Amniotic Fluid-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Derived Secretome and Exosomes Improve Inflammation in Human Intestinal Subepithelial Myofibroblasts

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-derived secretome and secreted extracellular vesicles may offer novel therapeutic opportunities in patients with IBD. Thus, exosomes may be utilized as a novel cell-free approach for IBD therapy. The aim of our study was to examine the possible anti-inflammatory effects of secretome/exosomes on an IBD-relevant, in vitro model of LPS-induced inflammation in human intestinal SubEpithelial MyoFibroblasts (SEMFs). The tested CM (Conditioned Media)/exosomes derived from a specific population of second-trimester amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, the spindle-shaped amniotic fluid MSCs (SS-AF-MSCs), and specifically, their secreted exosomes could be utilized as a novel cell-free approach for IBD therapy. Therefore, we studied the effect of SS-AF-MSCs CM and exosomes on LPS-induced inflammation in SEMF cells. SS-AF-MSCs CM and exosomes were collected, concentrated, and then delivered into the cell cultures. Administration of both secretome and exosomes derived from SS-AF-MSCs reduced the severity of LPS-induced inflammation. Specifically, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR-4 mRNA expression was decreased, while the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was elevated. Our results were also verified at the protein level, as secretion of IL-1β was significantly reduced. Overall, our results highlight a cell-free and anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent for potential use in IBD therapy.