Growth factors contained in platelets enhance proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) contained in the bone marrow provide an invaluable source for for bone reconstruction. Major limitations in their use are: the relative low number of MSC in the marrow cell population and the small volume of bone marrow available. There are emerging data demonstrating clinical applications of ex-vivo expanded cells, whose expansion is supported by several growth factors. We investigated whether growth factors (GFs) released by platelets stimulated MSC proliferation. MTT assays showed that the effect of GFs on MSC proliferation was dose dependent and was maximal at 10%. Also frozen GFs were able to stimulate proliferation. In conclusion we identified a method to promote ex-vivo expansion of MSC to be used in bone reconstruction.