Effect of interferon-alpha-2b on porcine mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Purpose: Patients undergoing enucleation and adjuvant interferon therapy for giant cell jaw tumors have been observed to exhibit exuberant bone formation in the resultant defects. We hypothesize that interferon promotes bone formation by enhancing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation and by stimulating osteoblasts. This is a preliminary study to determine the effects of interferon on porcine mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs) in culture.

Materials and methods: Isolated pMSCs were grown under the following conditions: 1) MSCs alone (negative control); 2) MSCs + osteogenic supplements (positive control); and 3) MSCs + interferon (experimental). Cell cultures were evaluated morphologically, by quantitative DNA analysis, and quantitative and qualitative alkaline phosphatase analysis.

Results: Cells treated with interferon exhibited a slower but constant proliferation rate, did not clump, and produced more alkaline phosphatase as compared with the negative control.

Conclusion: The data indicate that interferon may act to differentiate MSCs into osteoblasts and to stimulate metabolic activity while not increasing the proliferation rate.