Mesenchymal stem cells cultured in serum-free medium ameliorate experimental peritoneal fibrosis

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide potential treatments for peritoneal fibrosis. However, MSCs cultured in media containing serum bring risks of infection and other problems. In this study, we compared the effect human serum-free medium (SF-MSCs) on fibrosis with that 10% fetal bovine (10%MSCs). Methods Peritoneal was induced by intraperitoneally injecting 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate (CG). SF-MSCs or 10%MSCs were administered 30 min after CG injection. Ten days MSC injections, performed histological analyses equilibrium testing. vitro experiments, used transforming growth factor (TGF)-?1-stimulated mesothelial incubated conditioned from to examine whether showed enhanced ability produce antifibrotic humoral factors. Results Histological staining significantly suppressed CG-induced cell accumulation thickening 10%MSCs. Additionally, inhibited mesenchymal expression, extracellular matrix protein deposition inflammatory infiltration. equilibration testing administering 10%MSCs, reduced functional impairments membrane. The experiments although TGF-?1 signaling, suppression did not differ between Conclusions Serum-free culture conditions can enhance abilities suppressing inflammation. Administering ex vivo expanded may be a therapy preventing fibrotic progression.