Modified protocol for improvement of differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells into adipogenic lineage

Objectives To characterize potency of menstrual blood‐derived stem cells (MenSCs) for future cell therapies, we examined differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes. Materials and methods Differentiation potential of MenSCs in comparison to bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) was assessed in conventional culture medium. Differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes was improved using different combinations of growth factors and hormones. Results First, we demonstrated that MenSCs preserve their appearance and karyotypic stability during passages. Although these cells express mesenchymal stem cells markers, they cannot simply be classified as mesenchymal stem cells due to expression of embryonic stem cells marker, OCT‐4. Oil red O staining showed that differentiated MenSCs in conventional medium with/without retinoic acid (protocols 1 and 2) did not attain adipocyte characteristics, whereas differentiated BMSCs in conventional medium accumulated oil vacuoles typically. Nevertheless, real‐time RT‐PCR results showed that LPL gene expression was up‐regulated in both protocols 1 and 2, whereas LEPR was up‐regulated only in protocol 2 (fortified with retinoic acid). Surprisingly, protocol 3 (including rosiglitazone) had odd influence on mRNA expression of all genes (LEPR, LPL and PPAR‐γ). Oil red O staining confirmed fat‐producing ability of MenSCs under protocol 3. Conclusions Presented data suggest an efficient differentiation protocol for in vitro production of MenSC‐derived adipocytes. These cells are suggested to be an apt alternative to BMSCs for future stem cell therapy of soft tissue injuries.