Microvesicles Secreted by Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Regeneration of Sprague-Dawley Rat Sciatic Nerve

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injure seriously endangers human health and new methods involving stem cells are currently being developed, these cells may exert their function primarily through secretory microvesicles (MVs) and various small molecules. MVs have become the key mediators of intercellular communication. In this study, MVs secreted by human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hESC-MSC-MVs) were isolated by ultracentrifugation. A Sprague-Dawley rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury was established with 36 Sprague-Dawley rats. Efficacy evaluations including rat footprint test, the HE staining of nerve fibers and the HE staining of gastrocnemius muscle fibers were conducted two weeks after the injection of hESC-MSC-MVs through caudal vein. Results showed that hESC-MSC-MVs obviously had an effect of nerve injury repair and inhibited the denervation atrophy of gastrocnemius muscles. This implied that hESC-MSC-MVs with great regenerative properties might offer an alternative therapeutic option for treating peripheral neuropathy.