MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetic ADSCs were treated with DFO and compared to normal and non-treated diabetic ADSCs for expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, FGF-2 and SDF-1, at mRNA and protein levels, using qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA assay. Activity of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 were measured using a gelatin zymography assay. Angiogenic potential of conditioned media derived from normal, DFO-treated and non-treated diabetic ADSCs were determined by in vitro (in HUVECs) and in vivo experiments including scratch assay, three-dimensional tube formation testing and surgical wound healing models.

RESULTS: DFO remarkably enhanced expression of noted genes by mRNA and protein levels and restored activity of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9. Compromised angiogenic potential of conditioned medium derived from diabetic ADSCs was restored by DFO both in vitro and in vivo experiments.