Possible Therapeutic Effect of Stem Cell in Atherosclerosis in Albino Rats. A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study
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Published on: June 20, 2025
Samraa H Abdel-Kawi1, Khalid S Hashem2
1Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-suef, Egypt.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy effectively reversed atherosclerosis in rats. This study demonstrates a promising new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease, offering hope for regression of arterial plaque buildup.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a leading global cause of mortality.
- Current treatments lack effective atherosclerosis regression strategies.
- Stem cell therapies show potential for treating vascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate the effect of MSC therapy on established atherosclerotic changes.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were induced with atherosclerosis using a high-cholesterol diet and vitamin D.
- Atherosclerotic rats received tail vein injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- Histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analyses were performed to assess treatment effects.
Main Results:
- Atherogenic diet induced significant aortic thickening, intimal and smooth muscle proliferation, and migration.
- Increased collagen fibers, iNOS, and vimentin immunoreactivity were observed in the atherogenic group.
- Mesenchymal stem cell therapy led to the regression of these atherosclerotic markers.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cell therapy demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis.
- MSC treatment successfully reversed key pathological features of atherosclerosis in the rat model.
- This study supports MSCs as a viable therapeutic option for atherosclerosis.
Background:
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. there are no effective approaches to regressing atherosclerosis due to not fully understood mechanisms. Recently, stem cell-based therapies have held promises to various diseases, including vascular diseases.
Aim:
The present study aimed at investigating the possible effect of cord blood mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy on atherosclerosis.
Material And Methods:
Eighty adult male albino rats were divided into control group (I), atherogenic group (II): subjected to high cholesterol fed diet (200~300 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks and 1.8 million units of vitamin D / kg of diet for 6 weeks. Stem cell therapy group (III): injected with stem cells in the tail vein following confirmation of atherosclerosis. Histological, Immunohistochemical and morphometric studies were performed were conducted.
Results:
Atherogenic group (II) showed increased aortic thickness, intimal proliferation, smooth muscle proliferation and migration. Increased area % of collagen fibers, iNOS and vimentin immunoreactions were recorded and proved morphometrically. All findings regressed on stem cell therapy.
Conclusion:
A definite therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells was found on atherosclerosis.
