The Effect of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells on The Protection of Chronic Renal Failure: The Role of Adiponectin

Purpose Chronic glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy shows great potential for kidney tissue regeneration. The use of measurable biomarkers is crucial for assessing the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells. Adiponectin is among the suggested biomarkers for monitoring the progression of chronic renal failure. Methods We extracted mesenchymal stem cells from the amnion membrane of term placentas. To establish the experimental groups, we partially ligated the left kidneys of male Wistar rats, fully removed the right kidney after two weeks, and observed them for an additional eight weeks. At the end of this period, the animals underwent a subtotal nephrectomy. After forming 5/6 nephrectomy, we transplanted stem cells via rat tail vein and waited for 15 and 30 days to form stem cell groups. We measured protein levels and mRNA expressions of Adiponectin, Adiponectin Receptor 1, Fibronectin and AMPK phosphorylation by western blot and Real-Time PCR methods respectively. Besides, urine and serum levels of adiponectin and urine levels of albumin measured by using a rat specific ELISA. Results Protein and mRNA expressions of Adiponectin, AdipoR1, Fibronectin, and AMPK phosphorylation were elevated in the nephrectomy groups compared to the controls; however, these increased gene and protein expressions declined following stem cell administration. Conclusion mesenchymal stem cells may have a therapeutic effect on chronic renal failure, and adiponectin may serve as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression.