Adipogenic impairment of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in subjects with metabolic syndrome: possible protective role of FGF2

Context:The decreased expansion capacity of adipose tissue plays a crucial role in the onset of disorders associated with metabolic syndrome.Objetive:The aim of this study was to examine the state of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) from obese subjects with different metabolic profiles.Design:This was a 2-year study to enroll subjects who underwent bariatric surgery or cholecystectomy.Setting:University HospitalPatients and Intervention:Patients who underwent either bariatric surgery (20 morbidly obese) or cholecystectomy (40 subjects) participated in the study.Main Outcome Measures:ASCs were obtained from both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Adipogenic, fibrotic genes expression was quantified by qPCR; Smad7 and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were quantified by western blotting and ELISA respectively. The susceptibility of ASCs to apoptosis, their population doubling time and clonogenic potential were evaluatedResults:The worsening metabolic profile of the subjects was ac...