Hyperbaric oxygen induces placental growth factor expression in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

The bone marrow is home to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are able to differentiate into many
different cell types. The effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on MSCs is poorly understood. Placental growth
factor (PlGF) is an attractive therapeutic agent for stimulating revascularization of ischemic tissue. HBO has
been shown to improve diabetic wound healing by increase circulating stem cells.We hypothesized that HBO
induces PlGF expression in bone marrow-derived MSCs. The MSCs were obtained from adult human bone
marrow and expanded in vitro. The purity and characteristics of MSCs were identified by flow cytometry and
immunophenotyping. HBO at 2.5 ATA (atmosphere absolute) significantly increased PlGF protein and mRNA
expression. The induction of PlGF protein by HBO was significantly blocked by the addition of Nacetylcysteine,
while wortmannin, PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 had no effect on PlGF protein
expression. However, the specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, L-NAME did not alter the PlGF protein
expression induced by HBO. HBO significantly increased the reactive oxygen species production and
pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine significantly blocked the induction of reactive oxygen species by HBO.
HBO significantly increased the migration and tube formation of MSCs and pretreatment with Nacetylcysteine
and PlGF siRNA significantly blocked the induction of migration and tube formation by
HBO. In conclusion, HBO induced the expression of PlGF in human bone marrow-derived MSCs at least
through the oxidative stress-related pathways, which may play an important role in HBO-induced
vasculogenesis.
© 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.