Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Derived From Adipose Tissue, Umbilical Cord, and Bone Marrow Against Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing and Non-Producing Escherichia coli Strains Isolated From Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common and persistent bacterial infections, affecting around 150 million people worldwide each year. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, particularly those producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), has further complicated treatment and posed a serious global public health challenge. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) secretomes derived from adipose tissue (AD-MSCs), bone marrow (BM-MSCs), and umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) against the most common cause of bacterial UTI, Escherichia coli (E. coli). The MSCs secretomes were derived from human adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and bone marrow. The antibacterial activity of the secretomes was then assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. These tests were conducted on 105 E. coli urine clinical isolates, including ESBL-producing strains. Further molecular analysis was performed to identify the resistant genes. Statistical analyses were then performed to test for statistically significant differences between MSCs sources. Our results showed that the stem cell secretome was effective against 63.8% of non-ESBL and 52.7% of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, with that derived from AD-MSCs showing the largest inhibition zones. Molecular analysis revealed that all ESBL-producing isolates (100%) harbored the CTX-M gene either on its own or in combination with another gene. These results underscore the potential of MSC-derived secretomes as a promising alternative for treating E. coli infections. Nonetheless, further research is required to explore their potential clinical uses as either complementary or standalone therapies for resistant infections.