Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis and macrophage polarization via the miR-455-3p/PLAU axis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Peripheral infusion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) may therapeutically treat liver fibrosis. hUC-MSCs can influence liver fibrosis progression and immune microenvironment remodeling via microRNAs (miRNAs).

Methods

Bioinformatics showed the miR-455-3p/PLAU axis might regulate ferroptosis in liver fibrosis and affect the immune microenvironment. hUC-MSCs were transplanted into CCL4 induced liver-fibrotic male C57BL/6 mice. Liver tissues were stained (Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, Sirius Red) to assess fibrosis; Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Macrophage polarization was measured by immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and flow cy

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12312308 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature