Human fetal skin-derived stem cell secretome reduce liver fibrosis by regulating TGF-β/Smad signal pathway

Abstract Background: Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver injury is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Stem cells-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease, while maintaining its advantages. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cells (hFFSCs) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFFSCs secretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model, and administered hFFSCs secretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFFSCs secretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Our results showed that hFFSCs secretom effectively reduced collagen content in liver, improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. In addition, we found that hFSSC secretom inhibited the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, however, increased Smad7 expression. Conclusions: In conclusions, our results suggest that hFFSCs secretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway.