Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Experimental Diabetic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive kidney disease and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Diabetic kidney disease has been strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite their susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), patients with DKD are less likely to receive appropriate cardiovascular risk modification as they are generally excluded from major cardiovascular trials. Awareness of vulnerability of these patients necessitates investigating potential interventions that would lessen their risk of adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the effect of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in modulating cardiovascular risk factors that develop with the progression of DKD. METHODS: A total of 60 adult female albino rats were allocated into 3 groups: control group, untreated DKD group, and mesenchymal stem cells–treated diabetic kidney disease (MSCs-DKD) group. Blood pressure, blood glucose level, lipid profile, and atherogenic index were used to assess cardiovascular risk. All rats were killed and subjected to in vitro aortic reactivity studies 8 weeks after induction of diabetes. The MSCs-DKD rats received a single intravenous injection of MSCs 4 weeks after diabetes induction. RESULTS: Mesenchymal stem cells injection significantly decreased blood pressure, atherogenic index, and blood glucose compared with untreated rats. The MSCs-DKD aorta also exhibited significant enhancement of vascular reactivity parameters despite absence of improvement in kidney function. These findings conformed to tracked MSCs, which were found residing in aortic and pancreatic tissues and absent in kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: Mesenchymal stem cells hold hope of improving cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with DKD, particularly those deteriorating to ESRD.