The effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) treatment on plasma transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels and plasma renin levels on the Wistar rat models with grade five kidney trauma

Abstract

Introduction: Kidney trauma is the most common urological trauma. Latest advances have made conservative management possible for almost all kidney trauma, but grade five kidney trauma poses challenges due to delayed recognition of complications, leading to irreversible morbidity, with the most common late complications being kidney damage due to ischemic and fibrotic processes. From several studies, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) have shown promise in preventing tissue damage, including kidney disorders. However, some of these studies are still limited to non-traumatic kidney disorders. This study aimed to learn the impact of ADSC treatment on the prevention of ischemia and fibrosis in grade five kidney trauma. Methods: Twenty-two adult Wistar rats were categorized into healthy control groups, trauma groups without ADSC treatment, and trauma groups with ADSC treatment. Trauma induction methods were carried out by creating a shattered kidney condition. Observations were conducted at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and renin levels were analyzed using ELISA, and statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests with SPSS ver 21.0. Results: ADSC treatment significantly reduced TGF-β1 levels on the fourth week (P = 0.029), indicating a pronounced impact. In terms of plasma renin levels, this study observed an increase across all groups during the fourth week compared to the second week of observation. Interestingly, it noted significantly higher plasma renin levels in the kidney trauma group treated with ADSCs compared to the kidney trauma group without ADSCs during both the second and fourth weeks of observation, with statistically significant mean differences (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005). Conclusion: ADSC treatment effectively prevented and limited ischemia and fibrotic processes in grade five kidney trauma models, evidenced by a significant reduction in TGF-β1 levels. Since satisfactory treatment modalities for grade five kidney trauma were still limited, future research on stem cells is crucial for developing potential treatment modalities for grade five kidney trauma. Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.