Mesenchymal stem cells apoptosis

Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from murine bone marrow were applied in a study designed to evaluate the molecular toxicity of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Remya et al., 2014). Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (50 nm) were used to study the cytotoxicity, nanoparticle uptake, effect on cytoskeletal arrangement, oxidative stress response and apoptotic behaviour with the confluent cells as per standard protocols. The results of the MTT assay indicated that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles do not induce cytotoxicity up to 800 pg ml-1. It was also observed that apoptosis related to oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production following nanoparticle treatment was comparable to that of the control (cells without treatment). Hence, it can be concluded that mesenchymal stem cell in vitro cultures can be used as a model to evaluate the potential toxicity of nanomaterials. 

Sphingosine-l-phosphate (SIP), for instance, a key member of the sphingoHpids, is pivotal in the induction of numerous cellular processes. SIP is involved in the survival, proliferation, and regulation of apoptosis in human embryonic stem cells [71]. Additionally, SIP maintains growth and multipotency of human bone marrow and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) [72]. A recent study involving culturing human umbilical cord MSC with cardiomyocytes-conditioned medium supplemented with SIP showed that SIP is able to trigger and potentiate differentiation and maturation of human umbilical cord MSC into cardiomyocytes. 

Kim, H. J., Lee, J. H., and Kim, S. H. 2010a. Therapeutic effects of human mesenchymal stem cells on traumatic brain injury in rats Secretion of neurotrophic factors and inhibition of apoptosis. J Neurotrauma, 27 131-8. 

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