Human ADSC xenograft through IL-6 secretion activates M2 macrophages responsible for the repair of damaged muscle tissue

Abstract

BackgroundAdipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) are multipotent stromal cells. The cells secrete a number of cytokines and growth factors and show immunoregulatory and proangiogenic properties. Their properties may be used to repair damaged tissues. The aim of our work is to explain the muscle damage repair mechanism with the utilization of the human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hADSCs).MethodsFor the hADSCs isolation, we used the subcutaneous adipose tissue collected during the surgery. The murine hind limb ischemia was used as a model. The unilateral femoral artery ligation was performed on 10–12-week-old male C57BL/6NCrl and NOD SCID mice. The mice received PBS− (controls) or 1 × 106 hADSCs. One, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after the surgery, we collected the gastrocnemius muscles for the immunohistochemical analysis. The results were analyzed with relevant tests using the Statistica software.ResultsThe retention time of hADSCs in the limb lasted about 14 days. In the mice receiving hADSCs, the improvement in the functionality of the damaged limb occurred faster than in the control mice. More new blood vessels were formed in the limbs of the mice receiving hADSCs than in limbs of the control mice. hADSCs also increased the infiltration of the macrophages with the M2 phenotype (7-AAD−/CD45+/F4/80+/CD206+) into the ischemic limbs. hADSCs introduced into the limb of mice secreted interleukin-6. This cytokine stimulates the emergence of the proangiogenic M2 macrophages, involved, among others, in the repair of a damaged tissue. Both macrophage depletion and IL-6 blockage suppressed the therapeutic effect of hADSCs. In the mice treated with hADSCs and liposomes with clodronate (macrophages depletion), the number of capillaries formed was lower than in the mice treated with hADSCs alone. Administration of hADSCs to the mice that received siltuximab (human IL-6 blocker) did not cause an influx of the M2 macrophages, and the number of capillaries formed was at the level of the control group, as in contrast to the mice that received only the hADSCs.ConclusionsThe proposed mechanism for the repair of the damaged muscle using hADSCs is based on the activity of IL-6. In our opinion, the cytokine, secreted by the hADSCs, stimulates the M2 macrophages responsible for repairing damaged muscle and forming new blood vessels.

The effect of culture media on large-scale expansion and characteristic of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

“…The most abundant cytokine was IL-6. We described earlier that MSC which secreted IL-6 through macrophages M1 ➔ M2 polarization facilitated fast functional recovery of ischemic limb and post-infarcted heart and promoted angiogenesis [12, 38]. Further, OPG cytokine (a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily) stimulates the secretion of IL-6 cytokine [39].…”

Monitoring of diffusion properties and transverse relaxation time of mouse ischaemic muscle after administration of human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue

“…Our immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the M2 phenotype of macrophages after hADSC transplantation. The results from our laboratory indicate that the crucial role in this process is played by interleukin‐6 secreted by hADSCs . This cytokine stimulates the M2 macrophages responsible for the repair of damaged muscle and formation of new blood vessels …”

Extracellular Vesicles From Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Affect Notch-miR148a-3p Axis to Regulate Polarization of Macrophages and Alleviate Sepsis in Mice

“…Given the importance of macrophages in immune system and inflammation, macrophages were used as the cell model. Research shows that ADSCs could alleviate inflammation by regulating M1 to M2 macrophage polarization ( 37 , 38 ). However, the exact mechanism by which ADSCs regulate the differentiation process of macrophages is unclear.…”