Evaluation of the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacities of equine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Objective—To evaluate the proliferative behavior, telomere length, immunophenotype, and differentiation capacity of equine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs). Animals—6 adult racing horses treated for articular Injury but otherwise healthy Procedures—AT-MSCs were Isolated from horses and expanded In Dulbecco modified Eagle medium enriched with fetal bovine serum and antimicrobials. Expression of cell surface antigens and telomere length were Investigated via flow cytometry Differentiation of MSCs Into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes was Induced In vitro by specific stimuli and was evaluated by analyzing marker genes with quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assays and immunocytochemical and cytologie evaluations. Results—Equine MSCs could be cultured up to the fifth passage before signs of senescence, apoptosis, and detachment Indicated cellular exhaustion. However, the AT-MSCs from 2 of 6 horses survived to later passages with Increased doubling rates and telomere lengths...