Effect of acidosis on adipose-derived stem cell impairment and gene expression.

Based on disappointing results of stem cell-based application in clinical trials for patients with critical limb ischemia, we hypothesized that the acidic environment might be the key factor limiting cell survival and function. In the present study, we used microdialysis to determine presence of acidosis and metabolic imbalance in critical ischemia. Moreover, we explored the effect of extracellular acidosis on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) at molecular and transcriptional level.

Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Associates With a Vulnerable Plaque Phenotype in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Background and Purpose- Extracellular matrix proteins are important in atherosclerotic disease by influencing plaque stability and cellular behavior but also by regulating inflammation. COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) is present in healthy human arteries and expressed by smooth muscle cells. A recent study showed that transplantation of COMP-deficient bone marrow to mice increased atherosclerotic plaque formation, indicating a role for COMP also in bone marrow-derived cells.