Effect of aging on the pluripotential capacity of human CD105 + mesenchymal stem cells

Background: Whether aging modifies mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) properties is unknown. Aim: To compare the differentiation capacity of human CD105 + MSCs obtained from young and elderly donors. Methods and results: Cells were obtained from young ( n = 10, 24 ± 6.4 years) and elderly ( n = 9, 77 ± 8.4 years) donors. Cell senescence was assessed by telomere length assays and lipofuscin accumulation. Cell pluripotentiality was analysed by adipogenic and osteogenic induction media, and myocyte phenotype was attempted with 5‐azacytidine (5‐AZ). Immunofluorescence, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy and fluo‐4 confocal imaging were used to analyse the sarcomere, gap junctions and Ca 2+ dynamics. Cells obtained from young and elderly donors showed no significant differences in relative telomere length (40.1 ± 6.4% and 40.3 ± 3.6%, p = 0.9) and lipofuscin accumulation. Adipogenic and osteogenic potential of CD105 + MSCs was demonstrated. 5‐AZ induced increased expression of sarcomeric proteins without complete sarcomere organization. Treated cells also showed increased presence of connexin‐43 both in young and old donor‐derived cells. Intercellular communications were verified by the observation of gap junctions and passage of Ca 2+ between neighbouring cells. Spontaneous Ca 2+ raises did not significantly increase after 5‐AZ treatment in both age groups. Conclusion: Age does not influence the adipogenic and myogenic differentiation potential of human CD105 + MSCs.