Increased Angiogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation Potentials in Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells from Thigh Subcutaneous Adipose Depots Compared with Cells from the Abdomen

Abstract

Background

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) may play a pivotal role by differentiating into multilineage cells or by secreting growth factors or cytokines in cell-assisted lipotransfer, which participates in adipose tissue regeneration. The angiogenic potential of various ADSCs from different anatomical regions remains uncertain.

Objectives

The authors sought to offer appropriate choices of sources of adipose-derived stromal cells for cell-assisted lipotransfer and tissue engineering.

Methods

ADSCs were harvested from subcutaneous adipose depots in the abdomen and thighs. The expression of adipocyte-specific markers was evaluated, and Oil Red O staining was performed to assess the capacity for adipogenic differentiation. Angiogenic differentiation potential was evaluated by detecting the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor 2, and CD31. A tube formation assay was also performed to analyze the angiogenic differentiation capacity.

Results

ADSCs from the thigh showed more significant angiogenic and adipogenic potential. More lipogenesis was identified in ADSCs from the thigh, and this was accompanied by the enhancement of adipocyte markers. Angiogenesis was more vigorous in the thigh-derived stromal cells, and ADSCs from the thigh depot showed more junctions and longer tubule formation on Matrigel in vitro.

Conclusions

Thigh-derived ADSCs exhibited greater capacity for adipogenic and angiogenic differentiation and would be a better option for cell-assisted lipotransfer and tissue engineering.