Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the adipogenic differentiation and leptin （Lp）production of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods Human BMSCs were isolated, incubated and identified. ATRA at various concentrations was added to the adipogenic induction medium. Adipogenic differentiation was quantified by microscopic examination with oil red O staining. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ  (PPARγ) and fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP4) was analysed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, and the level of Lp was quantified by RT-PCR and ELISA. Results At the concentration of ATRA (0.1—1.0 μmol/L), adipogenic differentiation rates decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ and FABP4 decreased concordantly. The mRNA expression and protein production of Lp significantly decreased after induction. Conclusion ATRA (0.1—1.0 μmol/L) can inhibit the adipogenic differentiation of BMSC by down-regulating the expression of PPARγ and FABP4.

Key words: bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, all-trans retinoic acid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, fatty acid binding protein 4, leptin