Paracrine effect of human Adipose-derived Stem Cells on Lymphatic Endothelial Cells

Aim The proposal of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the potential paracrine effect of human Adipose Stem Cells (hASCs) to promote lymphangiogenesis on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) isolated from rat diaphragmatic lymphatic vessels. Materials & Methods ELISA assay on VEGFA, VEGFC and IL6 in the hASC-Conditioned Medium (hASC-CM), LYVE1 immunostaining, and gene expression of Prox1, VegfR3, VegfC, VegfA and Il6, were the methods used. Results In 2-D culture, hASC-CM was able to promote LEC survival, maintenance of their endothelial cobblestone-morphology and induction to form vessel-like structure. Conclusions Our results represent an in vitro evidence of the paracrine effect of hASCs on LECs, suggesting the possible role of hASC-CM in developing new therapeutic approaches for lymphatic system-related dysfunctions such as secondary lymphedema.