OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the efficacy of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC) transplantation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine the optimal transplantation window for stem cells either before or after disease onset.

METHODS:

(NZB×NZW)F1 mice with SLE were administered human AD-MSCs (5×10(5)) intravenously every 2 weeks from age 6 weeks until age 60 weeks, while the control group received saline vehicle on the same schedule. Another experiment was carried out with a different initiation time point for serial transplantation (age 6 weeks or age 32 weeks).

RESULTS:

Long-term serial administration (total of 28 times) of human AD-MSCs ameliorated SLE without any adverse effects. Compared with the control group, the human AD-MSC-treated group had a significantly higher survival rate with improvement of histologic and serologic abnormalities and immunologic function, and also had a decreased incidence of proteinuria. Anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and blood urea nitrogen levels decreased significantly with transplantation of human AD-MSCs, and serum levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-10 increased significantly. A significant increase in the proportion of CD4+FoxP3+ cells and a marked restoration of capacity for cytokine production were observed in spleens from the human AD-MSC-treated group. In the second experiment, an early stage treatment group showed better results (higher survival rates and lower incidence of proteinuria) than an advanced stage treatment group.

CONCLUSION:

Serial human AD-MSC transplantation had beneficial effects in the treatment of SLE, without adverse effects. Transplantation of human AD-MSCs before disease onset was preferable for amelioration of SLE and restoration of immune homeostasis.

Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology.