Exosomes From Human Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Suppress Macrophage-to-myofibroblast Transition, Alleviating Renal Fibrosis

This study investigates their potential to lessen renal fibrosis by targeting macrophage-to-myofibroblast transformation (MMT), a key driver of fibrosis.  We employed a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and cultured cells exposed to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) to mimic MMT. HucMSC-Exos were administered to UUO mice, and their effects on kidney function and fibrosis were assessed. Additionally, RNA sequencing and cellul ar analysis were performed to elucidate the mechanisms by which HucMSC-Exos inhibit MMT. HucMSC-Exos treatment significantly reduced kidney damage and fibrosis in UUO mice. They downregulated markers of fibrosis (Collagen I, vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin) and suppressed MMT (α-SMA + F4/80  + cells). Furthermore, ARNTL, a specific molecule, emerged as a potential target of HucMSC-Exos in hindering MMT and consequently preventing fibrosis. HucMSC-Exos effectively lessen renal fibrosis by suppressing MMT, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for managing kidney damage and fibros is.
Source: Inflammation - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research