Influence of alpha-lipoic acid on survival and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contribute to tissue repair in vivo and form an attractive cell source for tissue engineering. The regenerative potential of MSCs is impaired by oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is well-known for its antioxidant properties. The Ki-67 antigen is expressed during all phases of cell cycle (G1, S, G2 and M phase) except for G0 phase and is commonly used as a proliferation marker. Herein, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of ALA on rat MSCs survival and proliferative potential in vitro.
Isolated rat bone marrow and derived mesenchymal stem cells were synchronized by serum starvation for 24h and the addition of hydroxyurea (2µM). Afterwards, the cells were cultured in the presence of ALA (1µM) for 48h. An MTT assay was used to investigate cell survival and proliferation. The expression of Ki-67, a proliferation marker, was also evaluated.
The MMT assay showed a statistically significant increase in proliferation of MSCs in ALA-treated groups for 48 hours. Immunoctytochemistry of Ki-67 revealed significant differences between ALA- treated and Control groups.
In conclusion, ALA is effective in increasing the survival and cell proliferation of isolated rat bone marrow and derived mesenchymal stem cells.