c-kit+ cells offer hopes in ameliorating asthmatic pathologies via regulation of miRNA-133 and miRNA-126

There are still challenges regarding c-kit+ cells' therapeutic outcome in the clinical setting. Here, we examined the c-kit+ cell effect on the alleviation of asthma by modulating miRNAs expression. To induce asthma, male rats were exposed to ovalbumin. Bone marrow-derived c-kit+ cells were enriched by MACS. Animals were classified into four groups (6 rats each). Control rats received PBS intratracheally; Ovalbumin-sensitized rats received PBS intratracheally; Ovalbumin-sensitized rats received PBS intratracheally containing 3×105 c-kit+ and c-kit- cells. Cells were stained with Dil fluorescent dye to track in vivo condition. Pathological changes were monitored in asthmatic rats after transplantation of c-kit+ and c-kit- cells. Serum levels of IL-4 and INF-γ were measured by ELISA. Transcription of miRNAs (-126 and 133) was assessed by real-time PCR analysis. Pathological examination and Th1 and Th2 associated cytokine fluctuation confirmed the occurrence of asthma in rats indicated by chronic changes and prominent inflammation compared with the control group (