Mesenchymal stem cells improve ovarian function by suppressing fibrosis through CTGF/FAK signalling in systemic lupus erythematosus

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Objective SLE is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterised by chronic inflammation and progressive organ damage, including ovarian dysfunction. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in ameliorating ovarian impairment and restoring ovarian function through the inhibition of fibrosis in a lupus mouse model. Methods Serum levels of sex hormones were quantified via ELISA. Ovarian tissue samples were histologically evaluated for follicle count and fibrosis via H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic factors, hormone receptors and signalling proteins. Primary granulosa cells (GCs) isolated from lupus mice (MRL/lpr) were cocultured with MSCs and the expression of fibrotic factors was analysed by western blot. Additionally, a human GC line (KGN) was used to further explore the relationships among connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/FAK-Tyr576/577 phosphorylation and fibrosis. This was achieved through stimulation with recombinant CTGF, the CTGF antagonist FG-3019 or the FAK inhibitor SU6656. Results UC-MSC transplantation significantly downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines ( Tnf-α , Il-1β ) and fibrotic marker

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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