Effects of DMSO on the Pluripotency of Cultured Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells (mESCs)

Abstract

DMSO is a commonly used solvent in biological studies, as it is an amphipathic molecule soluble in both aqueous and organic media. For that reason, it is the vehicle of choice for several water-insoluble substances used in research. At the molecular and cellular level, DMSO is a hydrogen-bound disrupter, an intercellular electrical uncoupler, and a cryoprotectant, among other properties. Importantly, DMSO often has overlooked side effects. In stem cell research, the literature is scarce, but there are reports on the effect of DMSO in human embryoid body differentiation and on human pluripotent stem cell priming towards differentiation, via modulation of cell cycle. However, in mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) culture, there is almost no available information. Taking into consideration the almost ubiquitous use of DMSO in experiments involving mESCs, we aimed to understand the effect of very low doses of DMSO (0.0001%-0.2%), usually used to introduce pharmacological inhibitors/modulators, in mESCs cultured in two different media (2i and FBS-based media). Our results show that in the E14Tg2a mESC line used in this study, even the smallest concentration of DMSO had minor effects on the total number of cells in serum-cultured mESCs. However, these effects could not be explained by alterations in cell cycle or apoptosis. Furthermore, DMSO did not affect pluripotency or differentiation potential. All things considered, and although control experiments should be carried out in each cell line that is used, it is reasonable to conclude that DMSO at the concentrations used here has a minimal effect on this particular mESC line.

In Vitro Characterization of Reversine-Treated Gingival Fibroblasts and Their Safety Evaluation after In Vivo Transplantation

“…The proteins octamer-binding transcription factors 3 and 4 (Oct-3/4) and NANOG homeobox (NANOG) were evaluated using Western blot. mESCs (cell line E14Tg2a) cultured in 2i medium were used as the positive control [ 62 ]. The protocol was performed as previously described in [ 57 ].…”

Antimicrobial and Preservative Activity of <em>Plectranthus amboinicus</em> (Lour.) Spreng, <em>Bacopa monnieri</em> (L.) Wettst,<em> Flueggea leucopyrus</em> Willd., and <em>Cymbopogon citratus</em> (DC.) Stapf Plant Extracts against Some Common Milk Pathogens and Their Biocompatibili

“…Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a frequently employed solvent due to its capacity to dissolve a diverse array of compounds. Nevertheless, it is essential to take into account the potential toxicity of DMSO itself, especially at higher concentrations [30]. In the case of 10% DMSO, it is generally considered a relatively high concentration for use in the brine shrimp lethality assay.…”

Application of Electrospinning in Antibacterial Field

“…Although there are various advantages and many biocompatibility experiments have been performed, only a few clinical trials have been reported in the literature, and regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA have not approved any devices [ 227 ]. The reason may be that the toxic solvents used in the electrospinning process probably have a small number of residues and release together with the drugs.…”