Preclinical evaluation of human adipose-derived stem cell and human placenta-derived stem cell in a rat model of urinary incontinence

In this study, we evaluated the question of whether injection of human adipose-derived stem cells (h-ADSCs) and human placenta-derived stem cells (h-PDSCs) into the urethra can restore sphincter function in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence. Animals were divided into four experimental groups; normal (N), pudendal nerve transection (D, denervation), h-ADSCs injection after denervation (A; A1:1×10⁵, A2:1×10⁷ cells), and h-PDSCs injection after denervation (P; P1:1×10⁵, P2:1×10⁷ cells). Urethral sphincter function was studied by sphincter muscle contractility and leak point pressure (LPP). In an organ bath study, contractility of the sphincter muscle was increased in the A and P groups, compared with the D group. LPP showed a significant increase in the A and P groups, compared with the D group. However, no significant differences of contractility and LPP were observed between the A and P groups. Histological examination revealed PKH-26-labeled cells into the urethral muscle layer. Injection of h-ADSCs and h-PDSCs into the urethral sphincter resulted in significantly improved sphincter function in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence.