Cryopreserved human bone marrow mononuclear cells as a source of mesenchymal stromal cells:: application in osteoporosis research

Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are an invaluable tool for research and therapeutic application regarding degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. Methods Human MSC from cryopreserved mononuclear (c-MSC) cell populations were isolated from bone marrow (BM) and compared with MSC isolated directly from the same BM for immunophenotype, differentiation capacity and Parathormone (PTH) response. Results c-MSC showed a similar immunophenotype, division and differentiation capacity as standard MSC obtained from the same BM. This capacity was maintained during various culture-growing passages. Treatment with PTH(1-34) from days 6 to 24, after c-MSC induction to osteoblasts and adipocytes, had no significant effect on osteoblastogenesis yet inhibited adipogenesis. This effect was similar in MSC from the same BM. Discussion We propose cryopreservation of mononuclear cells obtained from BM as a simple and convenient means for routine storage of MSC to be used for therapeutic and research applications.