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Extracellular vesicles derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells repair functional and structural rat adrenal
Eman Mohamed Faruk1, Wardah Abdullah Alasmari2, Hanan Fouad3
1Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
Abstract:
The adrenal glands have striking morpho-biochemical features that render them vulnerable to the effects of toxins.
Aims:
This study was conducted to explore the therapeutic utility of extracellular vesicles derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-EVs) against fluoride-induced adrenal toxicity.
Materials And Methods:
The work included isolation and further identification of BMSC-EVs by transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometric analysis. Adrenal toxicity in rats was induced by oral administration of 300 ppm of sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water for 60 days followed by a single dose injection of BMSC-EVs. The effects of BMSC-EVs against NaF was evaluated by adrenal oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers, hormonal assay of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) and mRNA gene expression quantitation for adrenal cortical steroidogenic pathway-encoding genes. Histopathological examination of the adrenal tissue was performed.
Key Findings:
BMSC-EVs were effectively isolated and characterized. NaF exposure decreased adrenal superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, increased adrenal malondialdehyde levels, elevated plasma ACTH, diminished CORT concentrations and downregulated the adrenal cortical steroidogenic pathway-encoding genes. In addition, NaF-induced marked adrenal histopathological lesions.
Significance:
BMSC-EVs treatment repaired damaged adrenal tissue and recovered its function greatly following NaF consumption. BMSC-EVs reversed the toxic effects of NaF and reprogramed injured adrenal cells by activating regenerative processes.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-EVs) show therapeutic potential against fluoride-induced adrenal toxicity. BMSC-EVs treatment repaired adrenal damage and restored function in rats exposed to sodium fluoride.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Adrenal glands are susceptible to toxic damage.
- Fluoride exposure can induce adrenal toxicity.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (BMSC-EVs) on fluoride-induced adrenal toxicity in a rat model.
- To evaluate the protective mechanisms of BMSC-EVs against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced damage.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of BMSC-EVs.
- Induction of adrenal toxicity in rats using sodium fluoride (NaF).
- Administration of BMSC-EVs and assessment of adrenal function through biochemical markers, hormone levels (ACTH, corticosterone), gene expression, and histopathology.
Main Results:
- NaF exposure significantly impaired adrenal antioxidant capacity, increased oxidative stress, altered hormone levels, and caused histopathological damage.
- BMSC-EVs treatment effectively counteracted NaF-induced oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances.
- Histopathological examination revealed that BMSC-EVs significantly repaired NaF-induced adrenal tissue lesions.
Conclusions:
- BMSC-EVs demonstrate significant therapeutic utility in mitigating fluoride-induced adrenal toxicity.
- BMSC-EVs promote adrenal tissue repair and functional recovery by activating regenerative processes.
- This study highlights the potential of BMSC-EVs as a novel therapeutic strategy for adrenal toxicities.
