Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate tissue damages triggered by renal ischemia and reperfusion injury

Background. Ischemia and reperfusion injury (I/R) is the major cause of acute renal failure (ARF) with high mortality rates. Because alternative therapies are needed, we investigated the use of stem cell therapy to modulate inflammation in a renal I/R model. Methods. To study kidney I/R injury, we clamped bilateral pedicles for 60 minutes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which had been isolated and cultivated in plastic flasks, were administered to mice 6 hours after injury. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-1 beta mRNAs. Proliferative nuclear cell antigen (PCNA) was used to calculate tubular regeneration. Results. Administration of MSC attenuated renal injury; serum creatinine and plasma urea levels were significantly reduced 24 hours after reperfusion. PCNA immunohistochemistry showed that regeneration occured faster in renal tissues of animals that received MSC than in tissues of control animals. Analyses of cytokine expression in renal tissue demonstrated a greater level of anti-inflammatory cytokines in MSC-treated animals. Conclusion. These results showed an antiinflammatory pattern in MSC-treated animals, demonstrating the potential of MSC to modulate I/R, leading to earlier regeneration of damaged renal tissue.