Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells attenuate acute lung injury induced by trauma and haemorrhagic shock

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promising therapeutic options for acute lung injury (ALI) caused by multiple factors. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) in trauma and hemorrhagic shock (THS)-induced ALI. ALI model induced by THS was constructed by fractures plus abdominal trauma plus acute hemorrhage plus fluid resuscitation. The ADSCs group rats were generated by injecting 2×106 ADSCs at 0 and 1 h after THS. The sham, ALI, and ADSCs group rats were sacrificed at 24 hours after resuscitation. The changes in lung histopathology, total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic indicator, and the activity of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in lung tissues were evaluated. Administration of the ADSCs reversed ALI induced by THS, including lung histopathological changes/scores, and BALF total protein concentration. Additionally, ADSCs therapy also significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, up-regulated mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10, anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2, and anti-oxidative molecule HO-1 in THS rats. Furthermore, ADSCs suppressed the expression of TLR4 in lung tissue. Our data show that ADSCs administration can exert therapeutic effects on THS-induced ALI in rats and may provide beneficial in preventative strategies for ALI.