Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation Inhibits Vascular Inflammatory Responses and Endothelial Dysfunction in Rats with Atherosclerosis.

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation on atherosclerosis (AS) and its underlying mechanisms.Materials and MethodsIn our study, rat AS model was established, and ADSCs were isolated and cultured. Atherosclerotic plaque and pathological symptoms of thoracic aorta were measured by Oil Red O staining and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, respectively. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), aortic endothelin-1 (ET-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, VEGF, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ET-1, respectively, and NF-κB p65 mRNA expressions were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expressions of VEGF, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ET-1, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and IκBα were measured by western blot. Moreover, NF-κB p65 expression was measured by immunofluorescence staining.ResultsADSC transplantation alleviated the pathological symptoms of aortic AS. ADSC transplantation decreased the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and increased serum HDL-C level. Meanwhile, ADSC transplantation decreased the levels of IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α in AS rats. Moreover, the expressions of VEGF, ET-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were decreased by ADSC transplantation. ADSC transplantation inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and promoted IκBα expression in AS rats.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that ADSC transplantation could inhibit vascular inflammatory responses and endothelial dysfunction by suppressing NF-κB pathway in AS rats.