Table 2 Summary of studies on animal MSC heterogeneity caused by donor sex

Bone Marrow

Rat

N/A

The estrogen mitogenic effects were more pronounced in female BM-MSCs, however, combinations of estrogen and dexamethasone is more effective in promoting male BM-MSCs proliferation with different steroid optimal doses and interactions based on donor gender.

[29]

Bone Marrow

Rat

N/A

Therapeutically, female BM-MSCs have greater efficacy than male MSCs in reducing neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung inflammation and vascular remodeling. The beneficial effects of female MSCs were more pronounced in male animals.

[56]

Bone Marrow

Rat

N/A

Female BM-MSCs provided a greater protection of myocardial function than their male-derived. The Bcl-xl/Bax ratio is significantly increased after the treatment with BM-MSCs from female donors than their male counterparts

[57]

Bone Marrow

Rat

M:6

F:6

Male bone marrow contained significantly higher BM-MSCs than female rats, represented by high CFU numbers in both femora and tibiae

[59]

Bone Marrow

Mouse

M:4

F:4

BM-MSCs from female mice have lower osteogenesis than cells from male littermates.

[35]

Bone marrow

Monkey

M:6

F:6

Upon differentiation, female BM-MSCs acquire higher neurogenic potential compared with male BM-MSCs.

[33]

Bone Marrow

pig

M:3

F:3

Supplementation of beta- estradiol resulted in anti-apoptotic activity up-regulation in only female BM-MSCs, but not in male BM-MSCs.

[30]

Adipose tissue/

Dermal Skin

Pig

M:3

F:3

Female ASCs were found to be more resistant to senescence under in vitro culture conditions.

[27]