Current Stem Cell Research & TherapyCurrent Stem Cell Research & TherapyCurrent Stem Cell Research & Therapy1574-888X2212-3946Bentham Science64559410.2174/011574888X279940231206100902MedicineResearch ArticleFucoxanthin Enhances the Antifibrotic Potential of Placenta-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a CCl4-induced Mouse Model of LiverSlautinVasiliiinfo@benthamscience.netKonyshevKonstantininfo@benthamscience.netGavrilovIlyainfo@benthamscience.netBeresnevaOlgainfo@benthamscience.netMaklakovaIrinainfo@benthamscience.netGrebnevDmitryinfo@benthamscience.netDepartment of Pathophysiology, Ural State Medical University0111202419111484149611012025Copyright ©; 2024, Bentham Science Publishers2024Bentham Science Publishershttps://journals.eco-vector.com/1574-888X/article/view/645594

Background:The effectiveness of fucoxanthin (Fx) in liver diseases has been reported due to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy has also been proposed as a promising strategy for liver fibrosis treatment. Recent studies have shown that the co-administration of MSCs and drugs demonstrates a pronounced effect on liver fibrosis.

Aim:This study aimed to determine the therapeutic potential of placenta-derived MSCs (PD-MSCs) in combination with Fx to treat liver fibrosis and evaluate their impact on the main links of liver fibrosis pathogenesis.

Methods:After PD-MSCs isolation and identification, outbred ICR/CD1 mice were divided into five groups: Control group, CCl4 group (CCl4), Fx group (CCl4+Fx), PD-MSCs group (CCl4+MSCs) and cotreatment group (CCl4+MSCs+Fx). Biochemical histopathological investigations were performed. Semiquantitative analysis of the alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA+), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9+, MMP-13+), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1+) areas, and the number of positive cells in them were studied by immunohistochemical staining. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), hepatic growth factor (HGF), procollagen-1 (COL1α1) in liver homogenate and proinflammatory cytokines in blood serum were determined using an enzyme immunoassay.

Results:Compared to the single treatment with PD-MSCs or Fx, their combined administration significantly reduced liver enzyme activity, the severity of liver fibrosis, the proinflammatory cytokine levels, TGF-β level, α-SMA+, TIMP-1+ areas and the number of positive cells in them, and increased HGF level, MMP-13+, and MMP-9+ areas.

Conclusion:Fx enhanced the therapeutic potential of PD-MSCs in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, but more investigations are necessary to understand the mutual impact of PD-MSCs and Fx.

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