The Effect of Quince Seed Mucilage on Human Foreskin Stem Cell Proliferation and Self-Renewal Potential

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Quinceseed mucilage (QSM) is used in Iranian folk medicineto treat wounds and burns. Mucilage is rich in polysaccharides and proteins. Approximately 80% of breastfeeding women experience nipple pain and soreness, often applying homemade QSM to treat nipple cracks. There are limited studies on the cytotoxic effects of QSM on fibroblast formation. The present study investigated the proliferative effects of QSM on mesenchymal stem cells isolated from newborn foreskin (hnFSSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following a standard circumcision procedure, cells were isolated and cultured in suitable media to support growth. The quince seed gel was prepared and pulverized by drying. Foreskin stem cells were immunocytochemically characterized using CD45, CD34, and CD90 antibodies. The cytotoxic effect of quince seed gel on hnFSSCs was determined using the MTT assay. The cells were then treated with quince seed gel for 24 h, and immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67, c-Myc, OCT3/4, and Sall4 was performed. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that hnFSSCs were positive for CD, CD90, and CD45 and weakly positive for CD34. The MTT results showed that quince seed gel treatment at 100 mu g/mL for 24 h was the most appropriate concentration and duration compared with the positive control. QSM-treated cells showed significantly higher immunoreactivity for Ki-67 (H-score: 266.5 +/- 12.6), OCT3/4 (H-score: 239 +/- 8), and Sall4 (H-score: 243.8 +/- 7.5) in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). In contrast, c-Myc (H-score: 226 +/- 18.8) immunoreactivity was moderate in both groups, with no significant difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that QSM can support the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency properties in human foreskin- derived stem cells.