Özlem Türksoy TERZİOĞLU
Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi - 2026;12(3):257-263
Objective: The progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is strongly affected by hypoxia and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived paracrine factors, including those secreted by adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). This study investigated the effects of adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium (ASC-CM) on CoCl?-adapted, hypoxia-mimicking UPCI-SCC-131 cells. Methods: Activation of a hypoxia-mimicking response was confirmed by increased expression of HIF1A and CA9 and increased HIF-1alpha protein levels. The effects of ASC-CM on cell viability were assessed, and the expression of genes associated with cell survival and stress responses was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, migratory capacity, spheroid formation, and sensitivity to cisplatin were also evaluated. Results: ASC-CM slightly reduced cell viability while markedly altering cellular behavior. RT-qPCR analysis revealed altered expression of genes involved in apoptosis and cell survival, characterized by downregulation of APAF1, CASP2, CASP3, CASP9, and BAX and upregulation of BCL2. In addition, the expression levels of HMOX1, CCL2, HIF1A, and CA9 were significantly increased, suggesting activation of oxidative stress- and survival-associated responses. Functionally, ASC-CM treatment was associated with increased intracellular ROS levels, migratory activity, and spheroid formation, together with reduced sensitivity to cisplatin. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the ASC-derived conditioned medium modulates responses associated with oxidative stress and cell survival, and influences cellular features associated with malignancy in OSCC cells mimicking hypoxia.
