Autologous-Versus Allogeneic-Bone Marrow Cell Grafting in Prevention of Obstructive Nephropathy in Rats

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of patients suffering from chronic renal disease (CRD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are a challenge for the development of ingenious therapies. Bone marrow (BM) stem cells are an attractive therapy in the treatment of CRD. Aim of the work: This study aims to compare autologous and allogeneic BM cells in treatment of renal damage in a model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Materials and methods: Sixty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups of 15 animals each: Rats of first group served as (Sham group). The sham-operated animals underwent identical surgical procedures, except that the left ureter was manipulated without ligation and sectioning. Rats underwent UUO with direct intra-renal injection of saline were considered as (UUO) group. The remaining rats were injected with autologous (Auto group) or allogeneic (Allo group) BM cells directly into the renal parenchyma at the same day of operation. In Allo group, the ages of the donor rats were approximately the same as the recipient rats. Results: In the present study, we showed that both types BM cells provided a protective effect and ameliorated interstitial fibrosis as reflected by reduced tubular dilation, decreased interstitial expression of .-smooth muscle actin and significant decline in expression of both transforming growth factor-.1 and caspase-3 in the tubular cells. Autologous BM cells reduced the tubular dilation index from 36.6 (as in UUO rats) to 8.13. Allogeneic BM cells reduced tubular dilation index to 16.87. Conclusion: Our results show that a single intra-renal administration of autologous or allogeneic BM cells strongly associated with a reno-protective role with enhanced proliferation and reduced apoptosis of tubular cells promoted by UUO.