Evaluation of astaxanthin effects on the survival and proliferation of human adipose derived stem cells

In order to enhance in vivo stem cell viability and considering similar anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) and astaxanthin (AST) and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, we investigated the effects of (AST) on hADSCs proliferation and viability to provide a supplement for cell based therapy in MS patients.
After isolation of hADSCs and assessment of CD markers, they were cultured in DMEM-F12 medium in the presence of AST at various concentrations (1, 5, and 10 ng/ml) for 72 h. Finally, we assessed cell proliferation and cell viability by MTT and Tryphan Blue methods.
The results revealed that a high percentage of hADSCs expressed CD90 and CD44 markers and a low percentage of them expressed hematopoietic cell markers. In addition, in the group cultured in the presence of 5 ng/ml AST the mean percentage of cell viability increased significantly compared to other groups (p = 0.04). Tryphan Blue results also revealed significant effect of AST on stem cell proliferation and culture of these cells in the presence of 5 ng/ml of AST, led to significant increase in the mean percentage of cell count compared to the results of the control group (p = 0.03).
Astaxanthin can increase hADSCs proliferation and survival and this agent can be used in the cell-based therapies in MS patients.