Transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells ameliorates autoimmune pathogenesis in MRL/lpr mice : Modulation of the balance between Th17 and Treg.
Z Rheumatol 2019;
78:82-88. [PMID:
29737401 DOI:
10.1007/s00393-018-0450-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells characterized by immunomodulatory properties and are therefore considered a promising tool for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) affects the autoimmune pathogenesis in MRL/lpr mice.
METHODS
Fifteen 12-week-old MRL/lpr mice were randomly divided into three groups: ADSC, cyclophosphamide (CTX), and control groups, with five mice in each group. ADSC and control groups were injected with 1 × 106 ADSCs or PBS, respectively, via the tail vein, once a week for 8 weeks. The CTX group was injected with CTX at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight, once a week for 2 weeks, and this was repeated after 2 weeks rest. Proteinuria, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, and serum creatinine levels were then measured. The populations of Th17 and Treg cells in the spleen were detected by flow cytometry. All statistical analyses were performed using least square difference.
RESULTS
Eight weeks after treatment, the 24 h proteinuria, anti-dsDNA antibody levels, and serum creatinine were decreased significantly with transplantation of mouse ADSCs. ADSCs markedly reduced the number of TH17 cells, increased Treg cells, and improved renal pathology.
CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that transplantation of ADSCs could significantly inhibit autoimmune progression in MRL/lpr mice and the efficacy of ADSCs was comparable to that of CTX.
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