The effect of stem cell factor on proliferation of human endometrial CD146(+) cells

BACKGROUND: Stem cell factor (SCF) is a transcriptional factor which plays crucial roles in normal proliferation, differentiation and survival in a range of stem cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the proliferation effect of different concentrations of SCF on expansion of human endometrial CD146(+) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, total populations of isolated human endometrial suspensions after fourth passage were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) into CD146(+) cells. Human endometrial CD146(+) cells were karyotyped and tested for the effect of SCF on proliferation of CD146(+) cells, then different concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml was carried out and mitogens-stimulated endometrial CD146(+) cells proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. RESULTS: Chromosomal analysis showed a normal metaphase spread and 46XX karyotype. The proliferation rate of endometrial CD146(+) cells in the presence of 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml SCF were 0.945±0.094, 0.962±0.151, 0.988±0.028, 1.679±0.012 and 1.129±0.145 respectively. There was a significant increase in stem/ stromal cell proliferation following in vitro treatment by 50 ng/ml than other concentrations of SCF (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that SCF could have effect on the proliferation and cell survival of human endometrial CD146(+) cells and it has important implications for medical sciences and cell therapies.