gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Tissue engineering with adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASC) can be used for the generation of transplants in reconstructive surgery. The labeling of ASC with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles allows tracking of the cells over large periods of time by the means of MRI. The aims of the investigation were the evaluation of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects as well as influences on differentiation, proliferation and vitality of ASC by VSOP.

Methods: After isolation of ASC from human liposuction material of 8 patients and the subsequent proliferation of the cells up to the passages 2 to 4, ASC were labeled with 4 different VSOP concentrations (1,5 µM to 1,5 mM). The influence of labeling on chondrogenic, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was examined histologically, biochemically and by measures of biology. Proliferation, migration, and cell vitality of the cells were analyzed. To evaluate the genotoxicity of VSOP the comet assay and chromosomal aberration test were used.

Results: Labeling with VSOP had no effect on the multi-differentiation potential of ASC. DNA fragmentation and chromosomal aberrations were mainly detected at the highest concentration and decreased at lower concentrations. Vitality and proliferation were not altered by the VSOP labeling.

Conclusions: The in vitro differentiation into various cell types of human ASC labeled with VSOP could be achieved. It was possible to determine a suitable VSOP concentration with minimal cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on ASC within the detection limit of MRI. Long-term studies on the behavior of iron labeled cells in in vivo models are suggested before its application in humans.