Multi-Parameter Analysis of Biobanked Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Shows Little Inﬂuence for Donor Age and Mild Comorbidities on Phenotypic and Functional Properties

Frontiers in Immunology, 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/ﬁmmu.2019.02474 · Published: November 8, 2019

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether the age of the donor and associated health conditions affect the properties of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) that are used for therapies. The researchers compared cells from younger adults and older adults with some common diseases. They looked at cell characteristics like how they grow, what genes they express, and how well they perform certain functions. The study found that the age of the donor and their mild health issues didn't significantly change the cells. However, growing the cells in the lab for longer periods did affect their properties.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

23 human bone marrow donors (10 adult, 13 elderly)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
BMSCs from both adult and elderly donors met standard criteria for MSCs, exhibiting similar morphology, growth kinetics, gene expression profiles, and differentiation capacity.
2
In vitro aging, rather than in vivo donor aging, influences BMSC characteristics.
3
Cytokine stimulation revealed altered gene regulation in BMSCs from select elderly donors with multiple comorbidities.

Research Summary

The study aimed to understand the heterogeneity among BMSC specimens and whether donor-specific variability in morphological and functional parameters could be explained by donor age and comorbidities. Contrary to the hypothesis, the study found that both adult and elderly donors demonstrated similar performance in most assays, and in vitro aging predominantly affected BMSC properties. The study highlights the importance of controlling for prolonged culture expansion in preclinical and clinical studies, as in vitro aging impairs the regenerative functions of BMSCs at later passages.

Practical Implications

Cell Therapy Optimization

Minimize in vitro expansion of BMSCs to maintain optimal potency for therapeutic applications.

Donor Selection

Donor age and mild comorbidities may not be primary factors for BMSC selection, focusing instead on other quality metrics.

Further Research

Investigate alternative tissue sources with better expansion capacity while ensuring safety and efficacy.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of donors with advanced comorbidities.
2
Focus on BM-MSCs; results may not generalize to MSCs from other tissue sources.
3
Potential confounding experimental variables in BMSC characterization.

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