Background: Synovial membrane represents a worthy source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Synovial membrane derived stem cells has been described as encouraging line of treatment for musculoskeletal degenratative disorders compared to other sources MSCs. Having higher chondrogenic capacity and being easy to collect without injury of adjacent tissue as well as its proximity to the articular cartilage make it good choice for treatment of such disorders.
Aim of work: The present study aimed to isolate and characterize (MSCs) derived from synovial membrane and to examine its myogenic differentiation potential.
Materials and Methods: four adult mice were used to isolate synovial membrane MSCs using digestion method, after which, 5 –azacytidine (AZA) was used to induce the myogenic differentiation. Stemmness and differentiation characteristics were evaluated by immunocytochemistry (ICC), fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and real time PCR.
Results: Strong positive expression of CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105 and negative expression of CD34 and CD45 were reported for MSCs using ICC. Also, FACS analysis showed 92%,86%, 93% and 90% for CD29,CD44,CD90 and CD105 expressing cells respectively. On the other hand AZA treated cells showed strong desmin and myogen expression (80%).
Conclusion: Synovial mesenchymal MSCs could be expanded in vitro and differentiated towards myogenic linage which is promising treatment strategies in musculoskeletal diseases.