Stem cells therapeutic effect in a reserpine-induced fibromyalgia rat model: A possible NLRP3 inflammasome modulation with neurogenesis promotion in the cerebral cortex

Life Sci. 2023 Jul 15:325:121784. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121784. Epub 2023 May 15.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with a multifactorial pathophysiology affecting 2-8 % of the population.

Aims: To investigate the therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) against fibromyalgia-related cerebral cortex damage and the possible underlying mechanisms of action.

Materials and methods: Rats were randomly allocated into three groups; control, fibromyalgia and fibromyalgia treated with BMSCs groups. Physical and behavioural assessments were performed. Cerebral cortices were collected for biochemical and histological assessment.

Key findings: Fibromyalgia group showed behavioural changes indicating presence of pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. Moreover, biochemical biomarkers alterations were demonstrated by a significant decrease in brain monoamines and GSH levels, but MDA, NO, TNF-alpha, HMGB-1, NLRP3, and caspase-1 levels significantly increased. Furthermore, histological assessment revealed structural and ultrastructural alterations indicating neuronal and neuroglial degeneration with microglia activation, an increase in mast cell number and IL-1β immune-expression. Additionally, a significant decrease in Beclin-1 immune-expression, and blood brain barrier disruption were noticed. Interestingly, BMSCs administration significantly improved behavioural alterations, restored the reduced brain monoamines and oxidative stress markers, and reduced TNF-alpha, HMGB-1, NLRP3, and caspase-1 levels. Profoundly, cerebral cortices demonstrated improved histological structure, significant decrease in mast cell number and IL-1β immune-expression, besides a significant increase in Beclin-1 and DCX immune-expression.

Significance: For the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing ameliorative effects for BMSCs treatment in fibromyalgia-related cerebral cortical damage. The neurotherapeutic effects of BMSCs could be attributed to NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway inhibition, mast cell deactivation, and stimulation of neurogenesis and autophagy.

Keywords: BMSCs; Beclin-1; DCX; Fibromyalgia; Mast cell; NLRP3 Inflammasome.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Beclin-1 / metabolism
  • Brain Injuries* / metabolism
  • Caspase 1 / metabolism
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Fibromyalgia* / chemically induced
  • Fibromyalgia* / therapy
  • HMGB Proteins / metabolism
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Reserpine
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Inflammasomes
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Reserpine
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Beclin-1
  • Caspase 1
  • HMGB Proteins
  • Nlrp3 protein, rat