Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by promoting angiogenesis

Abstract

Abstract The impairment of angiogenesis is an outstanding pathogenic characteristic of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have been used in several diseases models, which were reported to be involved in the angiogenesis. However, whether hUC-MSCs suppress the GC-induced ONFH via promoting angiogenesis is still unclear. hUC-MSCs were isolated from the Wharton’s jelly using the explant culture method. A GC-induced ONFH model was established invitro and invivo. The angiogenesis, proliferation and migration ability of HMECs were determined using the tube-forming, CCK-8, transwell and scratching assays invitro. The protective role of hUC-MSCs in GC-induced ONFH was evaluated using micro-CT scanning and histological, immunohistochemical (IHC) and Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays invivo. The results showed that hUC-MSCs treatment improved the tube-forming, proliferation and migration ability of HMECs invitro. Moreover, hUC-MSCs treatment enhanced the integrity of trabecular bone of the femoral head, and the tube-forming ability invivo. hUC-MSCs prevent the femoral head against necrosis and damage caused by GCs though promoting angiogenesis.