Uncovering impaired mitochondrial and lysosomal function in adipose-derived stem cells from obese individuals with altered biological activity

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been extensively used in preclinical and clinical trials for treating various diseases. However, the differences between ADSCs from lean individuals (L-ADSCs) and those from obese individuals (O-ADSCs) have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly regarding their mitochondrial and lysosomal functions. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the differences between L-ADSCs and O-ADSCs in terms of cell biological activity, mitochondria, and lysosomes.

Methods: We first isolated and cultured L-ADSCs and O-ADSCs. We then compared the differences between the two groups in terms of biological activity, including cell proliferation, differentiation potential, and their effect on the polarization of macrophages. Additionally, we observed the mitochondrial and lysosomal morphology of ADSCs using an electronic microscope, MitoTracker Red, and lysotracker Red dyes. We assessed mitochondrial function by examining mitochondrial membrane potential and membrane fluidity, antioxidative ability, and cell energy metabolism. Lysosomal function was evaluated by measuring Autophagy and phagocytosis. Finally, we performed transcriptome analysis of the ADSCs using RNA sequencing.

Results: The biological activities of O-ADSCs were decreased, including cell immunophenotypic profiles, cell proliferation, and differentiation potential. Furthermore, compared to L-ADSCs, O-ADSCs promoted M1-type macrophage polarization and inhibited M2-type macrophage polarization. Additionally, the mitochondrial morphology of O-ADSCs was altered, with the size of the cells becoming smaller and mitochondrial fragments increasing. O-ADSCs also exhibited decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and membrane fluidity, antioxidative ability, and energy metabolism. With respect to lysosomes, O-ADSCs contained ungraded Materials in their lysosomes, enhanced lysosomal permeability, and reduced Autophagy and phagocytosis ability. RNA sequence analysis indicated that the signalling pathways related to cell senescence, Cancer, and inflammation were upregulated, whereas the signalling pathways associated with stemness, cell differentiation, metabolism, and response to stress and stimuli were downregulated.

Conclusions: This study indicates that ADSCs from individuals (BMI > 30 kg/m²) exhibit impaired mitochondrial and lysosomal function with decreased biological activity.

Adipose-derived stem cells; Lysosomal dysfunction; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Obesity.