Fig. 1

NTF-SCs differentiation and characterization (A–D). A Flow cytometry histograms of three passaged ADMSCs for (CD105, CD90) were positive and negative for (CD45), indicating the ability to express of ADMSCs surface markers by isolated cells. B Bright-field imaging of ADMSCs, pre-induction ADMSCs (third passage) and NTF-SCs cultures showed the expanded ADMSCs have a fibroblast-like phenotype and the NTF-SCs with an astrocyte-like appearance. C Immunohistochemistry imaging for GFAP astrocyte cells marker and DAPI staining for the nucleus of the cells demonstrated that 80.3% of the differentiated cells expressed the GFAP marker. D In Western blot analysis for NTF secretion in NTF-SCs-CM, the blots were developed with NGF and BDNF antibodies, and an average of 35 KDa and 15 KDa of NGF and BDNF were detected, respectively. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc analysis. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001; and ****p < 0.0001. NTF-SCs, Neurotrophic-factor-secreting astrocyte-like cells. ADMSCs, Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. NTF, Neurotrophic factor, CM, Culture medium