Human amnion mesenchymal stem cells attenuate atherosclerosis by modulating macrophage function to reduce immune...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Stem Cell Therapy

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunosuppressive properties beneficial for treating atherosclerosis (AS).
• Human amnion mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) exhibit immunomodulatory capabilities, making them a candidate for AS intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of hAMSCs on early atherosclerotic plaque formation and established lesion progression in apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-KO) mice.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of hAMSCs' action on immune responses in AS.

Main Methods:

• ApoE-KO mice were fed a high-fat diet and received either early or delayed hAMSCs treatment.
• Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess plaque area, macrophage infiltration, and inflammatory cytokine levels.
• Western blotting was used to analyze the involvement of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Main Results:

• hAMSCs treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque area in the aortic arch.
• Macrophage accumulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) release were decreased, while anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) release was increased.
• hAMSCs suppressed NF-κB pathway activation, indicated by reduced p65 and IκB-α phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

• hAMSCs treatment effectively mitigates immune responses contributing to AS.
• hAMSCs demonstrate therapeutic potential in reducing the size of atherosclerotic lesions in a mouse model.