ABSTRACT
Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have generated a great deal of excitement and promise as a potential source of cells for cell-based therapeutic strategies. These data provide the clue of using MSCs in the current work in correcting cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, the severest adverse effect of the well-known anticancer drug; cisplatin. Methods: MSCs of bone marrow origin of femora and tibiae of adult albino rats were separated, grown, propagated in culture then identified by both morphology and CD29 surface marker detection. MSCs were injected into the rats’’ tail veins one day after a single dose (5 mg/kg body weight) of intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. Four weeks later kidney tissue was examined histopathologically and ultra-structurally. Renal functions s(urea, creatinine) as well as serum electrolytes levels (Na, K) were estimated Results: Cisplatin group demonstrated atrophied glomeruli, thickened glomerular basement membrane, dilated urinary space, loss of proximal convoluted tubules brush borders, loss of podocyte pedicels and collagen deposition. Tubular cells showed vacuolization and nuclear membrane degeneration. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, Na and K were significantly elevated. MSCs ameliorated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity to a great extent as evidenced histologically, ultra-structurally and biochemically. Conclusion: MSCs have a potential therapeutic effect against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity.