OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of neuropeptide Y (NPY) at different 
concentrations on the proliferation and differentiation of human adipose-derived 
stem cells (hADSCs).
METHODS: The hADSCs were separated and incubated with NPY at a range of 
concentrations 10(-6)-10(-15) mol/L. MTT assay was used to detect cell 
proliferation. Following the treatment of complete medium, NPY and insulin 
separately, cell differentiation was observed by Oil red O staining. In 
addition, Western blotting was performed to exam the levels of peroxisome 
proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha 
(C/EBPα), cell death-inducing dFF45-like effector c (Cidec) and receptor 
interacting protein 140 (RIP140).
RESULTS: MTT assay revealed that 10(-11)-10(-15) mol/L NPY stimulated the 
proliferation of hADSCs, while high-dose NPY (10(-6)-10(-10) mol/L) inhibited 
the cell proliferation. NPY (10(-7), 10(-9), 10(-11) mol/L) induced the 
differentiation of hADSCs. The expression levels of related adipocyte markers 
(PPARγ, C/EBPα), mature white adipose tissue specific markers (Cidec, RIP140) 
increased at the presence of NPY (10(-7), 10(-9), 10(-11) mol/L).
CONCLUSION: Low-dose NPY could stimulate the proliferation of hADSCs, and 
high-dose NPY could inhibit the proliferation and promote the differentiation of 
hADSCs.