Effect of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 growth factors on chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells in alginate scaffold

Cartilage damages and disease such as osteoarthritis are rather worldwide problem of many people. Current treatment methods for cartilage tissue injuries lead to formation of fibrous tissue, apoptosis, and further cartilage degeneration. Therefore engineering of cartilage tissue with adult stem cells is considered necessary. The aim of this study revolution of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 on ADSCs chondrogenic induction in alginate scaffold. Stem cells were isolated from adipose tissue and digested with collagenase typeIA. The isolated cells were treated with chondrogenic medium supplemented with TGF-β3 and BMP-6 on alginate scaffold then harvested after 3 weeks. Histological staining was used for evaluation the presence of proteoglycan with Alcian blue. Immunohistochemical method was performed for assessment of cartilage–specific type II collagen and aggrecan. Also in order to confirm our results, we managed RT-PCR technique. Our results revealed that chondrogenesis of ADSCs on alginate scaffold induced by TGF-β3 and BMP-6growth factors. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were shown deposition of typical cartilage extracellular matrix components such as type II collagen and aggrecan in constructs. RT-PCR analysis of cartilage matrix genes, also confirmed the induction of the chondrocytic phenotype upon stimulation with TGF-β3 and BMP-6. It can be concluded that TGF-β3 and BMP-6 promote chondrogenesis of ADSC in 3-D and both growth factors effected better than each only.