hPL-conditioned MSC-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit enhanced anticancer effects on MCF7 and A549 cells.

INTRODUCTION: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential due to their differentiation and immune-regulatory capabilities, mainly through the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) which can exhibit pro- and anti-tumor effects. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the effects of EVs derived from Whorton's jelly derived MSCs (WJMSCs) cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) or human platelet lysate (hPL), as xeno-free alternative, on breast (MCF7) and lung (A549) cancer cells. METHODS: EVs were isolated from WJMSCs cultured in either FBS or hPL and then applied to cancer cells. Following characterization of EVs, the effects on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and migration were also assessed. RESULTS: Both EV types reduced proliferation in MCF7 and A549 cells at 24 hours, with a sustained effect on MCF7 at 48 hours. Senescence marked by upregulation of the Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) was induced in both cell lines, indicating non-apoptotic growth inhibition. WJMSC-hPL-EVs enhanced migration in MCF7 cells despite reduced proliferation, whereas A549 cell migration was time-dependent, as demonstrated by the wound scratch assay. CONCLUSION: While the findings show minimal differences between FBS and hPL, the results nonetheless support the potential use of hPL as a viable xeno-free alternative to FBS. Further research is needed to the therapeutic implications.