Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that result in recurrent
inflammation plus ulcers of the colon and rectum. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell-derived
exosomes MSC-EXs have shown a lot of promise for the treatment of gut disorders, with cell
regeneration and angiogenesis. Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) display specific beneficial effects
on health and pathologies. The aim of this study was to explore the possible effect of MSC-EXs and
GTPs on acetic acid-induced UC in rats. Sixty adult male rats were divided into five groups: group I,
control group; group II, UC; group ΙIΙ, UC treated with GTPs; group ΙV, UC treated with MSC-EXs; and
group V, UC treated with combined GTPs and MSC-EXs. Colonic samples were processed for
histological and immunohistochemical methods. Expression of CXCR2 and TLR4 levels was measured.
Groups ΙI and III showed ulceration, loss of surface columnar epithelium, disturbed crypt
architecture with few goblet cells, and many cellular infiltrations with the overexpression of CXCR2
and TLR4. Group IV showed attenuation of some histological changes. Group V showed improvement
of the most histological and immunohistochemical changes described previously. MSC-EXs
represent future therapeutic hopes for chronic intestinal inflammatory states, keeping the integrity
of innate immunity through their regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects. The combination of
GTPs and MSC-EXs was more effective and produced an additive effect than using MSC-EXs alone. |
