Human platelet lysate (hPL) is a key component in cell culture media, rich in factors that influence cell viability, migration, and secretory potential. It has replaced animal-derived serum like fetal bovine serum (FBS) due to safety concerns, such as the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Studies have also highlighted hPL’s impact on MSC morphology and mesodermal differentiation potential. hPL supports WJ-MSC expansion while preserving their therapeutic properties, promoting immune regulation, cell engraftment, and migration. Unlike FBS or horse serum, hPL stimulates pro-angiogenic, pro-survival, and immunomodulatory factors (VEGF-A, HGF, IL-6, GRO-alpha), crucial for angiogenesis and M2 macrophage formation.
The researches explored the impact of human platelet lysate (hPL) concentration on Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) by analyzing four key aspects. First, they characterized WJ-MSCs cultured in 3% and 10% hPL, assessing their morphology, mesenchymal marker expression, and differentiation potential. Next, they examined differences in proliferation and cell cycle progression, determining how hPL concentration influences growth dynamics. Additionally, they evaluated the migration rate of WJ-MSCs, comparing their motility under different hPL conditions. Finally, analyzed the soluble secretome, identifying variations in growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines that could impact the cells’ therapeutic potential.
The researchers found WJ-MSCs cultured in both 3% and 10% hPL expressed mesenchymal markers (CD73, CD90, CD105) and differentiated into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes without morphological differences. Higher hPL concentration (10%) significantly increased colony formation (CFU-F) frequency, with 55% in early passages and 45% in late passages, compared to 32.5% in 3% hPL, indicating enhanced clonogenic potential with higher hPL levels. The researcher also found that the secretion of some factors depended on the concentration of hPL (HGF, BDNF, CCL2/JE/MCP-1), while for others (VEGF, NGF), no effect was observed.
In the study, 10% hPL optimally enhances WJ-MSC viability, proliferation, and growth factor secretion, making it ideal for therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine.
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