Administration of bone marrow-derived stem cells suppresses cellular necrosis and apoptosis induced by reperfusion of ischaemic kidneys in rats

Ischaemic reperfusion injury （IRI） is a crucial element in the pathogenesis of acute ischaemic renal failure and influences the early functional recovery and even long term survival of a transplanted kidney. It is generally thought that renal repair following IRI requires the replacement or regeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells that are detached or damaged.1＇2 Recently, it has been reported that intravenously infused adult bone marrow-derived stem cells （BMSCs） are able to migrate to injured kidney tissue and differentiate into renal cells, potentially improving renal function.3＇4 Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which bone marrow derived, stem cells promote the repair of injured kidney tissue have not been completely elucidated by animal studies.