Mechanistic approach of the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells on brain damage in irradiated mice: Emphasis on anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Brain damage which has been induced by radiation generally occurs in radiotherapeutics patient. Stem cells transplantation represents a vital applicant for alleviating neurodegenerative disorders. This work aims at exploring the potential of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on brain injury induced by γ radiation in mice and the possible underlying mechanisms were elucidated. Materials & Methods: Mice were allocated into three groups; Group I (Control), Group II (Irradiated control) where mice submitted to 5 Gy of whole body γ radiation, Group III (Irradiated + BM-MSCs) where mice were intravenouslyinjected of BM-MSCs at a dose of 106 cells/mice 24 hours following irradiation. Animals were sacrificed 28 days following exposure to γ radiation. Results: It was observed that BM-MSCs therapy provided a valuable tissue repair as evidenced by reduction in inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa (NF-κβ), interferon gamma (IFN γ) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) associated with decreased levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in brain tissues of irradiated mice. Furthermore, neuronal apoptosis was declined in brain tissues of BM-MSCs group as remarkable inhibition of caspase-3 and Bax accompanied by elevation of Bcl-2 proteins expression. These results were supported by histopathological investigation. Conclusions: In conclusion, BM-MSCs could display a vital rule in alleviating brain injury in radio-therapeutic patients.