Preliminary research on the effects and mechanisms of umbilical cord ‑derived mesenchymal stem cells in streptozotocin‑induced diabetic retinopathy.

Preliminary research on the effects and mechanisms of umbilical cord‑derived mesenchymal stem cells in streptozotocin‑induced diabetic retinopathy. Int J Mol Med. 2020 Aug;46(2):849-858 Authors: Zhao K, Liu J, Dong G, Xia H, Wang P, Xiao X, Chen Z Abstract Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes, and a common cause of blindness in working‑age individuals. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been considered a promising intervention therapy for DR, wherein the differentiation of MSCs into nerve cells plays an essential role. However, research into the role of MSCs in DR treatment remains incomplete, and the mechanisms of retinal repair at the molecular level have yet to be clarified. In the present study, all‑trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was used to promote the proliferation of rat umbilical cord (UC)‑derived MSCs and their differentiation into nerve cells. Furthermore, the effects and mechanisms of UC‑MSCs with or without ATRA treatment were investigated in rats subjected to streptozocin (STZ)‑induced DR. The results demonstrated that the transplantation of UC‑MSCs treated with or without ATRA attenuated DR in rats, and alleviated retinal tissue damage and apoptosis. In addition, the transplantation of UC‑MSCs treated with or without ATRA attenuated angiogenesis and inflammation in the retina by regulating the levels of relevant cytokines. UC‑MSCs tre...
Source: International Journal of Molecular Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Tags: Int J Mol Med Source Type: research