Enhanced Colon Regeneration in Ulcerative Colitis via Mesenchymal Stem Cell Medium and 17-β Estradiol

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increases the risk of colorectal cancer. This study investigates the potential of conditioned medium from mesenchymal stem cells (CMm) treated with 17-beta-estradiol (E2) to enhance colon regeneration in UC-affected rats.

Bone marrow-derived MSCs from male Wistar rats were cultured with 100 nM E2 for 24 h. UC was induced in three groups: colitis (C), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and MSCs + estradiol (MSC + E2). Each group received intraperitoneal injections of 200 µL CMm derived from 2 × 10⁶ cells or E2-treated CMm three times postinduction. The study evaluated disease activity index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in colon tissues, alongside histopathological assessments.

Results showed significant improvements in DAI and reductions in MPO, NO, and cytokine levels in MSC and MSC + E2 groups compared to the C group. Histopathological analysis revealed enhanced colon tissue regeneration in these groups.

These findings suggest that CMm, particularly with E2, may facilitate colonic healing and mitigate inflammation in UC.