title: Possible Therapeutic Effect of Stem Cell in Atherosclerosis in Albino Rats. A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. there are no effective approaches to regressing atherosclerosis due to not fully understood mechanisms. Recently, stem cell-based therapies have held promises to various diseases, including vascular diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed at investigating the possible effect of cord blood mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy on atherosclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty adult male albino rats were divided into control group (I), atherogenic group (II): subjected to high cholesterol fed diet (200~300 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks and 1.8 million units of vitamin D / kg of diet for 6 weeks. Stem cell therapy group (III): injected with stem cells in the tail vein following confirmation of atherosclerosis. Histological, Immunohistochemical and morphometric studies were performed were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Atherogenic group (II) showed increased aortic thickness, intimal proliferation, smooth muscle proliferation and migration. Increased area % of collagen fibers, iNOS and vimentin immunoreactions were recorded and proved morphometrically. All findings regressed on stem cell therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A definite therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells was found on atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-suef, Egypt.
authors.forename: Samraa H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Abdel-Kawi
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary, Beni-Suef University, Beni-suef, Egypt.
authors.forename: Khalid S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hashem
keywords: Atherosclerosis; Cord blood; Mesenchymal stem cells; eNOS; iNOS