Background
Acute renal failure is associated with 50–80% mortality. Currently, treatment options
for this life-threatening disease are limited. However, stem cells offer an exciting
potential for kidney regeneration.
Aim
In the present study we evaluated whether bone marrow stem cells and vitamin C,
either in combination or alone, are effective in the regeneration of kidney tubules
following acute tubular necrosis in rats.
Materials and methods
Eighty adult male albino rats divided into five groups (15 rats each) were used in this
study. Group I was the control group; group II was treated with mercuric chloride
(HgCl2); group III was treated with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells;
group IV was treated with vitamin C; and group V was treated with bone marrowderived
mesenchymal stem cells and vitamin C. One set of animals were sacrificed
on day 5 after injection of HgCl2, another set at 8 weeks after treatment, and one set
at 12 weeks after treatment. Kidney tissue samples were processed for histological,
histochemical, and immunohistochemical study and for biochemical assay. The
obtained results were analyzed morphometrically and statistically.
Results
Group II showed several tubular changes in the form multiple vacuoles and darkly
stained nuclei. Some tubules revealed karyolitic nuclei, denudation of the basement
membrane, and acidophilic casts engorged in their lumens. The glomerular capillaries
were congested and enlarged with decrease in filtration space and well-observed
atrophic changes. Bone marrow stem cells and vitamin C were found to play a role
in the regeneration of tubules of the renal cortex. H&E, Periodic acid–Schiff, and
survivin expression revealed a significant improvement in the functional and structural
recovery of the kidney from acute kidney injury (AKI) in groups III and V compared
with group II.
Conclusion
The present results demonstrate that bone marrow stem cells contribute to the
regeneration of the renal tubular epithelium in HgCl2-induced AKI. This study also
suggests the antioxidant and antiapoptotic functions of bone marrow stem cells and
vitamin C together in treating AKI. |
