Enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord blood stem cells by L-ascorbic acid, in vitro

The multilineage potentiality of cord blood stem cells has been experimentally proven in a number of cell based therapies. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), on prolonged exposure with Lascorbic acid have been successfully differentiated in to osteoblasts (bone forming cells) without altering the phenotype of the cells. In this case study, the role of L-ascorbic acid on collagen biosynthesis and mineral deposition in MSCs has been assessed, which are ultimately matured in to an insoluble extra cellular matrix (ECM), giving mechanical strength to the bone cells. Moreover, up to specific concentration of L-ascorbic acid (250μM), proliferation as well as differentiation potential of the cells remains unaltered. Further increase in concentrations of L-ascorbic acid (500 μM) reduced the cell proliferation and subsequently leads to morphological changes in the cultures. This may be due to an immature antioxidant defense system, which can be overcome by treating the cell cultures with antioxidants. Our final results conclude that Lascorbic acid has positive effect on the ostogenic differentiation of cord blood stem cells, and the concentration of ascorbic acid is vital in cell proliferation and differentiation.