A Hypoxic Environment Modulates Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function and the Exerted Effects on Macrophages

摘要

This study analyzed the influence of a hypoxic environment on MSC function and the resulting influence of MSCs on macrophages. MSCs undergo a stress response accompanied by increases in cell proliferation, phenotypic changes, and changes in secretion of soluble factors. In addition, hypoxic conditioning of MSCs influences macrophages and could modulate the cells and promote a more conducive environment for wound healing. Future work will involve analyzing the hypoxic environment of stem cells cultured in 3D PEGylated fibrin gels and the resulting effects on macrophages. The results of the current study will be used in combination with an in vivo ischemia model and will help to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the enhanced angiogenic effect of MSCs seeded within PEGylated fibrin gels and delivered into a hypoxic environment.