The effect of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats

Aim The aim of the current study was to evaluate the therapeutic and regenerative effects of MSCs derived exosomes in the treatment of type 1 DM and to compare its effects with MSCs themselves. The experiment was done on forty albino rats grouped as follows, group (1): Ten healthy rats, group (2): Ten induced type 1 DM rats, group (3): Ten induced type 1 DM rats received exosomes intraperitoneally, and group (4): Ten induced type 1 DM rats received MSCs intraperitoneally. Serum glucose and plasma insulin levels were assessed weekly. QRT-PCR was done to assess regeneration of pancreatic beta cells by measuring insulin, Pdx1, Smad2, Smad3 and TGFβ genes. Additionally, histopathological and immune-histochemical examinations were done to confirm pancreatic tissue regeneration. Results Regarding the assessed genes (insulin, Pdx1, Smad2, Smad3 and Tgfβ ) gene expression in MSCs treated group showed significant increase compared to diabetic group ( p value < 0.001 ) and gene expression in exosomes treated group was increased significantly compared to diabetic and MSCs treated groups ( p value < 0.001 ). Histopathological and immune - histochemical examination revealed regeneration of pancreatic islets in both treated groups. Conclusion MSCs Derived exosomes showed superior therapeutic and regenerative results than MSCs themselves