Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (31): 6811-6820.doi: 10.12307/2025.548

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Mesenchymal stem cells from different sources in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Yuan Xiao1, Liang Songlin1, Xie Yanan1, Guan Dongmei1, Fan Longyu1, Yin Xiaoxuan2   

  1. 1Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, Shandong Province, China; 2Yankuang New Journey General Hospital, Jining 273599, Shandong Province, China
  • Received:2024-08-05 Accepted:2024-09-14 Online:2025-11-08 Published:2025-02-28
  • Contact: Yin Xiaoxuan, MD, Chief physician, Yankuang New Journey General Hospital, Jining 273599, Shandong Province, China
  • About author:Yuan Xiao, MS, Physician, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, Shandong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Shandong Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Project, No. 2020Z41 (to YXX)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease has been steadily rising, accompanied by a lack of definitive therapeutic strategies. Recent research endeavors have illuminated the promising potential of mesenchymal stem cells in mitigating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, offering a glimmer of hope for afflicted patients.
OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanisms of action of mesenchymal stem cells derived from various sources in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, aiming to provide insights for future research endeavors.
METHODS: Utilizing the keywords “mesenchymal stem cells, MSCs, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, EVs, inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, ulcerative colitis, UC, Crohn’s disease, CD” in English and their Chinese equivalents in CNKI and PubMed databases, a total of 89 eligible articles were selected for this review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Currently, six types of mesenchymal stem cells are being explored for inflammatory bowel disease therapy: bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, perinatal tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and gingival mesenchymal stem cells. Five administration routes have been adopted, with intravenous and intraperitoneal injections being the most prevalent, followed by local, mesenteric, and intrarectal injections. Their therapeutic mechanisms encompass differentiation, regeneration, anti-inflammatory effects, immune modulation, neuroprotection, antioxidant stress response, homing, modulation of gut microbiota, autophagy, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. While sharing functional similarities, mesenchymal stem cells from different sources exhibit unique characteristics that confer them with distinct advantages and therapeutic potentials. Nevertheless, research into the specific properties of these mesenchymal stem cells remains limited, necessitating deeper exploration of their nuanced differences to optimize their therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, the clinical safety of mesenchymal stem cells-based therapies warrants further observation and evaluation. 

Key words: ">mesenchymal stem cell, stem cell therapy, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, mechanism, engineered stem cell

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