Ena Ray Banerjee
University of Calcutta, India
Title: Cell based regenerative therapy in lung fi brosis
Biography
Biography: Ena Ray Banerjee
Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by excessive matrix deposition that disrupts the normal architecture of the lung parenchyma and causes airway remodeling. It is a progressive and fatal lung disorder with high mortality rate. The current treatments provide only minimal benefits and have significant side effects, highlighting the need for novel treatment approaches to pulmonary fibrosis.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of umbilical cord-derived MSC (uMSC) bleomycin induced fibrosis.
Methods: A mouse model of bleomycin induced pulmonary fi brosis was used in the study. Wharton jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells were injected intravenously and inflammation, fibrosis and regeneration was examined using a series of assays such as an assessment of total cell count, inflammation, hydroxyproline, cell proliferation and clonogenic potential and histology.
Results: We found the increase in the total cell count (p<0.001) and collagen content and a decrease in clonogenic potential (p<0.01) in the lung after bleomycin treatment as compared to the control group. Interestingly, intravenous administration of umbilical cord derived MSC showed reversal of these eff ects by decrease in collagen content, a decrease in total inflammatory cell count (p<0.01) and increase in clonogenic potential (p<0.05) in the lung. Upon umbilical cord derived MSC administration, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species generation in the lung decreased as compared to only bleomycin treated group. Histological study of bleomycin treated lung revealed extracellular matrix decomposition, abnormal collagen degradation and
distorted lung morphology compared to control groups; stem cell treatment assisted in restoration of lung morphology.
Conclusion: The present research suggests that administration of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells led to reduction in inflammation and collagen content, increased proliferative ability of the cells and restored lung morphology. Thus these cells may be used for future reference to formulate effective therapeutic protocols in managing bleomycin induced IPF.