Transfer of microRNA-221 from mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles inhibits atherosclerotic plaque formation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a cell-based therapy in many diseases including atherosclerosis (AS) due to their capability of immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. However, the pathway for MSCs ’ antiatherosclerotic activity remains to be elucidated. Here, we test the hypothesis that microRNA-221 (miR-221) from MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) alleviates AS. Male ApoE−/− mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce AS, and were then treated with human bone marrow mese nchymal stem cell (hBMSC)-derived EVs by tail vein injection.
Source: Translational Research - Category: Research Authors: Source Type: research