Effects of Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Particulate Matter-Induced Damages in Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cells
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Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Isolation and Expansion of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Human Placenta Tissue
Published on: June 6, 2016
So Young Kim1, Seung Ha Oh2, Jun Ho Lee2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHA University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) on particulate matter- (PM-) exposed human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). HMEECs were treated with 300 μg/ml PM for 24 hours. The PL-MSCs were cocultured with PM-treated HMEECs. Cells were harvested on days 0, 1, and 4, and the expression of the inflammatory genes TNFα, COX2, IL1β, IL6, and MUC5B in HMEECs and anti-inflammatory genes PTGES, TGFβ, and VEGF in PL-MSCs was examined by qRT-PCR. The culture media were collected to measure the secreted PGE2 level using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of TNFα, COX2, IL1β, IL6, and MUC5B in HMEECs increased following PM treatment. PM-treated HMEECs cocultured with PL-MSCs showed alleviated inflammatory reactions represented by lower mRNA expression levels of MUC5B, TNFα, IL1β, and IL6 compared to monocultured PM-treated HMEECs. The mRNA expression levels of PGE2, TGFβ, and VEGF were elevated in cocultured PL-MSCs compared to those of control PL-MSCs. The medium of PM-treated HMEECs cocultured with PL-MSCs exhibited increased PGE2 levels. The increased inflammatory response in PM-treated HMEECs was reversed using PL-MSCs. The PGE2, TGFβ, and VEGF were the mediators of the anti-inflammatory effects of PL-MSCs.
Insights
Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) reduce inflammation in human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs) exposed to particulate matter (PM). PL-MSCs secrete anti-inflammatory factors like PGE2, TGF-β, and VEGF, reversing PM-induced inflammatory responses.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) exposure can induce inflammation in human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs).
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show potential therapeutic properties.
- Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) are a promising source for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of PL-MSCs on PM-induced inflammation in HMEECs.
- To identify the key mediators involved in the anti-inflammatory action of PL-MSCs.
Main Methods:
- HMEECs were exposed to PM (300 μg/ml) for 24 hours.
- PM-treated HMEECs were co-cultured with PL-MSCs.
- Gene expression of inflammatory (TNFα, COX2, IL1β, IL6, MUC5B) and anti-inflammatory (PTGES, TGFβ, VEGF) markers was analyzed using qRT-PCR.
- PGE2 levels in culture media were measured via ELISA.
Main Results:
- PM exposure significantly increased inflammatory gene expression in HMEECs.
- Co-culture with PL-MSCs significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory genes (MUC5B, TNFα, IL1β, IL6) in PM-treated HMEECs.
- PL-MSCs exhibited elevated expression of anti-inflammatory genes (PGE2, TGFβ, VEGF) and increased PGE2 secretion when co-cultured with PM-treated HMEECs.
- PL-MSCs effectively reversed PM-induced inflammatory responses in HMEECs.
Conclusions:
- PL-MSCs possess significant anti-inflammatory properties against PM-induced damage in HMEECs.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of PL-MSCs are mediated by the secretion of PGE2, TGF-β, and VEGF.
- PL-MSCs represent a potential therapeutic strategy for managing middle ear inflammation caused by environmental pollutants.
