Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Commonality and Diversity

Abstract

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are considered to be a useful tool for regenerative medicine, owing to their capabilities in differentiation, self-renewal, and immunomodulation. These cells have become a focus in the clinical setting due to their abundance and easy isolation. However, ASCs from different depots are not well characterized. Here, we analyzed the functional similarities and differences of subcutaneous and visceral ASCs. Subcutaneous ASCs have an extraordinarily directed mode of motility and a highly dynamic focal adhesion turnover, even though they share similar surface markers, whereas visceral ASCs move in an undirected random pattern with more stable focal adhesions. Visceral ASCs have a higher potential to differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic cells when compared to subcutaneous ASCs. In line with these observations, visceral ASCs demonstrate a more active sonic hedgehog pathway that is linked to a high expression of cilia/differentiation related genes. Moreover, visceral ASCs secrete higher levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor α relative to subcutaneous ASCs. These findings highlight, that both ASC subpopulations share multiple cellular features, but significantly differ in their functions. The functional diversity of ASCs depends on their origin, cellular context and surrounding microenvironment within adipose tissues. The data provide important insight into the biology of ASCs, which might be useful in choosing the adequate ASC subpopulation for regenerative therapies.

Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) Immunomodulation Impact on Skin Tissue Repair

“…Moreover, the clinical efficacy of ADSCs remains dependent of the number of cells injected their route of administration and their location's origin as well. Visceral ADSCs secrete higher quantities of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α when compared to the subcutaneous one's [72].…”

“…The impact of microenvironment changing on ADSCs functionality, on their induction of proliferation, differentiation and migration has already been reported [32][33][34][35]72]. Reciprocally, ADSCs are reported to address this microenvironment in vitro, their conditioned media was reported to activate macrophages and to increase the secretion of TNF and IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokines stimulating thus wound healing [37,73].…”

Viability, Yield and Expansion Capability of Feline MSCs Obtained from Subcutaneous and Reproductive Organ Adipose Depots

“…The MSC characteristics can vary depending on the site of tissue harvest [16]. Reports demonstrate differences in MSC characteristics when comparing subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue surrounding female reproductive tissue obtained during Caesarean section [17,18]. Ritter et al concluded that human visceral fat associated with the reproductive organs had a higher potential to differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic cells and secreted higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, emphasizing the importance of the site of tissue harvest [17].…”

Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells

“…This Special Issue covers research articles investigating various adipose tissues as a source for ASC isolation [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], specific cultures methods to enhance proliferation or viability [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], and the differentiation capacity [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Furthermore, other studies highlight aspects of various diseases [ 13 , 14 ], the immunosuppressive potential of ASCs and their derivates [ 15 ] or the in vivo tracking of transplanted ASCs [ 16 ].…”

“…Ritter and co-workers analyzed the functional similarities and differences of ASCs isolated from different adipose depots [ 3 ]. The authors described that ASCs isolated from subcutaneous and visceral fat share multiple cellular features, but significantly differ in their functions.…”