Functional properties of equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells cultured with equine platelet lysate.
Authors: Hagen Alina, Niebert Sabine, Brandt Vivian-Pascal, Holland Heidrun, Melzer Michaela, Wehrend Axel, Burk Janina
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Growing clinical interest in mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapies for equine orthopaedic and soft-tissue injuries has created a pressing need for reliable, scalable culture protocols that produce cells with consistent therapeutic properties. This study evaluated whether equine platelet lysate (ePL)—a serum-free alternative derived from buffy-coat platelets—could match or exceed fetal bovine serum (FBS) for culturing adipose-derived MSCs across three key parameters: cell fitness, genetic stability, and pro-angiogenic capacity. Across five horses, cells cultured in 10% ePL showed superior chromosomal stability (only 4.8% non-clonal aberrations versus 8% in FBS), zero clonal aberrations, and enhanced angiogenic signalling: VEGF-A secretion increased significantly in the ePL groups, particularly when MSCs were co-cultured with endothelial cells, and these cells demonstrated superior VEGF receptor-2 expression. Notably, the 10% ePL-cultured MSCs promoted vessel-like structure formation in co-culture, indicating functionally viable pro-angiogenic capacity. For practitioners selecting MSC-based treatments or evaluating laboratory protocols, these findings support ePL as the superior culture medium—offering improved genetic stability, enhanced growth factor production, and better preservation of the angiogenic properties that underpin healing in vascularly-compromised tissues such as tendons and ligaments.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Equine platelet lysate is a viable serum-free alternative to FBS for culturing equine MSCs at scale, with superior genetic stability and pro-angiogenic properties relevant to regenerative medicine applications
- •10% ePL concentration appears optimal for maintaining MSC quality and function; this standardized protocol supports clinical translation of cell-based therapies in equine practice
- •The enhanced angiogenic capacity of ePL-cultured MSCs suggests these cells may be more therapeutically effective for treating conditions requiring tissue revascularization (tendon, ligament, cartilage lesions)
Key Findings
- •Equine platelet lysate (ePL) at 10% concentration reduced chromosomal aberrations in adipose-derived MSC to 4.8% compared to 8% in FBS-cultured cells, with no clonal aberrations observed
- •AD-MSC cultured with 10% ePL showed significantly higher VEGF-A release and VEGF receptor-2 expression compared to other supplementation conditions (p < 0.05)
- •ePL-supplemented AD-MSC promoted endothelial cell growth and vessel-like structure formation in co-culture conditions
- •Lower ePL concentration (2.5%) resulted in higher apoptosis but lower senescence levels compared to 10% ePL supplementation