Histological comparative study between endogenous and therapeutic stem cells in adriamycin-induced renal cortical toxicity in male rats

Abstract

Background Renal toxicity resulting from kidney injury poses an important problem to public health. Exogenous and endogenous stem cells (SCs) derived from various tissues hold great promise for regeneration. Aim The aim of this study was to assess and compare the effect of both endogenous and therapeutic SCs in rat model of adriamycin (ADR)-induced renal cortical toxicity. Materials and methods Twenty-four adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: the control group, the ADR group, and the SC therapy group. The ADR group received single intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg ADR; this group was subdivided into subgroups IIa and IIb, and the rats were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks following the expected confirmed renal cortical injury, respectively. The SC therapy group received ADR and was injected with 0.5 ml of human umbilical cord blood SCs in the tail vein. The SC therapy group was subdivided into subgroups IIIa and IIIb that were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks following SC therapy, respectively. Kidney sections were stained with H&E, Prussian blue stain, and CD105 immunostaining. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were performed. Results A significant decrease in the mean glomerular area was found in subgroup IIb compared with control and other subgroups. A significant increase in the mean area of vacuolated cells with dark nuclei was found in subgroups IIa and IIb compared with other subgroups. A significant increase in the mean area of CD105+ cells was detected in subgroup IIIa and IIIb compared with other subgroups. Conclusion Endogenous SCs need to be activated by exogenous administration of SCs for more rapid improvement to attain normal function as early as possible.