Beneficial effect of human umbilical cord‑derived mesenchymal stem cells on an endotoxin‑induced rat model of preeclampsia

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which exhibit the property of immune‑modulation, have been shown to treat various diseases, including pulmonary hypertension. There is a functional similarity between the pulmonary circulation and the placenta, but it remains to be elucidated whether MSCs can be applied to treat endotoxin‑induced hypertension during pregnancy; therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of a human umbilical cord‑derived MSC infusion on endotoxin‑induced hypertension during pregnancy. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=7 per group): Control, endotoxin‑treated and endotoxin + MSCs. The model of preeclampsia (PE) was established via the intravenous injection of endotoxin. In the endotoxin + MSCs group, MSCs at 2x10 6 cells/rat were injected via the vena caudalis. The blood pressure, urine protein and number of white blood cells were measured. In addition, the protein expression levels of the pro‑inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‑1β and tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) and the anti‑inflammatory cytokine IL‑10 were examined by ELISA. The blood pressure, levels of urine protein and number of white blood cells in the endotoxin‑treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05); however, this increase was significantly attenuated in the endotoxin + MSCs group (P<0.05). In addition, the application of MSCs significantly reduced the levels of pro‑inflammatory TNF‑α and IL‑1β and increased the levels of anti‑inflammatory IL‑10 in the endotoxin‑treated rats. In conclusion, umbilical cord‑derived MSCs have a protective effect in an endotoxin‑induced model of PE, and this effect is likely elicited through the suppression of inflammatory factors. Umbilical cord‑derived MSC‑based therapy may provide a potential therapeutic method for endotoxin‑induced hypertension during pregnancy.