Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Modulates the Stretch‐induced Inflammatory Response in Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Asthma involves abnormalities of bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) and smooth muscle cells, as well as their interaction. Research in pulmonary pathology has generally focused on inflammatory reactions initiated by immunological responses to allergens and irritants. In addition to biochemical stimuli, physical forces also play an important role in regulating the structure and function of the lung, and abnormal stretching force exerted on lung tissues can contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the mechanisms of mechanically induced inflammation in lung remain unclear. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are emerging as a therapeutic regime in various inflammatory diseases, including inflammation in the lung. Our results demonstrated that excessive mechanical stretch causes (a) increases of epithelial cell secretion of inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL‐8 and IL‐6) through the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and (b) decreases of anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10) synthesis. Co‐culture with hMSCs reversed the stretch‐induced epithelial inflammatory responses by increasing IL‐10 secretion. In summary, we have demonstrated that mechanical stretch modulates the homeostasis of the bronchial epithelial cell secretome and that MSCs administration can be used as a potential therapeutic approach for bronchial epithelial cell inflammation.