Successful integration of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells into the livers of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice

One of the most serious consequences of Schistosoma (S.) mansoni infection is hepatic schistosomiasis or periportal fibrosis. Treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) remains the mainstay of schistosomiasis control. Stem cells and their possible use in cell therapy have drawn much attention recently, due to their potential for self-renewal and differentiation. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) to integrate into the livers of S. mansoni-infected mice. S. mansoni-infected mice (60±10 cercariae/mouse, s.c.) received intra-hepatic injection of UMSCs (1.5x106 cells/mouse), alone or combined with oral PZQ (500 mg/kg/day, for 2 days, seven weeks post infection). At the 10th month post infection, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis for human-specific β2-globulin were performed. Immunohistochemical results showed positive hepatic expression for β2-globulin. Interestingly, the integration of UMSCs was found to be enhanced in transplanted groups which received PZQ. This was shown in the increased hepatic expression levels of β2-globulin in the group which received combined treatment. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that UMSCs were capable of integrating into the liver tissue of infected mice and the observed effects were enhanced when PZQ was given in combination.