Upregulation of C-Reactive Protein by Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Angiogenesis in A Rat Model with Cirrhotic Liver

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Liver cirrhosis is accompanied by abnormal vascular shunts. The Wnt pathway is essential for endothelial cell survival and proliferation. C-reactive protein (CRP), which is produced by hepatocyte, activates angiogenesis in cardiovascular diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression of CRP in CCl(4)-injured rat livers was detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting after transplantation of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) into rats. To determine whether CRP functions in hepatic regeneration by promoting angiogenesis through the Wnt pathway, we detected VEGF and β-catenin in liver tissues and BrdU and β-catenin in hepatocytes by immunofluorescence. The expression levels of CRP, Wnt pathway-related and angiogenic factors were increased in CCl(4)-injured and PD-MSCs transplanted rat livers. In vitro, the expression levels of Wnt signaling and angiogenic factors were decreased in siRNA-CRP-transfected rat hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS: CRP upregulation by PD-MSCs participates in vascular remodeling to promote liver regeneration via the Wnt signaling pathway during hepatic failure.