Exploring the cytoprotective role of mesenchymal stem Cell-Derived exosomes in chronic liver Fibrosis: Insights into the Nrf2/Keap1/p62 signaling pathway
Hajir A. Al Saihati, Omnia A. Badr, Arigue A. Dessouky, Ola Mostafa, Ayman Samir Farid, Nashwa H. Aborayah, Mohammad Abdullah Aljasir, Bodour Baioumy, Neama M. Taha, Mohamed El‐Sherbiny, Rasha Hamed Al‐Serwi, Mahmoud M. Ramadan, Rabab F. Salim, Dalia Shaheen, Fares E.M. Ali, Nesrine Ebrahim
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathology present in most chronic liver diseases. Autophagy is a lysosome-mediated intracellular catabolic and recycling process that plays an essential role in maintaining normal hepatic functions. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor responsible for the regulation of cellular anti-oxidative stress response. This study was designed to assess the cytoprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) on endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Carbon Tetrachloride (CCL4) induced liver fibrosis. Rats were treated with 0.1 ml of CCL4 twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by administration of a single dose of MSC-exos. Rats were then sacrificed after 4 weeks, and liver samples were collected for gene expression analyses, Western blot, histological studies, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that MSC-exos administration decreased collagen deposition, apoptosis, and inflammation. Exosomes modulate the Nrf2/Keap1/p62 pathway, restoring autophagy and Nrf2 levels through modulation of the non-canonical pathway of Nrf2/Keap1/p62. Additionally, MSC-exos regulated miR-153-3p, miR-27a, miR-144 and miRNA-34a expression. In conclusion, the present study shed light on MSC-exos as a cytoprotective agent against EMT and tumorigenesis in chronic liver inflammation.