Does cisplatin affect the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells?

Introduction Due to their multipotency, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) play an important role in wound healing. The data on possible functional restrictions of the MSC due to cisplatin in the context of chemotherapy for head and neck cancer is divergent. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of cisplatin on MSC with regard to their functionality.

Materials and methods MSC were cultured with cisplatin. Then, the characteristic surface markers and the cytotoxicity were analyzed using flow cytometry and MTT assay. The evaluation of the multipotency was carried out molecularly with the help of real-time PCR, and histologically with the help of Von Kossa, Oil-Red-O and Alcian blue stainings. In addition, a migration analysis was carried out using the scratch assay.

Results Flow cytometry revealed surface markers typical for MSC. Cisplatin induced a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in MSC. In the real-time PCR a reduced formation of leptin, but increased SOX9 expression was detected after cisplatin exposure. The histology showed no difference with regard to osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation at doses up to 10 mM cisplatin. Cell migration was not restricted under cisplatin.

Discussion MSC differentiation at the gene expression level seems to be impaired by cisplatin, although this effect is not histologically visible even at high doses. Cisplatin seems to have an inhibiting effect on adipogenic and an enhancing effect on osteogenic differentiation. Overall, however, a great stability of MSC towards cisplatin is confirmed.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022