The isolating ratio of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells remains the same among infants, adults and the elderly. But angiogenic factors are more highly expressed in infant stem cells than other age groups, say researchers Wei Wu, DDS, PhD, et al, of the Yale University School of Medicine. For the study, “The Effects of Age on Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells” (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, January 2013), adipose cells were harvested from subjects in three age groups--infant, adult and elderly. The researchers examined cell morphology using microscopy and cell surface markers were investigated using flow cytometry. Telomere length was measured using polymerase chain reaction, and expression of pertinent angiogenic and osteogenic growth factors was compared.
The study reports that the same isolating ratio of mesenchymal stem cells was derived from each donor, across all age groups. The infant cells showed increase telomere length compared to the adult and elderly cells. They also exhibited enhanced angiogenic and osteogenic capabilities, as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. All age groups exhibited similar osteogenic paracrine activity. Based on these results, the authors conclude that clinical applicability of adipose-derived stem cells is conserved during the adult to elderly period.
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