Bone marrow vs Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells in experimental sepsis: a comparative study

Background: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is being extensively studied in clinical trials in the setting of various diseases including diabetes, stroke, and progressive multiple sclerosis. The unique immunomodulatory properties of MSCs also point them as a possible therapeutic tool during sepsis and septic shock, a devastating syndrome associated with 30-35% mortality. However, MSCs are not equal regarding their activity, depending on their tissue origin. Here, we aimed at comparing the in vivo properties of MSCs according to their tissue source (bone marrow (BM) versus Wharton's jelly (WJ)) in a murine cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis that mimics a human peritonitis. We hypothesized that MSC properties may vary depending on their tissue source in the setting of sepsis. Methods: CLP, adult, male, C57BL/6 mice were randomized in 3 groups receiving respectively 0.25 x 10(6) BM-MSCs, 0.25 x 10(6) WJ-MSCs, or 150 mu L phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) intravenously 24 h after the CLP procedure. Results: We observed that both types of MSCs regulated leukocyte trafficking and reduced organ dysfunction, while only WJ-MSCs were able to improve bacterial clearance and survival. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance to determine the most appropriate source of MSCs for a given therapeutic indication and suggests a better profile for WJ-MSCs during sepsis.