Evaluation of Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. Gongylodes) extract effect on mesenchymal stem cell viability and apoptosis

Cell viability and apoptosis are two crucial factors that may determine cell fate. There are several factors, such as hypoxia, which may be effective in cell processes. Because of its unique features, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis mechanisms, kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) extract may be used in the amelioration of cell viability and a decrease in cell apoptosis. In this study, we evaluate the effect of kohlrabi extract on the viability and apoptosis of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs).

In this study, extract from kohlrabi and mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue were isolated in a laboratory under sterile conditions. Expression of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) surface markers, including CD44, CD90, and CD105 was evaluated by flow cytometry method. Besides, CD34 was used as a negative marker. MTT assay was carried out to determine the cell viability. Evaluation of BCL2 and BAX expression levels was performed by real-time PCR.

MSC surface markers were verified by flow cytometry. The obtained results demonstrated a significant difference between the cell viability of the kohlrabi-extract treated and control group over time (P=0.03). In addition, the real-time PCR analysis showed that expression levels of BCL2 significantly increased in hypoxic condition after treatment with leaf extract (P=0.019). However, there was no significant expression change in the BAX gene.

Our study illustrates that kohlrabi extract may have positive effects on cell survival while having inhibitory effects on apoptosis.