Abstract: Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder associated with insulin dysregulation, oxidative stress, and impaired regenerative capacity of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of orientin-a plant-derived flavonoid with known antioxidant properties-on equine ASCs (EqASCs) derived from both clinically healthy and diagnosed EMS-affected mares. EqASCs were treated with orientin to evaluate its biological effects. The analysis included key cellular functions such as proliferative capacity, viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, senescence, clonogenicity, and migration. Orientin significantly enhanced the proliferative activity of EqASCs, as evidenced by increased Ki67 expression and favorable alterations in cell cycle distribution. In addition, the treatment improved overall cell viability, reduced apoptotic activity, and restored both the clonogenic potential and migratory capacity of the cells, with particularly pronounced effects observed in EqASCs isolated from EMS-affected horses. Importantly, orientin also led to a marked reduction in cellular senescence and oxidative stress, further suggesting its potential as a protective and regenerative agent in metabolically impaired ASCs. These findings indicate that orientin can exert comprehensive cytoprotective effects on EqASCs, with pronounced benefits in cells derived from EMS-affected animals. By improving multiple functional parameters, orientin emerges as a promising candidate for therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring the regenerative potential of ASCs compromised by metabolic dysregulation in horses.
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Department of Experimental Biology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland.
Kępska, Martyna
Department of Experimental Biology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland.
Zyzak, Magdalena
Department of Experimental Biology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland.
MeSH Terms
Animals
Horses
Oxidative Stress / drug effects
Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism
Metabolic Syndrome / veterinary
Metabolic Syndrome / drug therapy
Metabolic Syndrome / pathology
Flavonoids / pharmacology
Cellular Senescence / drug effects
Adipose Tissue / cytology
Adipose Tissue / metabolism
Glucosides / pharmacology
Cell Survival / drug effects
Cell Proliferation / drug effects
Female
Apoptosis / drug effects
Horse Diseases / metabolism
Horse Diseases / drug therapy
Horse Diseases / pathology
Stromal Cells / drug effects
Stromal Cells / metabolism
Cell Movement / drug effects
Cells, Cultured
Grant Funding
N010/0011/24 / Wrocu0142aw University of Environmental and Life Sciences
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