EFFECT OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ON UTERUS AND PLACENTA

Authors : Selda Kahveci, Nezihe Tülin Boylu, Mehtap Kılıc Eren

Pages : 438-447

Doi:10.16919/bozoktip.1737419

View : 45 | Download : 95

Publication Date : 2025-12-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study investigated the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) application on the expression of extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) at the implantation site in pregnant Wistar Albino rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two adult female Wistar Albino rats were divided into two groups (control, n=8; stem cell, n=8) on the 10th and 21st days of gestation. The stem cell group received MSCs derived from rat bone marrow, while the control group received Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS). Implantation sites and placentas were collected, and fibronectin, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expressions were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Results: On day 10 of gestation, fibronectin reactivity in the decidual structure was similar in both control and stem cell groups, with no significant difference (p>0.05). On day 21, fibronectin expression was significantly elevated in the labyrinth area and spongiotrophoblasts of the stem cell group compared to the control group (p=0.02). MMP-2 immunoreactivity was reduced around trophoblastic giant cells in the stem cell group but remained consistent in decidua cells, gland epithelium, and vessel walls. MMP-9 levels were higher in trophoblastic giant cells in the stem cell group, though the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). On day 21, both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were less intense in both groups. Conclusion: MSC administration significantly increased fibronectin expression in the labyrinth area and spongiotrophoblasts on day 21 of gestation, suggesting a role for MSCs in enhancing extracellular matrix remodeling at the implantation site. However, MSC treatment did not significantly alter MMP-2 or MMP-9 immunoreactivity, indicating that their effects may be specific to fibronectin-mediated processes during placental development.
Keywords : İmplantasyon, Mezenşimal Kök Hücre, Fibronektin, MMP-2, MMP-9

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