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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.10.22.619584

Emodin-Enhanced hUC-MSC Extracellular Vesicles Alleviate Acute Pancreatitis by Targeting Inflammation and Pyroptosis

Liu, X.·Huang, X.·Liu, S.·Hu, J.·Lin, J.
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Abstract

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex condition requiring immediate treatment. Both extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC-EVs) and emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone used in traditional Chinese medicine, have shown therapeutic potential in treating AP. However, the mechanisms by which hUC-MSC-EVs and emodin alleviate AP, and whether they exert a synergistic effect on inflamed pancreatic tissues, remain unclear. In this study, we developed AP cell, organoid, and animal models to compare the effects of emodin, hUC-MSC-EVs, and emodin-loaded hUC-MSC-EVs on cell viability, inflammation, and pyroptosis. Our data revealed that all three treatments improved cell viability, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and inhibited pyroptosis in the AP models. Notably, the encapsulation of emodin significantly enhanced the protective effects of hUC-MSC-EVs. These findings suggest that emodins protective effects on inflamed pancreatic tissues may be attributed, at least in part, to its anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic properties. Additionally, our study proposes a novel strategy for engineering hUC-MSC-EVs for potential therapeutic applications in AP treatment.

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Liu, X., Huang, X., Liu, S., Hu, J., Lin, J.. 2024-10-23. Emodin-Enhanced hUC-MSC Extracellular Vesicles Alleviate Acute Pancreatitis by Targeting Inflammation and Pyroptosis. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.22.619584

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