Mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role in tissue regeneration and immune system modulation. They secrete bioactive factors involved in tissue repair and inflammation reduction. They are particularly important in the fight against thymus aging.
With age, the thymus undergoes an involution characterized by reduced lymphocyte production. This is due to a reduced number of thymic epithelial cells.
In this study, aged macaques were treated with mesenchymal stem cells. The methodological approach involved administration of these mesenchymal stem cells by intravenous injection into the femoral vein. The changes induced by these cells were assessed using histological and molecular methods such as hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence and ELISA assays.
The results showed a significant improvement in thymus structure and function in these aged macaques. DNA methylation analyses revealed significant epigenetic modifications. Methylation was increased in regions of 501 genes and decreased in regions of 591 genes. These epigenetic modifications were associated with either negative or positive regulation of cell growth and proliferation.
Mesenchymal stem cells can reverse the signs of thymic aging through targeted epigenetic modifications. The underlying molecular mechanisms include adjustments in DNA methylation profiles that regulate gene expression in thymic epithelial cells. These adjustments reduce cell apoptosis.
Promising new strategy to combat thymus aging...
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