Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo,
2
Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine,
3
Suez Canal University, Ismailia, & Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology,
4
Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, &Tissue Culture Unit, Center of Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Medicine (CEMCM), Suez Canal University. Ismailia, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common condition that is associated with morbidity and mortality. With
the medical advancement in cell treatment, stem cell therapy has a potential therapeutic strategy for DCM.
Objectives: We aim to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) versus melatonin (MLT)
preconditioned-MSCs in induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats.
Materials and Methods: Forty-five male adult albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I: Control group. Group < br />II: Diabetic group: Rats received single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). Group < br />III: DC treated with MSCs. Group IV: DC treated with MLT preconditioned-MSCs. Histological, ultrastructural and
immunohistochemical studies were performed on left ventricle myocardium. We also estimated the survival of MLTpreconditioned
MSCs in vitro. Bcl-2, Casp-3, interleukin 1 (IL-1), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) expression were measured using
real-time PCR in tissue homogenates.
Results: Our findings revealed a significant increase in immunohistochemical expression of apoptotic markers in the diabetic
group, as well as a disruption of the normal cardiac histological ultrastructure. Melatonin improved MSCs survival in vitro
and altered apoptotic markers. In addition, the melatonin-preconditioned MSC group showed a significant increase in B-cell
lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) mRNA expression and a significant decrease in Casp-3. Enhanced immunomodulatory behavior was
obvious by a significant attrition of the mRNA expression of IL-1β (inflammatory-agonist) and a significant altitude of IL-10
(inflammatory-antagonist).
Conclusion: The melatonin-preconditioning of MSCs enhance their survival and immunomodulatory activities and precisely
restored cardiac histology. Thus, it unveils an encouraging interference of DC.
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