The effect of powder made of quality elk velvet antlers on the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adult bone marrow

Abstract

Background Human body tissues, including bones, have the ability to repair, remodel, and even regenerate after injury, illness, or wear and tear. Important participants in this process are the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can undergo proliferation and differentiation to different lineages including osteoblasts. The ability to influence this process can be used to control the rate and direct the bony healing process. Purpose In this study, we examine a natural powder made of quality elk velvet antlers (QEVA) for its bioactivity effect over MSCs. Methods Human bone marrow was taken and purified until MSCs were retrieved. These cells were grown in cultures and served as responders to examine the QEVA agent. QEVA extract in different concentrations was added along with defined cell culture medium (DCCM) and compared to fetal calf serum (FCS) or DCCM alone. An XTT Reagent kit served to evaluate cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining to asses cell differentiation to osteoblasts and immunohistochemical staining for specific markers. ResultsAdding QEVA extract was shown to have an encouraging effect on cell growth rate compared to DCCM alone or DCCM together with 1% FCS. Combined with serum and DCCM, it also had a superior effect over serum and DCCM alone. AP staining showed QEVA extract addition to encourage differentiation to the osteogenic lineage; however, it was not superior to serum supplement. Immunohistochemical dyes were positive for osteopontin, signifying mature osteoblasts. Conclusions QEVA powder extract was shown to induce propagation and osteogenic differentiation in human MSC cultures. Further studies are needed to pinpoint the exact agent responsible for these bioactivities.