Background
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (ASC-CM) improved the viability and wound closure of human tenocytes (HTCN) exposed to high glucose (HG) by activating the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) pathway. Objectives: Since ASC-CM can also modulate microRNAs (miRNAs) in recipient cells, this study investigated the effects of ASC-CM on the miRNAs regulating tendon repair (miR-29a-3p, miR-210-3p and miR-21-5p) in HG-HTNC.
Conclusions
The epigenetic modulation observed in HG-HTNC exposed to ASC-CM could be an innovative option in the management of diabetic tendinopathy.
Methods
ASC-CM was obtained by ASCs isolated from the abdominal fat tissue of seven non-diabetic patients. HTNC were cultured in HG for 20 days, then scratched and exposed for 24 h to ASC-CM. qRT-PCR and ELISAs assessed miRNA and target levels.
Results
HG-HTNC exhibited a significant downregulation of miRNAs. ASC-CM restored the levels of miRNAs and their related targets involved in tendon repair. Conclusions: The epigenetic modulation observed in HG-HTNC exposed to ASC-CM could be an innovative option in the management of diabetic tendinopathy.