High Glucose Affects the Cytotoxic Potential of Rapamycin, Metformin and Hydrogen Peroxide in Cultured Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: Oxidative stress and chronic hyperglycemia are two major side effects of type 2 diabetes affecting all cell types including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). As a cell therapy choice, understanding the behavior of MSCs will provide crucial information for efficient treatment. Methods: Placental mesenchymal stem cells were treated with various concentrations of glucose, metformin, rapamycin, and hydrogen peroxide to monitor their viability and cell cycle distribution. Cellular viability was examined via the MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution was studied by propidium iodide staining and apoptosis was determined using Annexin Vpropidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Involvement of potential signaling pathways was evaluated by Western blotting for activation of Akt, P70S6K, and AMPK. Results: The results indicated that high glucose augmented cell viability and reduced metformin toxic potential. However, the hydrogen peroxide and rapamycin toxicities were exacerbated. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high glucose concentration has a major effect on placental mesenchymal stem cell viability in the presence of rapamycin, metformin and hydrogen peroxide in culture.