Characterization and comparison of mesenchymal stem cells derived from rat perirenal and periovarian adipose tissue

Purpose: In rats, adipose tissue with white unilocular features is found in the perigonadal region. Adipose tissue contains adipocytes, adipocyte progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, and immune cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent stem cells and have been isolated from many tissues, including adipose tissue and connective tissue. Our aim in this study is to isolate mesenchymal stem cells from perirenal adipose tissue and periovarian adipose tissue and compare their features with each other. Materials and methods: Adipose tissues around the ovaries and kidneys of two 6-week-old Wistar Albino rats were used. Adipose tissue was cut into small pieces, and explant cell culture was established. Flow cytometry analysis was performed at the third passage (P3) for the characterization of isolated and produced mesenchymal stem cells. CD29, CD54, CD90, CD45, and MHC Class II were used as stem cell markers. mRNA expression changes of CDK6, Cyclin-D1, p21, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis were examined in cell groups. Results: Adherent cells that proliferated in explant cell culture were isolated and multiplied. In the flow cytometry analysis, it was observed that the cells expressed CD29, CD54, and CD90 markers, but did not express the cell surface antigens CD45 and MHC Class II. In the analyses performed with perirenal adipose tissue and periovarian adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, no statistically significant difference was found in the expression of genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Conclusion: The use of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells from different regions, which have similar molecular properties to periovarian adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, in ovarian failures may result in better development of follicles and the acquisition of quality oocytes.