Basic fibroblast growth factor enhances proliferation and hepatocyte growth factor expression of feline mesenchymal stem cells

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation and secretion activity of feline adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). METHODS: Feline MSC isolated from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of cats were cultured with or without bFGF. RESULTS: The bFGF addition enhanced the proliferation of feline MSC to a significant great extent compared with that without bFGF, although the cell proliferation tended to increase with the bFGF concentration. In addition, adipogenic and osteogenic staining assay demonstrated that the bFGF addition allowed MSC to maintain the differentiation ability even after the proliferation. Moreover, no change in the surface markers of MSC was observed between the cultures with or without bFGF. A quantitative RT-PCR assay revealed that the HGF and TSG-6 expression significantly increased by the bFGF addition. The highest mRNA expression of MMP-2 was observed for cells cultured in 1000 ng/ml bFGF concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The culture with bFGF is a promising way to enhance the proliferation, and HGF secretion ability of MSC as well as maintain their differentiation ability and immunophenotype nature.