Examining the Effects of In Vitro Co-Culture of Equine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Tendon Proper and Peritenon Cells.

The research examined how co-culturing horse’s mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extracted from fat tissue with the cells of the tendon proper and peritenon affected the gene expression, cellular metabolism, and proliferation, as part of improving the treatment for tendinopathies, a common injury in horses that often result in career-ending conditions.

Research Methodology

• The researchers conducted an experiment where they co-cultured equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with the cells from within the tendon (referred to as “tendon proper” cells) and from the external sheath that surrounds tendons (called “peritenon” cells).
• Expressions of certain genes associated with tendon development, vascular development, and cell differentiation were examined at intervals of 48 and 120 hours.
• The team also monitored the metabolic activity related to cell proliferation every 24 hours in both the tendon proper and peritenon cells when they were co-cultured with the MSCs.

Findings and Interpretations

• Mesenchymal stem cells co-cultured with cells from either the tendon proper or peritenon altered their gene expression profiles. Showing a trend towards adopting a tenogenic phenotype, required for tendon development and repair, except for a decrease in the expression of type 1 collagen.
• For peritenon cells that were co-cultured with MSCs, there was a trending and significant decrease in biglycan and CSPG4 at 48 and 120 hours respectively. Whereas, there were significant increases in lysyl oxidase, mohawk, and scleraxis within the first 48 hours. These variations point to the possible tenogenic stimulation of these cells by the MSCs.
• Similar tenogenic stimulation was observed in tendon proper cells co-cultured with MSCs, noted by the increase in the expression of lysyl oxidase and scleraxis.
• Another positive finding was the overall enhancement in cell proliferation for tendon proper cells when they were co-cultured with MSCs, which could accelerate tendon repair.

Implications and Conclusion

• The findings from this co-culture study suggest that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells could effectively stimulate tendon repair by encouraging tenogenesis in peritenon and tendon proper cells.
• This provides promising insights for using adipose-derived MSCs in cell-based treatments for horses plagued with tendinopathies, possibly improving their recuperation prospects and extending their active life in the profession.