MiR-126 regulates the effect of mesenchymal stem cell vascular repair on carotid atherosclerosis through MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

Figure 9 The therapeutic effect of miR-126 mimics-transfected mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on carotid neointimal thickening was evaluated. A: Cross-sectional vessel slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to assess neointimal formation (5-6 mice per group); B: Neointimal thickness was expressed as a percentage relative to the control group. Results showed that transplantation of miR-126 mimics-transfected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) significantly inhibited neointimal thickening compared to the preoperative control group. In contrast, transplantation of miR-126 inhibitor-transfected MSCs did not show a significant effect on neointimal thickening. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of transplanting miR-126 mimics-transfected MSCs in reducing neointimal hyperplasia. Data are presented as the mean ± SD, and differences between groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. ^aP < 0.01. NC: Negative control.