Evaluation of Elaeagnus angustifolia extract in promoting osteogenesis of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells through modulation of intracellular signaling pathways

Abstract

Background: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering; however, the limited bioactivity of synthetic scaffolds such as polycaprolactone (PCL) restricts their osteoinductive potential. Incorporation of natural plant-derived bioactives may enhance scaffold functionality.

Objective: This study investigated whether incorporation of Elaeagnus angustifolia extract into electrospun PCL scaffolds could enhance osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs in vitro.

Methods: Electrospun PCL scaffolds were fabricated and modified by overnight immersion in E. angustifolia extract. ADSCs were cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), unmodified PCL, and extract-enriched PCL scaffolds. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay, while osteogenic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and expression of osteogenic genes (RUNX2, COL1, ON, and OC).

Results: No significant differences in cell viability were observed among the experimental groups, indicating good cytocompatibility. In contrast, ADSCs cultured on E. angustifolia-enriched PCL scaffolds exhibited significantly increased ALP activity, enhanced calcium deposition, and upregulated expression of osteogenic marker genes compared to unmodified PCL and TCPS.

Conclusion: Incorporation of E. angustifolia extract into PCL scaffolds enhances osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs without adversely affecting cell viability. This bioactive scaffold system represents a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering applications.

Lay summary: Bone healing can be slow, especially in conditions like osteoporosis. Stem cells from body fat can help form new bone, but they need supportive materials, called scaffolds, to grow effectively. In this study, researchers enhanced a common biodegradable scaffold (PCL) by adding an extract from Elaeagnus angustifolia, a plant known for its healing and antioxidant properties. When stem cells were grown on this extract-treated scaffold, they survived better and showed stronger signs of becoming bone cells, including higher calcium production and increased expression of bone-related genes. These results suggest that natural plant extracts may improve scaffold performance and could support more effective bone regeneration therapies in the future.

Future works: Future studies should explore the long-term stability of E. angustifolia-enhanced scaffolds, evaluate their performance in animal bone-defect models, and identify the specific bioactive molecules responsible for osteogenic stimulation. Optimizing extract concentration, controlled-release systems, and combining the scaffold with growth factors may further improve clinical translation.

Keywords: Bone tissue engineering; Elaeagnus angustifolia; Mesenchymal stem cells; Osteogenic differentiation; Polycaprolactone.