Role of TGF-β3 and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on regeneration of myometrial injury in rats

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and TGF-β3 in regenerative injuries in the myometrium of the uterus in rats. MethodsTwenty-four pregnant rats were randomly assigned into four groups and their pregnancy was terminated on day 19 of pregnancy: 1. Blank scar uterus control group injected with the physiological saline, 2. TGF-β3 group injected with TGF-β3, 3. BMSCs group injected with BMSCs, 4. BMSCS + TGF-β3 injected with TGF-β3 and BMSCs. ResultsMSCs expressing specific surface antigens had multidirectional differentiation potential and showed a tendency to home to the site of injury, and the macroscopic appearance of the cell-treated uterus was smoother and tougher in the three groups than in the control group. The uterus improved by the TGF-β3+MSCs group had the best recovery showing significant glandular and vascular nature, with better repair effect and promoted endometrial cell proliferation. Proteins related to endometrial cell proliferation showed that the expression of Ki-67 was significantly increased in three intervention groups, and a positive signal of waveform protein was observed in the uterine stromal cells. The levels of waveform protein and CK-19 protein were significantly lower in the control group compared to their levels in the three interventional groups. Injection of BMSCs and TGF-β3 resulted in the repair of whole damaged myometrium and significant improvement in function compared to other groups, whereas TGF-β3 significantly reduced collagen fiber production. ConclusionsBMSCs can differentiate into uterine smooth muscle cells, repair uterine scar tissue and promote uterine scar healing.