Conclusions
UC-MSC can achieve a preventive effect in SSc mice by fibrosis attenuation and immunoregulation.
Results
SSc mouse model was established by daily intradermal injection of Hypochlorite (HOCl). SSc mice were treated by single transfusion of UC-MSCs at 0.625×105, 2.5×105 and 1×106 respectively. At the 42nd day of intradermal injection of HOCl, the symptoms showed up by skin and alveolar wall thickening, lymphocytic infiltration, increased collagen in skin/lung, and the increased proportion of CD3＋CD4＋CD25＋FoxP3＋ cells (a Treg subset) in spleen. After UC-MSCs transfusion, the degree of skin thickening, alveolar wall thickening and lymphocyte infiltration were decreased, the collagen sedimentation in skin/lung was decreased, and the proportion of CD3＋CD4＋CD25＋ FoxP3＋ cells was decreased. Conclusions: UC-MSC can achieve a preventive effect in SSc mice by fibrosis attenuation and immunoregulation.