Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Mechanisms of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Reversion of Gastric Precancerous Lesions

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) stands as one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, holding the position of the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Gastric lesions represent pathological alterations to the gastric mucosa, with an elevated propensity to advance to gastric cancer. Limited research has explored the potential of stem cells in the treatment of gastric lesions. Methods: This study aimed to explore the potential of intravenous transplantation of labeled bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) to inhibit the progression of precancerous gastric lesions. Results: In the gastric lesion disease model group, the rat tissue exhibited noteworthy mucosal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Following the infusion of BMMSCs, a notable decrease in gastric lesions was found, with atrophic gastritis being the sole remaining lesion, which was confirmed by morphological and histological examinations. BMMSCs that were colonized at gastric lesions could differentiate into epithelial and stromal cells, as determined by the expression of pan-keratin or vimentin. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly elevated following BMMSC transplantation. BMMSCs could also upregulate the production of humoral immune response cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, and downregulate the production of IL-17 and interferon-gamma, which could be highly associated with the cellular immune response and inflammation severity of the lesions. Conclusions: BMMSC transplantation significantly reduced inflammation and reversed gastric lesion progression.

Keywords

• mesenchymal stem cells
• gastric lesions
• intravenous administration
• immune response
• tumor reversion
• animal model