MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate sepsis-associated liver dysfunction by inhibiting macrophage

Lei Pei1, Ranran Li2, Xiaofeng Wang1

  • 1Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) show promise for treating sepsis-associated liver dysfunction (SALD). MSC-EVs reduce inflammation in liver macrophages by inhibiting glycolysis via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction (SALD) worsens patient outcomes.
  • Liver macrophages are key players in SALD pathogenesis.
  • Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have shown anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs in SALD.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which MSC-EVs modulate liver macrophage inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • A mouse model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.
  • In vitro studies using LPS-stimulated Kupffer cells (KCs) and Raw264.7 macrophages.
  • Analysis of macrophage polarization, glycolytic enzymes, glycolytic flux, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression.

Main Results:

  • MSC-EVs treatment alleviated liver injury in a sepsis mouse model.
  • MSC-EVs promoted the M1 to M2 macrophage polarization shift.
  • MSC-EVs downregulated glycolytic enzymes and reduced glycolytic flux by inhibiting HIF-1α, suppressing macrophage inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • MSC-EVs demonstrate immunomodulatory functions in SALD.
  • MSC-EVs exert anti-inflammatory effects on liver macrophages by targeting glycolysis.
  • MSC-EVs represent a potential therapeutic strategy for SALD.

Related Concept Videos