Comparison of the paracrine activity of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord, amniotic membrane and adipose tissue

Abstract Aim The study was conducted to investigate secretory activity and define the paracrine potential of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord and amniotic membrane (UC‐MSCs and AM‐MSCs, respectively). Methods UC‐MSCs ( n = 6) were obtained from tissue explants using an adherent method after two weeks of incubation. AM‐MSCs ( n = 6) were obtained by digestion with tripsin and collagenase. MSC phenotype was confirmed in vitro by performing flow cytometry, differentiation assays and vimentin staining. Supernatants were collected after 48 h culturing in serum‐free conditions and the following concentrations were determined: epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), vascular endothelial growth factor‐α (VEGF‐α) and metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, 8 and 13, using multiplex supernatant cytokine assay. Data were compared with adipose tissue derived MSCs (AD‐MSCs, n = 6). Results Both UC‐MSC and AM‐MSC populations were positively identified as MSCs by flow cytometry and differentiation potential into bone, cartilage and adipose tissue. Using a multiple cytokine detection assay, we proved that both UC‐MSCs and AM‐MSCs show high secretive capacity. However, the secretion profile differed between cells from various sources. UC‐MSCs showed significantly higher production of TGF‐β and lower production of VEGF‐α, compared to AD‐MSCs ( P = 0.004) and AM‐MSCs ( P = 0.039) and lower levels of EGF ( P = 0005). AM‐MSCs showed significantly lower levels of MMP‐8 than UC‐MSCs ( P = 0.024); however, there was no difference in levels of released cytokines compared to AD‐MSCs. Conclusion AM‐MSCs show similar IL production as AD‐MSCs, while UC‐MSCs have a significantly different profile, which suggests diverse biological potential of both cell types for immunomodulative and regenerative therapy.