BMSC cells alleviate liver injury induced by ulcerative colitis via repairing the intestinal-liver barrier and activating hepatocyte growth factor

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC), belongs to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), frequently induces liver inflammation and injury. Previous studies have proved that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can suppress inflammation and improve intestinal mucosal injury in colitis, however, the effects of BMSCs on colitis-induced liver injury and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of BMSCs in acute ulcerative colitis Balb/C mice, which were induced by 4 % dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). Methods: In this study, BMSCs derived from Balb/C mice were administrated by single intravenous injection with a dose of 5*10^7 cells/kg. And then, the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Firstly, degree of liver injury in colitis mice was evaluated by hepatic ALT, AST, ALP and TBIL levels, which were measured by specific determination kits, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IFNγ and LPS were examined by ELISA. Secondly, as the indicator of intestinal-liver barrier disorder, tight junction proteins were analyzed by western blot. Thirdly, the pathological changes in colon and liver were detected by H&E staining. At last, homing of BMSCs to lesion tissues was investigated by Immunofluorescence. Results: The results indicated that histopathological changes in model mice had been greatly alleviated, BMSCs infusion remarkably decreased the serum ALT, AST, ALP and TBIL level, and meanwhile reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver tissues. Furthermore, homing of BMSCs was observed in colon and liver, and the disorder of intestinal-liver barrier was declined significantly. Conclusions: In conclusion, BMSCs alleviate liver injury induced by ulcerative colitis via repairing the intestinal-liver barrier and activating hepatocyte growth factor, it has potential application prospects in the treatment of liver injury induced by ulcerative colitis.