Isolation of endothelial progenitor cells from human adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is a rich source of stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study aimed to identify and isolate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from human adipose tissue. Belly adipose tissues were collected from donors with consent. Stromal vascular fractions (SVFs) were extracted from adipose tissues by enzyme collagenase using commercial kits. SVFs were cultured in MSCCult medium for 24 h to obtain MSCs, then supernatant was collected and cell pellet cultured in EGM-2 medium to obtain adipose tissue EPCs (ADEPCs). ADEPCs were checked for surface marker expression of CD31 and VEGFR2, and for angiogenesis capability in vitro. The results showed that SVFs contained a pool of EPCs with strong angiogenesis potential and that adipose tissue is not only a source for MSCs but also for EPCs. Therefore, ADEPCs may a useful source of EPCs for vascular medicine.