Ameliorating liver fibrosis in an animal model using the secretome released from miR-122-transfected adipose-derived stem cells

BACKGROUND Recently, the exclusive use of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-secreted molecules, called secretome, rather than cells, has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy, while maintaining its advantages. However, the use of naive secretome may not fully satisfy the specificity of each disease. Therefore, it appears to be more advantageous to use the functionally reinforced secretome through a series of processes involving physico-chemical adjustments or genetic manipulation rather than to the use naive secretome. AIM To determine the therapeutic potential of the secretome released from miR-122-transfected adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). METHODS We collected secretory materials released from ASCs that had been transfected with antifibrotic miR-122 (MCM) and compared their antifibrotic effects with those of the naive secretome (CM). MCM and CM were intravenously administered to the mouse model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis, and their therapeutic potentials were compared. RESULTS MCM infusion provided higher therapeutic potential in terms of: (A) Reducing collagen content in the liver; (B) Inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines; and (C) Reducing abnormally elevated liver enzymes than the infusion of the naive secretome. The proteomic analysis of MCM also indicated that the contents of antifibrotic proteins were significantly elevated compared to those in the naive secretome. CONCLUSION We could, thus, conclude that the secretome released from miR-122-transfected ASCs has higher antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties than the naive secretome. Because miR-122 transfection into ASCs provides a specific way of potentiating the antifibrotic properties of ASC secretome, it could be considered as an enhanced method for reinforcing secretome effectiveness.