Etanercept-synthesizing adipose-derived stem cell secretome: A promising therapeutic option for inflammatory bowel disease

Figure 4 Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of etanercept-secretome. A: Left panel: Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of intestinal tissue samples. The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated group displayed tissue disorganization, while the etanercept-secretome (Et-Sec)-treated group exhibited a marked recovery of tissue architecture, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect of Et-Sec on inflammatory bowel disease. Right panel: Comparison of histological scores reflecting inflammation in H&E stains. The Et-Sec group demonstrated significantly lower scores compared to all DSS-treated groups (P < 0.05); B: Immunohistochemical analysis of inflammatory markers, including tumor necreosis factor-α, PECAM-1, F4/80, and monocyte chemoattactant protein-1. DSS administration led to a significant increase in these inflammatory markers, while treatment with secretome (Ct-Sec and Et-Sec) resulted in a significant reduction in their levels (P < 0.05). Importantly, Et-Sec treatment demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in the all inflammatory markers compared to Ct-Sec treatment (P < 0.05). Values are presented as mean ± SD of three independent experiments. Percentages of immunoreactive areas were measured using NIH image J and expressed as relative values to those in control tissues. ^aP < 0.05. Et-Sec: Etanercept-secretome; Ct-Sec: Control-secretome; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; TNF: Tumor necreosis factor; MCP-1: Monocyte chemoattactant protein-1; IL: Interleukin; IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease; DSS-treated group: Dextran sulfate sodium-treated group; ASCs: Adipose-derived stem cells; Ct: Control group; NS: Normal saline.