BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. there are no effective approaches to regressing atherosclerosis due to not fully understood mechanisms. Recently, stem cell-based therapies have held promises to various diseases, including vascular diseases. AIM: The present study aimed at investigating the possible effect of cord blood mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy on atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty adult male albino rats were divided into control group (I), atherogenic group (II): subjected to high cholesterol fed diet (200~300 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks and 1.8 million units of vitamin D / kg of diet for 6 weeks. Stem cell therapy group (III): injected with stem cells in the tail vein following confirmation of atherosclerosis. Histological, Immunohistochemical and morphometric studies were performed were conducted. RESULTS: Atherogenic group (II) showed increased aortic thickness, intimal proliferation, smooth muscle proliferation and migration. Increased area % of collagen fibers, iNOS and vimentin immunoreactions were recorded and proved morphometrically. All findings regressed on stem cell therapy. CONCLUSION: A definite therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells was found on atherosclerosis.
Adult ; Animals ; Atherosclerosis* ; Cause of Death ; Cholesterol ; Collagen ; Diet ; Fetal Blood ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Muscle, Smooth ; Rats* ; Stem Cells* ; Tail ; Vascular Diseases ; Veins ; Vimentin ; Vitamin D