Mesenchymal stem cells attenuate adriamycin-induced nephropathy by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation via downregulation of the NF-kB

Stem cell-based therapy for fibrotic diseases: mechanisms and pathways

Fibrosis is a pathological process, that could result in permanent scarring and impairment of the physiological function of the affected organ; this condition which is categorized under the term organ failure could affect various organs in different situations. The involvement of the major organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality across the world. Fibrotic disorders encompass a broad range of complications and could be traced to various illnesses and impairments; these could range from simple skin scars with beauty issues to severe rheumatologic or inflammatory disorders such as systemic sclerosis as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Besides, the overactivation of immune responses during any inflammatory condition causing tissue damage could contribute to the pathogenic fibrotic events accompanying the healing response; for instance, the inflammation resulting from tissue engraftment could cause the formation of fibrotic scars in the grafted tissue, even in cases where the immune system deals with hard to clear infections, fibrotic scars could follow and cause severe adverse effects. A good example of such a complication is post-Covid19 lung fibrosis which could impair the life of the affected individuals with extensive lung involvement. However, effective therapies that halt or slow down the progression of fibrosis are missing in the current clinical settings. Considering the immunomodulatory and regenerative potential of distinct stem cell types, their application as an anti-fibrotic agent, capable of attenuating tissue fibrosis has been investigated by many researchers. Although the majority of the studies addressing the anti-fibrotic effects of stem cells indicated their potent capabilities, the underlying mechanisms, and pathways by which these cells could impact fibrotic processes remain poorly understood. Here, we first, review the properties of various stem cell types utilized so far as anti-fibrotic treatments and discuss the challenges and limitations associated with their applications in clinical settings; then, we will summarize the general and organ-specific mechanisms and pathways contributing to tissue fibrosis; finally, we will describe the mechanisms and pathways considered to be employed by distinct stem cell types for exerting anti-fibrotic events.

Repeated administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells added on beneficial effects of empagliflozin on protecting renal function in diabetic kidney disease rat

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most significant public health burdens worldwide. This study explored the renal protections of combined adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) and empagliflozin (EMPA) in DKD rats.

METHODS

Adult-male-SD rats were equally allocated into group 1 (sham-operated-control), group 2 (DKD), group 3 (DKD + EMPA/20 mg/kg/day since day-14 after CKD-induction), group 4 [DKD + ADMSCs (6.0 × 105/intrarenal-arterial-injection/post-day-28, followed by 1.2 × 106/intravenous injection post-days 35 and 42 after CKD-induction, i.e., defined as repeated administration)] and group 5 (DKD + ADMSCs + EMPA) and kidney was harvested post-day-60 CKD-induction.

RESULTS

The result showed that the blood sugar and circulatory levels of BUN/creatinine and the ratio of urine protein/creatinine at day 60 were greatly increased in group 2 as compared the SC (i.e., group 1), significantly increased in groups 3 and 4 than in groups 5, but these parameters showed the similar manner in groups 3 and 4, except for blood sugar that was significantly lower in group 3 than in group 4 (all p < 0.0001). The protein levels of inflammation (NF-κB/FNF-α/MMP-9)/oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/oxidized protein/p22-phox)/apoptosis (cleaved-caspase-3/cleaved-PARP/mitochondrial-Bax)/fibrosis (TGF-β/Smad 3)/mitochondrial/DNA-damaged (p-DRP1/γ-H2AX) biomarkers revealed a similar manner of creatinine level among the groups (all p < 0.0001). Kidney injury score/fibrotic area/oxidative-stress score (8-OHdG) and cellular levels of kidney-damaged biomarkers (KIM-1/γ-H2AX) showed a unanimous manner. In contrast, the cellular expressions of podocyte components (ZO-1/synaptopodin) revealed an antithetical manner of creatinine among the groups (all p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Combined ADMSCs-EMPA was superior to just one therapy for protecting kidney function and ultra-structural integrity in DKD rodents.

Advances in the Treatment of Kidney Disorders using Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Renal disease is a medical condition that poses a potential threat to the life of an individual and is related to substantial morbidity and mortality rates in clinical environments. The aetiology of this condition is influenced by multiple factors, and its incidence tends to increase with progressive aging. Although supportive therapy and kidney transplantation have potential advantages, they also have limitations in terms of mitigating the progression of KD. Despite significant advancements in the domain of supportive therapy, mortality rates in patients continue to increase. Due to their ability to self-renew and multidirectionally differentiate, stem cell therapy has been shown to have tremendous potential in the repair of the diseased kidney. MSCs (Mesenchymal stem cells) are a cell population that is extensively distributed and can be located in various niches throughout an individual's lifespan. The cells in question are characterised by their potential for indefinite replication and their aptitude for undergoing differentiation into fully developed cells of mesodermal origin under laboratory conditions. It is essential to emphasize that MSCs have demonstrated a favorable safety profile and efficacy as a therapeutic intervention for renal diseases in both preclinical as well as clinical investigations. MSCs have been found to slow the advancement of kidney disease, and this impact is thought to be due to their control over a number of physiological processes, including immunological response, tubular epithelial- mesenchymal transition, oxidative stress, renal tubular cell death, and angiogenesis. In addition, MSCs demonstrate recognised effectiveness in managing both acute and chronic kidney diseases via paracrine pathways. The proposal to utilise a therapy that is based on stem-cells as an effective treatment has been put forward in search of discovering novel therapies to promote renal regeneration. Preclinical researchers have demonstrated that various types of stem cells can provide advantages in acute and chronic kidney disease. Moreover, preliminary results from clinical trials have suggested that these interventions are both safe and well-tolerated. This manuscript provides a brief overview of the potential renoprotective effects of stem cell-based treatments in acute as well as chronic renal dysfunction. Furthermore, the mechanisms that govern the process of kidney regeneration induced by stem cells are investigated. This article will examine the therapeutic approaches that make use of stem cells for the treatment of kidney disorders. The analysis will cover various cellular sources that have been utilised, potential mechanisms involved, and the outcomes that have been achieved so far.

Antioxidant mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic potential in vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder caused by melanocyte damage or abnormal function. Reac-tive oxygen species Reactive oxygen species can cause oxidative stress damage to melanocytes, which in turn induces vitiligo. Traditional treatments such as phototherapy, drugs, and other methods of treatment are long and result in frequent recurrences. Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in the research of various disease treatments due to their excellent paracrine effects, making them a promising immunoregulatory and tissue repair strategy. Furthermore, an increasing body of evi-dence suggests that utilizing the paracrine functions of MSCs can downregulate oxidative stress in the testes, liver, kidneys, and other affected organs in animal models of certain diseases. Addition-ally, MSCs can help create a microenvironment that promotes tissue repair and regeneration in are-as with oxidative stress damage, improving the disordered state of the injured site. In this article, we review the pathogenesis of oxidative stress in vitiligo and promising strategies for its treatment.

Chitin powder enhances growth factor production and therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in a chronic kidney disease rat model

Previously, we fabricated a device with polylactic acid nonwoven filters and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which effectively reduced urinary protein levels in a rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) but could not suppress CKD progression. Therefore, to improve the therapeutic effects of MSCs, in this study, we analyzed the ability of rat adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) in contact with chitin nonwoven filters or chitin powder to produce growth factors and examined their therapeutic effect in an adriamycin (ADR)-induced CKD rat model. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production was significantly enhanced by ADSCs cultured in a medium containing chitin powder (C-ADSCs) compared with that by ADSCs cultured in a standard medium without chitin (N-ADSCs). However, the production of HGF and VEGF by ADSCs on chitin nonwoven filters was not significantly enhanced compared with that by the control. Intravenous C-ADSC injection significantly increased podocin expression and improved proteinuria compared with those in saline-treated CKD rats; however, no such improvements were observed in the N-ADSC-treated group. These results showed that ADSCs cultured in a medium supplemented with chitin powder suppressed proteinuria via enhanced HGF and VEGF production in ADR-induced CKD rats to mitigate podocyte damage, offering a new strategy to reduce the dose of MSC therapy for safe and effective treatment of kidney disease.

The Renoprotective Effect of Shikonin in a Rat Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

In diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a typical complication and pivotal cause of chronic kidney disease. The DN disease burden is among the highest in the world and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and disease burden. Safe and effective medications are urgently needed for the treatment of DN. Interest has been increasing in Shikonin, extracted from the naphthoquinone plant, particularly in determining its renal protective effect.

METHODS

In this study, we explored Shikonin's effects and potential mechanisms on a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN experimental model. An STZ-induced rat diabetic model was established, and the rats were treated with different doses of Shikonin (10/50 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Blood, urine, and renal tissue samples were collected after the last administration. Renal tissues were examined to detect each group's physiologic, biochemical, histopathologic, and molecular changes.

RESULTS

The results showed that Shikonin administration could significantly alleviate the STZ-induced elevation of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urinary protein content, and renal pathologic injury. Furthermore, Shikonin significantly decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor-κB expression levels in DN kidney tissues. Shikonin showed a dose-dependent effect, with the best outcome at 50 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

Shikonin could effectively alleviate DN-related nephropathy damage and reveal the underlying pharmacologic mechanism. Based on the results, a Shikonin combination can be used in clinical treatment.

Feline umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: isolation, identification, and antioxidative stress role through NF-κB signaling pathway

At present, the differentiation potential and antioxidant activity of feline umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have not been clearly studied. In this study, feline UC-MSCs were isolated by tissue adhesion method, identified by flow cytometry detection of cell surface markers (CD44, CD90, CD34, and CD45), and induced differentiation toward osteogenesis and adipogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, the oxidative stress model was established with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) (100 μM, 300 μM, 500 μM, 700 μM, and 900 μM). The antioxidant properties of feline UC-MSCs and feline fibroblasts were compared by morphological observation, ROS detection, cell viability via CCK-8 assay, as well as oxidative and antioxidative parameters via ELISA. The mRNA expression of genes related to NF-κB pathway was detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while the levels of NF-κB signaling cascade-related proteins were determined via Western Blot. The results showed that feline UC-MSCs highly expressed CD44 and CD90, while negative for CD34 and CD45 expression. Feline UC-MSCs cultured under osteogenic and adipogenic conditions showed good differentiation capacity. After being exposed to different concentrations of H₂O₂ for eight hours, feline UC-MSCs exhibited the significantly higher survival rate than feline fibroblasts. A certain concentration of H₂O₂ could up-regulate the activities of SOD2 and GSH-Px in feline UC-MSCs. The expression levels of p50, MnSOD, and FHC mRNA in feline UC-MSCs stimulated by 300 μM and 500 μM H₂O₂ significantly increased compared with the control group. Furthermore, it was observed that 500 μM H₂O₂ significantly enhanced the protein levels of p-IκB, IκB, p-p50, p50, MnSOD, and FHC, which could be reversed by BAY 11-7,082, a NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor. In conclusion, it was confirmed that feline UC-MSCs, with good osteogenesis and adipogenesis abilities, had better antioxidant property which might be related to NF-κB signaling pathway. This study lays a foundation for the further application of feline UC-MSCs in treating the various inflammatory and oxidative injury diseases of pets.

Calycosin pretreatment enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells to alleviate unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis by inhibiting necroptosis

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show antifibrotic activity in various chronic kidney diseases. Here, we aimed to investigate whether Calycosin (CA), a phytoestrogen, could enhance the antifibrotic activity of MSCs in primary tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) induced by TGF-β1 and in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). We found that MSCs treatment significantly inhibited fibrosis, and CA pretreatment enhanced the effects of MSCs on fibrosis in vitro. Consistent with the in vitro studies, MSCs alleviated tubular injury and renal fibrosis in mice after UUO, and CA-pretreated MSCs resulted in more significant improvements in tubular injury and renal fibrosis than MSCs after UUO. Moreover, MSCs treatment significantly inhibited necroptosis by repressing the elevation of MLKL, RIPK1, and RIPK3 in PTECs treated by TGF-β1and in mice after UUO, and CA-pretreated MSCs were superior to MSCs in alleviating necroptosis. MSCs significantly reduced TNF-α and TNFR1 expression induced by TGF-β1 in PTECs and inhibited TGF-β1, TNF-α, and TNFR1 expression induced by UUO in mice. These effects of MSCs were significantly enhanced after CA pretreatment. Therefore, our results suggest that CA pretreatment enhances the antifibrotic activity of MSCs by inhibiting TGF-β1/TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling-induced necroptosis.

Transplantation of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuates Surgical Wound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Mice

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the most important component of central nervous system (CNS) to keep toxins and pathogens from CNS. Although our studies demonstrated that using interleukin-6 antibodies (IL-6-AB) reversed the increased permeability of BBB, IL-6-AB is limited in their application that only could be used a few hours before surgery and seemed delayed the surgical wounds healing process, which urges us to find another more effective method. In this study, we employed the C57BL/6J female mice to investigate the potential effects of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transplantation on BBB dysfunction induced by surgical wound. Compared to IL-6-AB, the transplantation of UC-MSCs more effectively decreased the BBB permeability after surgical wound evaluated by dextran tracer (immunofluorescence imaging and luorescence quantification). In addition, UC-MSCs can largely decrease the ratio of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 to the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both serum and brain tissue after surgical wound. Moreover, UC-MSCs successfully increased the levels of tight junction proteins (TJs) in BBB such as ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 and extremely decreased the level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Interestingly, UC-MSCs treatment also had positive effects on wound healing while protecting the BBB dysfunction induced by surgical wound compared to IL-6-AB treatment. These findings suggest that UC-MSCs transplantation is a highly efficient and promising approach on protecting the integrity of BBB which caused by peripheral traumatic injuries.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in premature ovarian failure: Mechanisms and prospects

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common female reproductive disorder and characterized by menopause, increased gonadotropin levels and estrogen deficiency before the age of 40 years old. The etiologies and pathogenesis of POF are not fully clear. At present, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the main treatment options for POF. It helps to ameliorate perimenopausal symptoms and related health risks, but can't restore ovarian function and fertility fundamentally. With the development of regenerative medicine, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have shown great potential for the recovery of ovarian function and fertility based on the advantages of abundant sources, high capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, low immunogenicity and less ethical considerations. This systematic review aims to summarize the possible therapeutic mechanisms of BMSCs for POF. A detailed search strategy of preclinical studies and clinical trials on BMSCs and POF was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase database. A total of 21 studies were included in this review. Although the standardization of BMSCs need more explorations, there is no doubt that BMSCs transplantation may represent a prospective therapy for POF. It is hope to provide a theoretical basis for further research and treatment for POF.

Novel strategies in nephrology: what to expect from the future?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) will become the fifth global case of death by 2040. Its largest impact is on premature mortality but the number of persons with kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) is also increasing dramatically. Current RRT is suboptimal due to the shortage of kidney donors and dismal outcomes associated with both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Kidney care needs a revolution. In this review, we provide an update on emerging knowledge and technologies that will allow an earlier diagnosis of CKD, addressing the current so-called blind spot (e.g. imaging and biomarkers), and improve renal replacement therapies (wearable artificial kidneys, xenotransplantation, stem cell-derived therapies, bioengineered and bio-artificial kidneys).

MicroRNAs Promote the Progression of Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy and Neurovascular Dysfunction Through Upregulation of NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway-Associated HDAC7/ACTN4

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the NF-kappaB pathway, hub genes, and transcription factors (TFs) in monocytes implicated in the progression of neurovascular-related sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) as well as potential miRNAs with regulatory functions.

Methods

: Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy—and heart failure (HF)-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SIC and HF groups were identified separately by differential analysis. In addition, DEGs and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in monocytes between sepsis and the HC group were identified. Then, common DEGs in SIC, HF, and monocyte groups were identified by intersection analysis. Based on the functional pathways enriched by these DEGs, genes related to the NF-kB-inducing kinase (NIK)/NF-kappaB signaling pathway were selected for further intersection analysis to obtain hub genes. These common DEGs, together with sepsis-related DEmiRNAs, were used to construct a molecular interplay network and to identify core TFs in the network.

Results

: A total of 153 upregulated genes and 25 downregulated genes were obtained from SIC-, HF-, and monocyte-related DEGs. Functional pathway analysis revealed that the upregulated genes were enriched in NF-κB signaling pathway. A total of eight genes associated with NF-κB signaling pathway were then further identified from the 178 DEGs. In combination with sepsis-related DEmiRNAs, HDAC7/ACTN4 was identified as a key transcriptional regulatory pair in the progression of SIC and in monocyte regulation. hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-3175, and hsa-miR-23b-3p can regulate the progression of SIC through the regulation of HDAC7/ACTN4. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested that HDAC7/ACTN4 may be associated with apoptosis in addition to the inflammatory response.

Conclusion

: hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-3175, and hsa-miR-23b-3p are involved in SIC progression by regulating NF-κB signaling signaling pathway-related HDAC7/ACTN4 in monocytes and cardiac tissue cells. These mechanisms may contribute to sepsis-induced neurovascular damage.

Rapamycin Improves Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs) Renoprotective Effect against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Nephrotoxicity in Rats by Inhibiting the mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective: Because the poor survival of transplanted cells in a hostile microenvironment limits stem cell therapy, in the current study, we investigated the effect of rapamycin (Rapa)-preactivated autophagy on the survival and homing of transplanted adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) in a rat model of cisplatin (Cis)-induced nephrotoxicity, as well as the possible role of the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway. Materials and methods: In vitro, ADMSCs isolated from rats were treated with 50 nmol/L rapamycin for 2 h, after which the cytoprotective and autophagy-inducing effects of Rapa were investigated. The cis-induced acute nephrotoxicity rat model was constructed in vivo. ADMSCs and Rapa-ADMSCs were administered into the tail vein before Cis therapy. At 3, 7, and 10 days after Cis injection, all animals were euthanized. The renal functions and morphology as well as autophagy response were assessed. Results: The pretreatment of cultured ADMSCs with Rapa caused a significant increase in autophagic activities and lysosome production of the cells, with a significant increase in the secretion of SDF-1, IL-10 and autophagy promoter LC3 and Beclin from these cells, while mTOR/AKT pathways were inhibited. In addition, the transplantation of Rapa-pretreated ADMSCs restored the kidney functions and morphology dramatically. Renal expression of SDF-1 and HIF1 was upregulated, while expression of IL-6, NF-kB and TGF-β1 was downregulated. Conclusions: We concluded that the preactivation of autophagy with Rapa improves the survival and differentiation of the transplanted ADMSCs by inhibiting the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway, which in turn could significantly attenuate the Cis-induced acute renal injury.

Ultrasound-Guided Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Adriamycin Nephropathy in Rats Through the RIPK3/MLKL and TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling

Bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) treatment has been shown to be beneficial for Adriamycin nephropathy (ADR). However, the low transplantation rate is still the key factor that affects this strategy. This study is the first to investigate the efficacy and potential mechanism of ultrasound-guided transrenal arterial transfer of BMSCs for the treatment of ADR in rats. The ADR rat model was established by two injections of doxorubicin. In addition, the rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats per group): the normal group (no treatment), the medium control group (treated with medium), the Adriamycin group (treated with phosphate buffer), and the BMSC group (treated with BMSCs). After 4 weeks, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urine albumin (ALb) were measured. In addition, pathological changes in kidney tissue were evaluated by pathological sectioning and electron microscopy. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of proteins in rat kidneys. Ultrasound-guided renal artery transplantation of BMSCs reduced the levels of SCr, BUN, and ALb and improved the pathological structure of rat kidneys compared with those in the Adriamycin group. This treatment inhibited renal cell necrosis by reducing the expression of receptor-interacting Serine/threonine Kinase 3 (RIPK3) and Mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL) and inhibited renal inflammation and fibrosis by reducing the expression of Toll-Like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Our study shows that ultrasound-guided transrenal artery transplantation of BMSCs can improve adriamycin-induced renal injury in rats by regulating the RIPK3/MLKL and TLR-4/NF-κB pathways and inhibiting renal necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Protective action of ultrasound-guided intraparenchymal transplantation of BMSCs in adriamycin nephropathy rats through the RIPK3/MLKL and NLRP3 pathways

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are an effective new strategy for the treatment of kidney diseases. At present, noninvasive and efficient transplantation approaches to homing BMSCs to the renal parenchyma is still a serious challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and potential mechanism of ultrasound-guided intraparenchymal transplantation of BMSCs for the treatment of adriamycin nephropathy (AN) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A rat AN model was induced by 2 injections of doxorubicin. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10 animals in each group) : normal group (N group, no treatment), control medium group (CM group, transplant medium 1.0 mL), adriamycin nephropathy group (ADR group, phosphate buffered saline 1.0 mL), or BMSCs group (BMSCs fluid 1.0 mL). Intraparenchymal injection was completed under ultrasound guidance. After 4 weeks of treatment, blood samples were collected for serum biochemical measurements and ELISAs. The kidneys were removed for histopathological examination, electron microscopy, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

No deaths occurred in any group after BMSCs transplantation through the renal parenchyma under ultrasound guidance. Compared with the N and CM groups, in the ADR group, blood serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urine albumin (ALb) were higher, glomerular and tubular dilatation was observed, the number of apoptotic cells was higher, and the protein levels of receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) and nucleotide leukin-rich polypeptide 3 (NLRP3), key components of pathways in rat kidney, were significantly higher. Compared with those in the ADR group, the levels of SCr, BUN, ALb and serum proinflammatory cytokines in the BMSCs group were lower, the pathological structure of the kidney was improved, the number of apoptotic cells was lower, and the levels of RIPK3/MLKL and NLRP3 were significantly lower.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided intraparenchymal transplantation of BMSCs regulated the RIPK3/MLKL and NLRP3 pathways in a minimally invasive and safe manner, thereby inhibiting renal necrosis and inflammation and playing a protective role in rat AN.

Stem cells in the treatment of renal fibrosis: a review of preclinical and clinical studies of renal fibrosis pathogenesis

Renal fibrosis commonly leads to glomerulosclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis and the main pathological basis involves tubular atrophy and the abnormal increase and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Renal fibrosis can progress to chronic kidney disease. Stem cells have multilineage differentiation potential under appropriate conditions and are easy to obtain. At present, there have been some studies showing that stem cells can alleviate the accumulation of ECM and renal fibrosis. However, the sources of stem cells and the types of renal fibrosis or renal fibrosis models used in these studies have differed. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis (including signaling pathways) of renal fibrosis, and the effect of stem cell therapy on renal fibrosis as described in preclinical and clinical studies. We found that stem cells from various sources have certain effects on improving renal function and alleviating renal fibrosis. However, additional clinical studies should be conducted to confirm this conclusion in the future.

Administration of mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy shows great promise for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients. Research has been carried out on this topic in recent years. The main goals of this paper are to evaluate the therapeutic effects of MSCs on DKD through a meta-analysis and address the mechanism through a systematic review of the literature.

METHOD

An electronic search of the Embase, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and US National Library of Medicine (NLM) databases was performed for all articles about MSC therapy for DKD, without species limitations, up to January 2020. Data were pooled for analysis with Stata SE 12.

RESULT

The MSC-treated group showed a large and statistically significant hypoglycemic effect at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months. Total hypoglycemic effect was observed (SMD = - 1.954, 95%CI - 2.389 to - 1.519, p < 0.001; I² = 85.1%). The overall effects on serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were analyzed, suggesting that MSC decreased SCr and BUN and mitigated the impairment of renal function (SCr: SMD = - 4.838, 95%CI - 6.789 to - 2.887, p < 0.001; I² = 90.8%; BUN: SMD = - 4.912, 95%CI - 6.402 to - 3.422, p < 0.001; I² = 89.3%). Furthermore, MSC therapy decreased the excretion of urinary albumin. Fibrosis indicators were assessed, and the results showed that transforming growth factor-β, collagen I, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin were significantly decreased in the MSC-treated group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

MSCs might improve glycemic control and reduce SCr, BUN, and urinary protein. MSCs can also alleviate renal fibrosis. MSC therapy might be a potential treatment for DKD.

Disrupted H2S Signaling by Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol Drinking: Evidence from Cellular, Animal, and Clinical Studies

The role of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as an antioxidant regulator has sparked interest in its function within inflammatory diseases. Cigarette and alcohol use are major causes of premature death, resulting from chronic oxidative stress and subsequent tissue damage. The activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant response by H₂S suggests that this novel gasotransmitter may function to prevent or potentially reverse disease progression caused by cigarette smoking or alcohol use. The purpose of this study is to review the interrelationship between H₂S signaling and cigarette smoking or alcohol drinking. Based on the databases of cellular, animal, and clinical studies from Pubmed using the keywords of H₂S, smoking, and/or alcohol, this review article provides a comprehensive insight into disrupted H₂S signaling by alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking-caused disorders. Major signaling and metabolic pathways involved in H₂S-derived antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses are further reviewed. H₂S supplementation may prove to be an invaluable asset in treating or preventing diseases in those suffering from cigarette or alcohol addiction.

Alleviation of the doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity by fasudil in vivo and in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DOX), is limited by side effects. We have previously demonstrated that fasudil, a Rho/ROCK inhibitor, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in contrast-induced acute kidney injury model. The present study to investigated the possible protective effect of fasudil, on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

In vivo: Forty male C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control group, DOX treatment group (DOX group), DOX + low dose fasudil (DOX + L group), DOX + high dose fasudil (DOX + H group). Mice in 2-4 groups received DOX (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) once a week for 8 weeks. The 3 and 4 group were given 2 mg/kg/d or 10 mg/kg/d fasudil before DOX injection. respectively. Meanwhile, the control group received saline. At the end of week eight, blood samples were collected for biochemical testing. The kidneys were removed for histological, immunohistochemical, Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and molecular detection. In vitro: NRK-52E cells were treated with 40 uM fasudil for 12 h, then incubated with 1 uM DOX for 24 h. Cells then collected for qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

In vivo, fasudil treatment ameliorated DOX-induced immunofluorescence reaction of DNA damage-related factors (8-OHdG), decreased the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, p16, p21 and p53, and increased the expression of protein of Bcl-2, Bmi-1 and Sirt-1. In the mouse model, administration of fasudil significantly ameliorated DOX-induced kidney damage, suppressed cell apoptosis and senescence, ameliorated redox imbalance and DNA damage. At the same time, DOX produced obvious kidney damage revealed by kidney functions changes: increased serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations. In addition, kidney tissue staining in the DOX group showed abnormal structure and fibroproliferative disorders. And DOX could promote the oxidation and senescence of kidney cells, leading to increased expression of 8-OHdG and senescence and apoptosis-related factors. On the contrary, fasudil treatment can effectively inhibit redox imbalance and DNA damage caused by DOX, and inhibit cell senescence and apoptosis. Fasudil can inhibit excessive activation of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway, thereby improving kidney tissue fibrosis and recovery kidney function.

CONCLUSION

Fasudil has a protective effect on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and NRK-52E cells, which can inhibit oxidative stress and DNA damage, inhibit apoptosis, and delays cell senescence by inhibiting RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response in Human Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective  The aim of this study was to determine if mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would suppress the inflammatory response in human uterine cells in an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-based preterm birth (PTB) model. Study Design  Cocultures of human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUtSMCs) and MSCs were exposed to 5 μg/mL LPS for 4 hours and further challenged with 1 μg/mL LPS for a subsequent 24 hours. Key elements of the parturition cascade regulated by toll-like receptors (TLRs) through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were quantified in culture supernatant as biomarkers of MSC modulation. Results  Coculture with MSCs significantly attenuated TLR-4, p-JNK, and p- extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) protein levels compared with HUtSMCs monoculture ( p  = 0.05). In addition, coculture was associated with significant inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 ( p  = 0.0001) and increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 ( p  = 0.0001). Conclusion  MSCs appear to play a role in significantly attenuating LPS-mediated inflammation via alteration of down-stream MAPKs. MSCs may represent a novel, cell-based therapy in women with increased risk of inflammatory-mediated preterm birth.

Particulate Matter 2.5 Induced Developmental Cardiotoxicity in Chicken Embryo and Hatchling

Particulate matter poses health risk to developing organisms. To investigate particulate matters with a diameter smaller than 2.5 um (PM2.5)-induced developmental cardiotoxicity, fertile chicken eggs were exposed to PM2.5 via air cell injection at doses of 0.05, 0.2, 0.5, 2, and 5 mg/egg kg. Morphological changes in the embryonic day four (ED4) and hatchling hearts were assessed with histological techniques. Heart rates of hatchling chickens were measured with electrocardiography. The protein expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-kb p65), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were assessed with immunohistochemistry or western blotting in hatchling hearts. PM2.5 exposure elevated areas of heart in ED4 embryo, increased heart rate, and thickened right ventricular wall thickness in hatchling chickens. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced NF-kb p65 expression in hatchling hearts. Western blotting results indicated that both iNOS and MMP9 expression were enhanced by lower doses of PM2.5 exposure (0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg) but not 2 mg/kg. In summary, developmental exposure to PM2.5 induced developmental cardiotoxicity in chicken embryo and hatchling chickens, which is associated with NF-kb p65, iNOS, and MMP9.

Nephroprotective Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles in a Murine Model of Chronic Cyclosporine Nephrotoxicity

Background

Cell therapies and derived products have a high potential in aiding tissue and organ repairing and have therefore been considered as potential therapies for treating renal diseases. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of these therapies according to the stage of chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renoprotective effect of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs), their extracellular vesicles (EVs) and EVs-depleted conditioned medium (dCM) in an aggressive mouse model of chronic cyclosporine (CsA) nephrotoxicity in a preventive and curative manner.

Methods

After 4 weeks of CsA-treatment (75 mg/kg daily) mice developed severe nephrotoxicity associated with a poor survival rate of 25%, and characterized by tubular vacuolization, casts, and cysts in renal histology. BM-MSC, EVs and dCM groups were administered as prophylaxis or as treatment of CsA nephrotoxicity. The effect of the cell therapies was analyzed by assessing renal function, histological damage, apoptotic cell death, and gene expression of fibrotic mediators.

Results

Combined administration of CsA and BM-MSCs ameliorated the mice survival rates (6-15%), but significantly renal function, and histological parameters, translating into a reduction of apoptosis and fibrotic markers. On the other hand, EVs and dCM administration were only associated with a partial recovery of renal function or histological damage. Better results were obtained when used as treatment rather than as prophylactic regimen i.e., cell therapy was more effective once the damage was established.

Conclusion

In this study, we showed that BM-MSCs induce an improvement in renal outcomes in an animal model of CsA nephrotoxicity, particularly if the inflammatory microenvironment is already established. EVs and dCM treatment induce a partial recovery, indicating that further experiments are required to adjust timing and dose for better long-term outcomes.

Stem cell-based treatment of kidney diseases

IMPACT STATEMENT

Stem cells hold great promise in regenerative medicine. Pluripotent stem cells have been differentiated into kidney organoids to understand human kidney development and to dissect renal disease mechanisms. Meanwhile, recent studies have explored the treatment of kidney diseases using a variety of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and renal derivatives. This mini-review discusses the diverse mechanisms underlying current renal disease treatment via stem cell therapy. We postulate that clinical applications of stem cell therapy for kidney diseases can be readily achieved in the near future.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes alleviate sepsis-associated acute kidney injury via regulating microRNA-146b expression

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (HucMSC-Ex) are a promising tool for the repair of acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by cisplatin and ischemia/reperfusion. However, the roles of hucMSC-Ex in sepsis-associated AKI repair and its mechanism are largely unknown. Hence, we constructed a sepsis model through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), testing the benefits of hucMSC-Ex in the sepsis in terms of survival rate, serum renal markers levels, morphological changes and apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry staining and immunofluorescence assay were used to investigate the role of NF-κB activity in the repair of sepsis-associated AKI with hucMSC-Ex. HK-2 cells were transfected with microRNA-146b (miR-146b) mimics and inhibitors, respectively, and the regulatory effect of miR-146b on NF-κB activity was studied. We found that hucMSC-Ex treatment significantly decreased the serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, ameliorated the morphological damage and inhibited renal tubular cells apoptosis. More importantly, the survival rate at 72 h was 28% in CLP group and 45% in hucMSC-Ex group, respectively. Treatment with hucMSC-Ex improved survival in mice with sepsis. These effects of hucMSC-Ex were mediated by the inhibition of NF-κB activity and the lessening of pro-inflammatory response. Furthermore, hucMSC-Ex significantly increased miR-146b expression in kidney tissues. Conversely, interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK1) level, which is the target gene of miR-146b, clearly decreased in hucMSC-Ex group. In brief, this study showed that treatment with hucMSC-Ex decreased IRAK1 expression through the up-regulation of miR-146b level, led to the inhibition of NF-κB activity, and eventually alleviated sepsis-associated AKI and improved survival in mice with sepsis. HucMSC-Ex may be a novel therapeutic agent for the reduction of sepsis-associated AKI.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote human melanocytes proliferation and resistance to apoptosis through PTEN pathway in vitiligo

Background

Vitiligo is an acquired chronic and recurrent skin disease that causes a depigmentation disorder, resulting in selective destruction of melanocytes (MC). However, the mechanism that leads to melanocyte dysfunction and death remains unclear.

Methods

We performed RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting to characterize the patterns of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway activation in vitiligo. We also cocultured primary melanocytes with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a Transwell system to explore how MSCs inhibit the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway in melanocytes.

Results

We identified that vitiligo normal-lesional junction skin presented with high expression of PTEN, which led to the inhibition of AKT phosphorylation (p-AKT) at S^-473. Furthermore, PTEN overexpression led to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in melanocytes. Coculturing with MSCs enhanced the cell proliferation of human melanocytes and repressed PTEN expression, which inhibited oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

We report that vitiligo patients present with high PTEN expression, which may play a role in the impairment of melanocytes. Furthermore, our study provides evidence that MSCs target the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in human melanocytes, indicating that MSCs may serve as a promising therapy for vitiligo.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Decrease Oxidative Stress in the Bowels of Interleukin-10 Knockout Mice

Background/Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation mainly in the large intestine. The interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10 KO) mouse is a well-known animal model of IBD that develops spontaneous intestinal inflammation resembling Crohn's disease. Oxidative stress is considered to be the leading cause of cell and tissue damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause direct cell injury and/or indirect cell injury by inducing the secretion of cytokines from damaged cells. This study evaluated the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) on the progression of IBD. Methods: In this study, human bone marrow-derived MSCs were injected into IL-10 KO mice (MSC). Oxidative stress and inflammation levels were evaluated in the large intestine and compared with those in control IL-10 KO mice (CON) and normal wild-type control mice (Wild). Results: The levels of ROS (superoxide and hydrogen peroxidase) and a secondary end-product of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) were considerably higher in the CON, while superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were lower in the MSC. Inflammation-related marker (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-4, and CD8) expression and inflammatory histological changes were much less pronounced in MSC than in CON. Conclusions: MSCs affect the redox balance, leading to the suppression of IBD.

The Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Therapy of Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion in Animal Models

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), discovered and isolated from the bone marrow in the 1960s and with self-renewal capacity and multilineage differentiation potential, have valuable immunomodulatory abilities. Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to rapid renal failure, which exhibits as quickly progressive decreasing excretion in few hours or days. This study was performed to assess the efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion using a meta-analysis method. A literature search using corresponding terms was performed in the following databases: Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science databases up to Dec 31, 2019. Data for outcomes were identified, and the efficacy of MSCs for AKI was assessed using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.3. Nineteen studies were eligible and recruited for this meta-analysis. MSC treatment can reduce the Scr levels at 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, and >7 days (1 day: WMD = -0.56, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.34, P < 0.00001; 2 days: WMD = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.89, -0.28, P = 0.0002; 3 days: WMD = -0.65, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.45, P < 0.00001; 5 days: WMD = -0.35, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.16, P = 0.0003; and >7 days: WMD = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.08, P = 0.002) and can reduce the levels of BUN at 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 5 days (1 day: WMD = -11.72, 95% CI: -18.80, -4.64, P = 0.001; 2 days: WMD = -33.60, 95% CI: -40.15, -27.05, P < 0.00001; 3 days: WMD = -21.14, 95% CI: -26.15, -16.14, P < 0.00001; and 5 days: WMD = -8.88, 95% CI: -11.06, -6.69, P < 0.00001), and it also can reduce the levels of proteinuria at 3 days and >7 days and alleviate the renal damage in animal models of AKI. In conclusion, MSCs might be a promising therapeutic agent for AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Induce Podocyte Protection in the Puromycin Injury Model

Podocytes are specialized cells with a limited capacity for cell division that do not regenerate in response to injury and loss. Insults that compromise the integrity of podocytes promote proteinuria and progressive renal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential renoprotective and regenerative effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (mSC) in a severe form of the podocyte injury model induced by intraperitoneal administration of puromycin, aggravated by unilateral nephrectomy. Bone derived mSC were isolated and characterized according to flow cytometry analyses and to their capacity to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Control, PAN, and PAN+ mSC, consisting of PAN rats treated with 2 × 10⁵ mSC. PAN rats developed heavy proteinuria, hypertension, glomerulosclerosis and significant effacement of the foot process. After 60 days, PAN rats treated with mSC presented a significant amelioration of all these abnormalities. In addition, mSC treatment recovered WT1 expression, improved nephrin, podocin, synaptopodin, podocalyxin, and VEGF expression, and downregulated proinflammatory Th1 cytokines in the kidney with a shift towards regulatory Th2 cytokines. In conclusion, mSC administration induced protection of podocytes in this experimental PAN model, providing new perspectives for the treatment of renal diseases associated with podocyte damage.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Renal Fibrosis: The Flame of Cytotherapy

Renal fibrosis, as the fundamental pathological process of chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a pathologic extension of the normal wound healing process characterized by endothelium injury, myofibroblast activation, macrophage migration, inflammatory signaling stimulation, matrix deposition, and remodelling. Yet, the current method of treating renal fibrosis is fairly limited, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, angiotensin receptor blockade, optimal blood pressure control, and sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis. MSCs are pluripotent adult stem cells that can differentiate into various types of tissue lineages, such as the cartilage (chondrocytes), bone (osteoblasts), fat (adipocytes), and muscle (myocytes). Because of their many advantages like ubiquitous sources, convenient procurement and collection, low immunogenicity, and low adverse effects, with their special identification markers, mesenchymal stem MSC-based therapy is getting more and more attention. Based on the mechanism of renal fibrosis, MSCs mostly participate throughout the renal fibrotic process. According to the latest and overall literature reviews, we aim to elucidate the antifibrotic mechanisms and effects of diverse sources of MSCs on renal fibrosis, assess their efficacy and safety in preliminarily clinical application, answer the controversial questions, and provide novel ideas into the MSC cellular therapy of renal fibrosis.