Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a devastating complication associated with diabetes mellitus, and it is the leading cause of end-stage renal diseases (ESRD). Over the last few decades, numerous studies have reported the beneficial effects of stem cell administration, specifically mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs), on tissue repair and regeneration. MSC therapy has been considered a promising strategy for ameliorating the progression of DN largely based on results obtained from several preclinical studies and recent Phase I/II clinical trials. This paper will review the recent literature on MSC treatment in DN. In addition, the roles and potential mechanisms involved in MSC treatment of DN will be summarized, which may present much needed new drug targets for this disease. Moreover, the potential benefits and related risks associated with the therapeutic action of MSCs are elucidated and may help in achieving a better understanding of MSCs.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic disease affecting millions of people
This review has shown that the novel cell-free therapy based on mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) might become an attractive alternative for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in future clinical applications
DN remains a major clinical complication of diabetes mellitus patients, as it reduces the quality of life and overall survival
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic disease affecting millions of people. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the morbidity rate of DM among adults aged between 20 and 79 years was estimated to be 9.3% in 2019, and the proportion is expected to rise to 10.9% by 2045. Previous studies have estimated that approximately 25% to 40% of those individuals living with both types of diabetes develop DN [2, 3], even when glucose control is nearly optimal, and it is the leading cause of endstage renal disease (ESRD) [4]. Several studies have reported the potent effects of mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) for treating kidney diseases. This has led many scientists to pursue treatment of DN using MSCs. A study conducted in 2006 reported that human bone marrow MSCs could increase pancreatic islets and beta cells that produce insulin, and decrease mesangial thickening and macrophage infiltration in diabetic mice. This review will offer an overview of recent research into DN with an emphasis on the concrete mechanisms through which MSCs may enhance the functional regeneration of kidney tissues
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