Potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis therapy

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a prevalent autoimmune disease without a cure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may offer the opportunity to improve autoimmune thyroiditis.

We replicated the pathogenic factors of HT and established a stable autoimmune thyroiditis model in NOD.H-2h4 mice by administering iodine for 12 weeks. We used orthotopic injection to transplant bone MSCs (BMSCs) into the thyroid. Immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and hematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the effects of cell transplantation.

Orthotopic BMSC transplantation decreased serum thyroglobulin antibody and caspase 3 levels; increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels; decreased CD4+/CD3+ T cells, Th1/Th2, and Th17/Treg ratios; decreased TNF-alpha (a proinflammatory cytokine) and interferon-gamma levels; and increased transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-10 levels. In addition, it increased CD90/S100A4 and CD90/TTF-1 co-expression.

Orthotopic BMSC transplantation improved the inflammatory environment by regulating the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting regeneration, and reducing apoptosis in the thyroid tissue. Bone marrow-derived stem cells inhibited T cell activation, maintained a balance between T cell subpopulation ratios, and halted thyroiditis progression. Finally, transplanted BMSCs could transform into fibroblasts and thyroid cells. This study elucidated the pathogenesis of HT and provided evidence supporting the potential of MSCs in HT treatments.