodeficiency mice, and then subjected to supplementary injection of ATEVs on postoperative day 14. ATEV-free decellularized adipose tissue hydrogel was injected as control. The newly formed tissue samples were harvested at postoperative weeks 2, 4, and 8 and subjected to volume measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunofluorescence (CD31 and perilipin) staining.

RESULTS

The optimum dose of ATEVs for promoting angiogenesis and adipogenesis was 50 μg/ml. The newly formed tissue mediated by ATEV-enriched hydrogel had increased volume well as improved angiogenesis and adipogenesis at postoperative week 4 and 8.

CONCLUSION

ATEV-enriched adipogenic hydrogel promotes enhanced angiogenesis and adipogenesis and could serve as a promising biomaterial for adipose tissue engineering.

Bone tissue engineering using adipose-derived stem cells and endothelial cells: Effects of the cell ratio

The microvascular endothelial network is essential for bone formation and regeneration. In this context, endothelial cells not only support vascularization but also influence bone physiology via cell contact-dependent mechanisms. In order to improve vascularization and osteogenesis in tissue engineering applications, several strategies have been developed. One promising approach is the coapplication of endothelial and adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs). In this study, we aimed at investigating the best ratio of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and osteogenic differentiated ADSCs with regard to proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenesis and angiogenesis. For this purpose, cocultures of ADSCs and HUVECs with ratios of 25%:75%, 50%:50% and 75%:25% were performed. We were able to prove that cocultivation supports proliferation whereas apoptosis was unidirectional decreased in cocultured HUVECs mediated by a p-BAD-dependent mechanism. Moreover, coculturing ADSCs and HUVECs stimulated matrix mineralization and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Increased gene expression of the proangiogenic markers eNOS, Flt, Ang2 and MMP3 as well as sprouting phenomena in matrigel assays proved the angiogenic potential of the coculture. In summary, coculturing ADSCs and HUVECs stimulates proliferation, cell survival, osteogenesis and angiogenesis particularly in the 50%:50% coculture.