In the presence of TGF-β1, Asperosaponin VI promotes human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into nucleus pulposus like- cells

Abstract

Background The regeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells is an effective method to prevent intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). In this study, we investigated the role of Asperosaponin VI (ASA VI), isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the root of Dipsacus asper Wall, in promoting human mesenchymal stem cell (HMSC) proliferation and differentiation into NP-like cells and explored the possible mechanism of action. Methods The effects of ASA VI on HMSC viability and proliferation were determined by the XTT method and EDU staining. Then, Real-time qPCR, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were used to measure the effect of ASA VI on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as COL2A1, aggrecan, SOX9, KRT19, PAX1, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), in NP cells. In addition, Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-smad2/3. Results ASA VI was able to promote the proliferation and differentiation of HMSCs into NP-like cells, and the optimum concentration was 1 mg/L. Western blot assay indicated that the possible mechanism might be related to the activation of p-ERK1 / 2 and p-Smad2 / 3. Conclusions ASA VI can promote the proliferation and differentiation of HMSCs into NP-like cells, which can potentially be used as a treatment for IVDD.

A Review: Methodologies to Promote the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Regeneration of Intervertebral Disc Cells Following Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

“…The ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 signaling pathways regulate the differentiation of NPMSCs into NP-like cells [74], and ASA VI modulates these pathways [142]. Hence, ASA VI was assessed for its effects on human MSCs, and it was confirmed that MSCs differentiate into NP-like cells [141].…”

“…Asperosaponin VI (ASA VI) is an herbal Chinese traditional medicine with a long history of safe use in strengthening tendons and bones [141]. The ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 signaling pathways regulate the differentiation of NPMSCs into NP-like cells [74], and ASA VI modulates these pathways [142].…”

Recent Advances in Monitoring Stem Cell Status and Differentiation Using Nano-Biosensing Technologies

“…Antibodies suitable for such proteins are usually used for fluorescence imaging [ 99 ]. Table 1 summarizes the studies that have monitored the differentiation process of stem cells over the past three years using immunocytochemistry [ 95 , 98 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 ]. ICC is a non-destructive method, different from Western blot.…”

Akebia saponin D protects hippocampal neurogenesis from microglia-mediated inflammation and ameliorates depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice through the PI3K-Akt pathway

“…Researchers have found that akebia saponin D (ASD), a triterpenoid saponin extracted from Dipsacus asper Wall, a traditional Chinese medicine, induces the proliferation and differentiation of various types of stem cells as well as angiogenesis under inflammatory conditions ( Ding et al, 2019 ; Gu et al, 2020 ; Niu et al, 2021 ; Chen et al, 2022 ). Several studies have shown that ASD can cross the blood-brain barrier to improve AD pathology and Aβ-induced cognitive deficits, as well as inflammation-induced depression ( Yu et al, 2012 ; Wang et al, 2018 ; Zhang et al, 2020c ; Stepnik, 2021 ).…”