The Evaluation of Astaxanthin Effects on Differentiation of Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells into Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been explained as an autoimmune mediated disorder in central nerve system. Since conventional therapies for MS are not able to stop or reverse the destruction of nerve tissue, stem cell-based therapy has been proposed for the treatment of MS. Astaxanthin (AST) is a red fat-soluble xanthophyll with neuroprotection activity. The aim of this study was evaluation of pre-inducer function of AST on differentiation of human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (hADSCs) into oligodendrocyte precursor cells. METHODS: After stem cell isolation, culture and characterization by flow cytometry, hanging drop technique was done for embryoid body formation. In the following, hADSCs were differentiated into oligodendrocyte cells in the presence of AST at various concentrations (1, 5, and 10 ng/ml). Finally, immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR techniques were used for assessment of oligodendrocyte differentiation. RESULTS: Flow cytometry results indicated that hADSCs were CD44, CD49-positive, but were negative for CD14, CD45 markers. In addition, immunocytochemistry results revealed that, in AST treated groups, the mean percentage of Olig 2 and A2B5 positive cells increased especially in 5 ng/ml AST treated group compared to control group (p<0.001). Moreover, real-time PCR analysis confirmed the results of immunocytochemistry. CONCLUSION: Since hADSCs have the potential to differentiate into multi lineage cells and due to important functions of AST in regulating various cellular processes, it seems that AST can be used as a promoter for oligodendrocyte differentiation of hADSCs for being used in cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis.