Exosomes derived from baicalin‑pretreated mesenchymal stem cells mitigate atherosclerosis by regulating the SIRT1/NF‑κB signaling pathway

作者：Xiaochun Yang, Wei Wu, Weitian Huang, Junfeng Fang, Yunli Chen, Xiaoyan Chen, Xiaolan Lin, Yanbin He · 发表于：Molecular Medicine Reports · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3892/mmr.2025.13491 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Calpain Protease Function and Regulation、Flavonoids in Medical Research、Sirtuins and Resveratrol in Medicine

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a disease with high global incidence and mortality rates. Currently, the treatment of AS in clinical practice carries a high risk of adverse effects and toxic side effects. The pretreatment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with drugs may enhance the bioactivity of MSC‑derived exosomes (MSC‑exos), which could be a promising candidate for inhibiting the progression of AS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of exos derived from baicalin‑preconditioned MSCs (Ba‑exos) to exhibit an inhibitory effect on AS progression and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Exos were isolated from untreated MSCs and MSCs pretreated with Ba, and were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blotting. Subsequently, Cell Counting Kit‑8 and Transwell assays, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, western blotting and ELISA were used to evaluate the effects of Ba‑exos on AS, and the possible molecular mechanisms. Oil Red O and Masson staining were used to assess AS pathological tissue in a high‑fat diet‑induced mouse model of AS. Notably, MSC‑exos and Ba‑exos were successfully isolated. Compared with MSC‑exos, Ba‑exos demonstrated superior inhibitory effects on the viability and migration, and the levels of inflammatory factors in oxidized low‑density lipoprotein (ox‑LDL)‑induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Additionally, compared with MSC‑exos, Ba‑exos signif...