A Preliminary Exploration of a Novel High-Cytokine-Secreting Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell in the Treatment of Vaginitis

Abstract

Objective:Vaginitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the vagina, commonly caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, which significantly impacts the physical and psychological health of patients. Stem cell therapy, especially using cells with enhanced cytokine secretion capabilities after induction, presents a promising treatment approach. This study aims to explore a method to induce umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) to secrete higher levels of cytokines and evaluate their efficacy in treating vaginitis. Methods:We developed an induction method using a combination of growth factors and nutrients to significantly stimulate cytokine secretion from UC-MSCs and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the induced UC-MSCs (iUC-MSCs). This evaluation included cytokine secretion capacity, secretion characteristics, cell phenotype, lipid formation ability, and safety before and after induction. Subsequently, we applied the iUC-MSCs to a vaginitis disease model and assessed the therapeutic effects of iUC-MSCs through pathology and related scoring. Results:Flow cytometry analysis showed no significant differences in the expression of phenotypic markers of UC-MSCs before and after induction. AAH-BLG-1 antibody microarray results indicated that cytokine levels secreted by iUC-MSCs were significantly higher than those of the UC-MSCs group. Additionally, iUC-MSCs exhibited improved lipid formation ability and cell proliferation activity compared to the non-induced group. Following this, iUC-MSCs were used to treat the vaginitis model. Western blot analysis post-cell transplantation revealed a significant reduction in inflammatory factor expression in the iUC-MSCs group. Immunofluorescence results showed that compared to the UC-MSCs group and the control group, iUC-MSCs had significantly higher expression levels of COL I, CD31, and cytokeratin CK. The iUC-MSCs group demonstrated superior regeneration and repair effects at the injury site compared to other control groups. Conclusion:Compared to UC-MSCs, iUC-MSCs exhibited higher cytokine secretion and proliferation capacities. Transplantation of iUC-MSCs not only reduced inflammation levels at the lesion site but also promoted angiogenesis, epithelial keratinization, and collagen type I restoration. These combined effects significantly enhanced the regeneration and repair of the lesion site.