Enhancing stem cell functionality through antioxidant supplementation

Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) are characterized in vivo by a particular niche allowing their unique role in the body. Maintaining the functionality of stem cells ex vivo for clinical applications is essential. Cellular redox status plays an important role in stem cell biology as long the adverse effects by reactive oxygen species (ROS) are excluded. Aim of our study was to investigate the protective effect of two antioxidants, sulforaphane (SF) and epigallocathechin gallate (EGCG), against oxidative stress occuring during in vitro AFSC culture. The co- treatment with SF and EGCG was effective in reducing ROS production, increasing GSH levels and enhancing the endogenous antioxidant defences through the up-regulation of glutathione reductase, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 and thioredoxin reductase. Intriguingly, the co- treatment sustained the stemness state by up-regulating pluripotency markers and influenced senescence associated markers. The co-treatment promoted osteogenic differentiation and up- regulated osteogenic genes. In conclusion, SF and EGCG can be used in combination in AFSC culture as a strategy to preserve stem cell functionality.