Effects of mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium treatment in mice with cholestatic liver fibrosis

Life Sci. 2021 Sep 15:281:119768. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119768. Epub 2021 Jun 26.

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this work was to study the effects of mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium (MSC CM) treatment in animals with cholestatic liver fibrosis.

Materials and methods: We induced cholestatic liver fibrosis by bile duct ligation in C57Bl/6 mice. In the 5th and 6th days after bile duct ligation proceeding, conditioned medium obtained of cultures of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue was injected in the animals. Blood levels of hepatic transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and albumin were measured in each group. Analysis of collagen deposition was realized by Picro Sirius red staining and cytokine profiling was performed by cytometric bead array (CBA).

Key findings: Our results showed that MSC CM treatment decreased levels of hepatic enzymes and collagen deposition in the liver. After MSC CM treatment, profibrotic IL-17A was decreased andIL-6 and IL-4 were increased.

Significance: In summary, MSC CM treatment demonstrated therapeutic potential to cholestatic liver fibrosis, favoring matrix remodeling and cytokine profile towards liver regeneration.

Keywords: Cholestasis; Conditioned medium; Liver fibrosis; Mesenchymal stem cells; Secretome.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology
  • Animals
  • Cholestasis / metabolism
  • Cholestasis / pathology*
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology*
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL

Substances

  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Cytokines
  • Collagen