journal article·2026-01Open access

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Hydrogel‐Mediated Fibroblast Reprogramming Restores Intestinal Function in Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction

Lihong Zheng, Junrong Zhang, Zhengyuan Huang, Zhenliang Lin, Jin Zhang, Da Zhang, Ping Hou, Xianqiang Chen

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 3

Abstract

Abstract Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a surgical complication characterized by intestinal stenosis due to ectopic fibroblast activation following serosal injury. This study demonstrates that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in a silk hydrogel (BMSC@Gel) not only prevent tissue adhesion but also restores physiological functions in both mouse tissues and human‐derived organoids. BMSCs exert dual regulatory effects on the obstructed intestinal microenvironment. First, they preferentially differentiate into proliferating fibroblasts (FBs) expressing Top2a , Stmn1 , and Spp1 rather than inflammatory FBs marked by Adamdec1, Mmp3, and Igfbp3 . Second, BMSC‐derived exosomes suppress the inflammatory microenvironment, thereby maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Furthermore, BMSCs modulate fibroblast phenotypes and intracellular interactions and inhibit the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway during fibrosis development, thereby reversing the onset of ASBO. Collectively, these findings highlight BMSC@Gel as a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention of ASBO in clinical practice.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions · Cancer Cells and Metastasis · Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of General Surgery (Emergency Surgery) Fujian Medical University Union Hospital Fujian China

Department of General Surgery Fujian Medical University Union Hospital Fujian China

The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University Fujian China

Institute of Immunotherapy Fujian Medical University Fujian China

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province · Construction Project of Fujian Province Minimally Invasive Medical Center

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