Nrf2 Transfection Enhances the Efficacy of Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Repair Lung Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide

This study aims to determine the protective effects of Nrf2‐transfected human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced lung injury in mice. hAMSCs stably transfected with Nrf2 or green fluorescent protein control were transplanted into male C57BL/6 mice via the tail vein 4 h after intratracheal instillation of LPS. At 3, 7 and 14 days after cell transplantation, total lung injury score (the Smith score) was determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Lung fibrosis was assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. Alveolar epithelial apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. The plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The homing and differentiation of hAMSCs into type II alveolar epithelial (AT II) cells were examined by immunofluorescent staining and/or western blot analysis. Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression in lungs were examined by qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis, and DNA‐binding activity of Nrf2 was detected by ELISA. We found that, compared with control hAMSCs, treatment with Nrf2‐overexpressing hAMSCs led to further reduced lung injury, lung fibrosis, and inflammation in LPS‐challenged mice. Nrf2‐overexpressing hAMSCs also exhibited increased cell retention in the lung, more efficient differentiation into AT II cells, and more prominent effects on the increased mRNA and prote...
Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research