Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes in Successful Management of Renal Failure and Pulmonary Toxicity Caused Due to Paraquat Poisoning

Abstract

Abstract Paraquat is a commonly used herbicide worldwide and its ingestion is associated with a high mortality rate as no definitive treatment is available. This case report describes a 57-year-old male admitted to NRI General Hospital after ingestion of paraquat, resulting in renal failure and pulmonary toxicity. He was initially treated with the standard treatment modalities, which included immunosuppression, hemoperfusion and haemodialysis, but had no significant improvement. The patient was treated with umbilical cord blood-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and exosomes as a lifesaving measure. He was treated with three doses each of MSCs(1.5 X 108 cells/dose) and exosomes ( 5 × 1010 vesicles/ dose) on every alternate day starting from the fourth day of consumption of paraquat, and his condition gradually improved. A fourth dose of MSC and exosomes was given on the 15th day of ingestion, and other supportive measures were continued throughout. The patient was discharged on the 24th day in stable condition. MSCs and exosomes had a significant contribution in improving the outcome and may be explored for use in similar situations.