The role of Spirulina platensis on the proliferation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spirulina platensis micro-algae have some effects on cellular procedures. The proliferative potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) will be decreased after repetitive passage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stromal cells were isolated, and then proven by differentiating to adipogenesis and osteoblastic lineage. The cell markers such as CD90 and CD105 were detected by flowcytometry. MSCs were treated with extract of S. platensis in logarithmic concentrations. MTT and ATP assays were done to determine cell proliferation capacity. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the extract were evaluated. RESULTS: The results obtained from differentiation confirm cells' potential for osteoblastic and adipoblastic differentiation. Detection of CD90 and CD105 markers over 70% proved that the majority of cells are MSCs. Statistical analyzes revealed a significant increase in MSCs proliferation in the concentration of 0.9 μl/ml S. platensis. DPPH assay demonstrated that the extract could scavenge free radicals up to 57%. Additionally, the extract showed the inhibition zone up to 11 mm against a different strain of bacteria by agar well diffusion assay. CONCLUSION: Secreting nutritional elements, S. platensis extract can be used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and growth agent for enhancing the proliferation of MSCs. Furthermore, the optimum concentration for cell treatment with S. platensis's extract was investigated.