Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can restore lupus disease-associated miRNA expression and Th1/Th2 ratios in a murine model of SLE

Sci Rep. 2016 Dec 7:6:38237. doi: 10.1038/srep38237.

Abstract

C3.MRL-Faslpr/J mice spontaneously develop high titers of anti-dsDNA, mild glomerular nephritis, and severe lymphoproliferation symptoms. This study aimed to compare the effects of long-term serial administration of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), and cyclophosphamide treatment in C3.MRL-Faslpr/J mice using a murine SLE model. C3.MRL-Faslpr/J mice were divided into saline (C), cyclophosphamide (Y), and ASC (H) treatment groups. Background-matched control C3H mice treated with saline (N) were also compared. The Y group showed the greatest improvement in disease parameters, but with damaged trabecular integrity. ASC transplantation reduced anti-dsDNA levels, glomerular C3 deposition and CD138 proportion significantly, without trabecular damage. Furthermore, both cyclophosphamide and ASC treatment significantly decreased the ratio of Th1/Th2 compared with the saline-treatment. The expression levels of miR-31-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, and miR-379-5p were significantly higher, while those of miR150-5p were significantly lower in the C group than in the N group. The expression levels of miR-96-5p, miR-182-5p in the Y and H groups were significantly lower than in the C group. Thus, treatment with cyclophosphamide or ASC can change miRNAs and decrease miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p expression, as well as decreasing the CD138 proportion and the Th1/Th2 ratio, which might be involved in the therapeutic mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / immunology*
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology*
  • Heterografts
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / pathology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / pathology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / pathology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs