Applications and therapeutic mechanisms of action of mesenchymal stem cells in radiation-induced lung injury

Abstract

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the most common complications associated with radiotherapy, characterized by early-stage radiation pneumonia and subsequent radiation pulmonary fibrosis. However, effective therapeutic strategies for RILI are currently lacking. Recently, an increasing number of studies reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can enhance the regeneration of damaged tissue, modulate the inflammatory response, reduce the levels of fibrotic cytokines and reactive oxygen species, and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Interestingly, MSCs can also exert immunosuppressive effects, which highlights a new potential therapeutic activity of MSCs for managing RILI. Here, we reviewed the potential applications and therapeutic mechanisms of action of MSCs in RILI, which will represent a good compendium of information for researchers in this field.

Efficacy of astragalus in the treatment of radiation-induced lung injury based on traditional Chinese medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 RCTs

“…[46] The pathogenesis of RILI is a very complex histological and physiological process, mainly including direct DNA damage and repair, as well as the generation of free reactive oxygen species, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, epithelial-mesenchymal transition activation. [47] The current treatment of RILI is mainly to improve the symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, dry cough and hemoptysis, and shortness of breath, and to take corresponding anti-inflammatory treatment and corticosteroid treatment. [48] The effect of astragalus is to nourish qi and strengthen the lungs and spleen.…”

Radiotherapy-Induced Digestive Injury: Diagnosis, Treatment and Mechanisms

“…MSC differentiation potential is widely used in tissue repair. MSCs have been proven to be able to restore radiation-induced injury (113,114). For example, adipose-derived stromal cells have the potential to restore salivary gland function after irradiation, as evidenced by the restoration of blood flow within submandibular gland tissue (115).…”

Tolerogenic dendritic cells in radiation-induced lung injury

“…Since the lung is a radiation-sensitive organ, nuclear pollution can potentially lead to radioactive damage in the lungs ( 5 , 6 ). Clinical manifestations of RILI are typically divided into two stages: pneumonia in the early stages and pulmonary fibrosis in the late stages ( 7 – 9 ). However, the pathological process of RILI is complex, and the molecular mechanism underlying its development remains poorly understood.…”