Mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes from umbilical cord and adipose tissue in the prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions: A rat model study.

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• 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)

To compare anti-adhesive effects of umbilical cord- and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes in a rat model of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion, and to explore whether responses differ by tissue source and route of administration. Thirty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 5/group): Group 1, negative control; Group 2, positive control (injury, no treatment); Group 3, UC-MSC; Group 4, UC-MSC-derived exosomes; Group 5, AD-MSC; Group 6, AD-MSC-derived exosomes; and Group 7, intravenous UC-MSC-derived exosomes. Treatments were administered at laparotomy closure. At postoperative week 3, macroscopic adhesion scores were recorded, and peritoneal samples were evaluated for histopathology and immunohistochemical expression of Collagen I, FGF2, VEGF, and HIF-1α. Untreated rats (Group 2) developed severe adhesions with marked tissue thickening, fibrosis, inflammation, and neovascularization, accompanied by increased Collagen I, FGF2, VEGF, and HIF-1α expression (all p < 0.001 vs. control). UC-MSC and AD-MSC treatment (Groups 3, 5) partially attenuated these changes, although fibrosis and extracellular matrix accumulation persisted. Exosome-treated groups (Groups 4, 6, 7) showed more favorable histopathological and immunohistochemical profiles, including lower adhesion thickness and histologic scores, better

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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