Mesenchymal Stem Cells—Potential Applications in Kidney Diseases

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells constitute a pool of cells present throughout the lifetime in numerous niches, characteristic of unlimited replication potential and the ability to differentiate into mature cells of mesodermal tissues in vitro. The therapeutic potential of these cells is, however, primarily associated with their capabilities of inhibiting inflammation and initiating tissue regeneration. Owing to these properties, mesenchymal stem cells (derived from the bone marrow, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and increasingly urine) are the subject of research in the settings of kidney diseases in which inflammation plays the key role. The most advanced studies, with the first clinical trials, apply to ischemic acute kidney injury, renal transplantation, lupus and diabetic nephropathies, in which beneficial clinical effects of cells themselves, as well as their culture medium, were observed. The study findings imply that mesenchymal stem cells act predominantly through secreted factors, including, above all, microRNAs contained within extracellular vesicles. Research over the coming years will focus on this secretome as a possible therapeutic agent void of the potential carcinogenicity of the cells.

Human urine-derived stem cells protect against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model via exosomal miR-146a-5p which targets IRAK1

“…The potential therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in kidney diseases has been widely reported 11 , 36 . Due to the invasive collection process and limited proliferation abilities of MSCs, we aimed to explore the utility of USCs in renal IR injury repair.…”

Urine-derived stem/progenitor cells: A focus on their characterization and potential

“…Kidney/genitourinary repair: Kidney and genitourinary repair/bioengineering is an extensive field of research because acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease are major public health issues with high morbidity and mortality. Many studies demonstrated the role and benefits of adult stem cells in kidney repair and regeneration, especially regarding MSCs[ 61 ]. Indeed, MSCs have shown to be efficient to reduce renal lesions in many models including rodent models of AKI induced by cisplatin[ 62 ], gentamicin[ 63 , 64 ] and ischemia reperfusion[ 65 - 67 ] and also in chronic kidney disease models[ 68 , 69 ].…”

Kidney Inflammation, Injury and Regeneration

“…Furthermore, this Special Issue contains important reviews that dealt with the current knowledge of cell death and regeneration [13,14], inflammation [15][16][17][18], and the molecular mechanisms of kidney diseases [19][20][21][22]. In addition, the potential of cell-based therapy approaches that use mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) or their derivates is summarized [23][24][25]. This edition is complemented by a series of reviews that deal with the current data situation on other very specific topics like diabetes and diabetic nephropathy [26][27][28], as well as new therapeutic targets [29].In this Special Issue, twelve original research articles are presented that dealt with different questions and the research models used within.…”

“…In this context, the main mechanisms of kidney regeneration, while focusing on epithelial cell dedifferentiation and the activation of progenitor cells with special attention on the potential niches of kidney progenitor cells, were also lighted [13]. Three reviews by Yun [25], Bochon [23] and Lee [24] summarized the therapeutic potential and efficacy of MSCs, which are primarily associated with their capability to inhibit inflammation and initiate renal regeneration. MSCs predominantly act through secreted factors, including microRNAs that are contained within extracellular vesicles, cytoprotective effects anti-inflammatory effects, anti-apoptotic effects, and the suppression of oxidative stress.…”