Background:The effectiveness of fucoxanthin (Fx) in liver diseases has been reported
due to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy
has also been proposed as a promising strategy for liver fibrosis treatment. Recent studies have
shown that the co-administration of MSCs and drugs demonstrates a pronounced effect on liver fibrosis.Aim:This study aimed to determine the therapeutic potential of placenta-derived MSCs (PD-MSCs)
in combination with Fx to treat liver fibrosis and evaluate their impact on the main links of
liver fibrosis pathogenesis.Methods:After PD-MSCs isolation and identification, outbred ICR/CD1 mice were divided into
five groups: Control group, CCl4 group (CCl4), Fx group (CCl4+Fx), PD-MSCs group (CCl4+MSCs)
and cotreatment group (CCl4+MSCs+Fx). Biochemical histopathological investigations were
performed. Semiquantitative analysis of the alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA+), matrix metalloproteinases
(MMP-9+, MMP-13+), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1+) areas,
and the number of positive cells in them were studied by immunohistochemical staining.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), hepatic growth factor (HGF), procollagen-1 (COL1α1)
in liver homogenate and proinflammatory cytokines in blood serum were determined using an enzyme
immunoassay.Results:Compared to the single treatment with PD-MSCs or Fx, their combined administration
significantly reduced liver enzyme activity, the severity of liver fibrosis, the proinflammatory cytokine
levels, TGF-β level, α-SMA+, TIMP-1+ areas and the number of positive cells in them,
and increased HGF level, MMP-13+, and MMP-9+ areas.Conclusion:Fx enhanced the therapeutic potential of PD-MSCs in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis,
but more investigations are necessary to understand the mutual impact of PD-MSCs and Fx.