Contribution of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells to healing of pulmonary contusion-created rats

Abstract

Background: The most common thoracic injury in children, resulting in trauma, is pulmonary contusion (PC). Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are used in wound healing and many other diseases. This study aims to examine the effects of BM-MSCs on PC healing in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 45 male Wistar albino rats were used. Four groups were formed. BM-MSCs were labeled with the green fluorescent protein. PC was observed in the control group. In group II, PC occured and left to spontaneous healing. In group III, PC formed and BM-MSCs were given. In group IV, BM-MSCs were given without PC formation. Subjects were sacrificed 1 week later. Whether there was any difference in terms of BM-MSC involvement and lung injury score was investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 17.0, software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL), and p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: BM-MSCs were collected much more in the lungs in group III than in group IV. Group III had a lower lung injury score value than group II. Conclusion: The greater involvement of the BM-MSCs in the injury site, and further reductions in lung injury score suggest that BM-MSCs are contributing to the healing of the injury. The use of BM-MSCs in risky patients with diffuse PC may be an alternative treatment to conventional methods.