Hypoxia-treated adipose mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes enhance the therapeutic effects on unilateral ureteral obstruction mice.

Introduction: The exosomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) had therapeutic effects. However, whether the exosomes derived from hypoxia-treated AMSCs could improve renal functions in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice remains unclear.

Methods: The exosomes were characterized using a transmission electron microscope and Western blot. Its size distribution was determined using the Zetasizer Nano ZS analysis system. The differentiation ability was assessed by alkaline phosphatase and oil red staining. Consequently, the function of exosomes in inhibiting inflammatory factors was evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and apoptosis inhibition was evaluated by Western blot. Finally, the function of exosomes to ameliorate kidney fibrosis using qPCR, Western blot, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining.

Results: The cultured AMSCs could differentiate into osteoblast and adipocyte. Meanwhile, the cultured AMSCs could effectively secrete the exosomes, which were characterized with around 110 nm diameter and surface marker expression. Exosomes derived from hypoxia-treated AMSCs improved renal functions in UUO mice. The mechanism exploration revealed that exosomes could decrease the TNF-α and IL-6 and inhibit cell apoptosis. Finally, the fibrosis-associated protein was reversed, and the renal dysfunctions were ameliorated in UUO mice.

Conclusion: The exosomes derived from the hypoxia-treated AMSCs have a better effect than those from normal AMSCs in ameliorating renal dysfunctions in UUO mice.