Novel insights into the potential applications of stem cells in pulmonary hypertension therapy

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) refers to a group of deadly lung diseases characterized by vascular lesions in the microvasculature and a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. The prevalence of PH has increased over time. Currently, the treatment options available for PH patients have limited efficacy, and none of them can fundamentally reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling. Stem cells represent an ideal seed with proven efficacy in clinical studies focusing on liver, cardiovascular, and nerve diseases. Since the potential therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on PH was first reported in 2006, many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of stem cells in PH animal models and suggested that stem cells can help slow the deterioration of lung tissue. Existing PH treatment studies basically focus on the paracrine action of stem cells, including protein regulation, exosome pathway, and cell signaling; however, the specific mechanisms have not yet been clarified. Apoptotic and afunctional pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are two fundamental promoters of PH although they have not been extensively studied by researchers. This review mainly focuses on the supportive communication and interaction between PMVECs and AECs as well as the potential restorative effect of stem cells on their injury. In the future, more studies are needed to prove these effects and explore more radical cures for PH.

Keywords: Alveolar epithelial cells; Endothelial cells; Potential therapeutic; Pulmonary hypertension; Pulmonary microvascular; Stem cells.

Fig. 1

AECs and PMVECs interact with each other. Under conditions of injury, AECs have damaged organelles and dysfunction and regulate the permeability of pulmonary microvessels by secreting a number of mediators. The result of this adjustment will have different effects depending on the mediators. Similarly, PMVECs secrete lipids to affect alveolar repair in the state of injury. By Figdraw (www.figdraw.com)