Objective: To determine whether WJ-MSCs pretreated with VPA would enhance their migration to improve functional recovery of renal IRI in rats.
Methods: 150 Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed into 5 groups; Sham, IRI, WJ-MSC, VPA, and WJ-MSCs + VPA. 10 rats were sacrificed after 3, 5, and 7 days. Role of WJ-MSCs pretreated with VPA was evaluated by assessment of renal function, antioxidant enzymes together with renal histopathological and immunohistopathological analyses and finally by molecular studies.
Results: WJ-MSCs and VPA significantly improved renal function and increased antioxidants compared to IRI group. Regarding gene expression, WJ-MSCs and VPA decreased BAX and TGF-β1, up-regulated Akt, PI3K, BCL2, SDF1α, and CXCR4 related to IRI. Additionally, WJ-MSCs pretreated with VPA improved the measured parameters more than either treatment alone.
Conclusion: WJ-MSCs isolated from the umbilical cord and pretreated with VPA defended the kidney against IRI by more easily homing to the site of injury.
Keywords: AKT; CXCR4; IRI; Valproic acid; WJ-MSCs.
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