The protection of mesenchymal stem cells in metabolic reprogramming and endothelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic aortas.

ABSTRACT: Vascular remodeling, a precursor to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, is associated with high morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes. The roles of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in this process remain unclear. In this study, we used db/db mice as a diabetic model to investigate the effect of hUCMSCs on metabolic reprogramming and vascular remodeling. We analyzed serum markers, tissue morphology, metabolomics, and endothelial cell-specific proteomics. The results demonstrated that vascular remodeling and EndMT were exacerbated in diabetes and alleviated by hUCMSCs. Metabolomic analysis identified 209 altered metabolites. Most metabolic intermediates were increased, while anti-inflammatory metabolit

SUBMITTER: Ling M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803787 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature