Comparison of Curative Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Melatonin on Bisphenol A Induced-Lung Fibrosis and Inflammation in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a common industrial compound, is recognized for its toxic effects on multiple organs, including the lungs, through oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the deleterious impact of BPA on lung tissue in rats and to evaluate the potential curative roles of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and melatonin in mitigating BPA-induced pulmonary damage.
Methods: 50 adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n=10 each): control, melatonin, BPA, BPA plus melatonin, and BPA plus BM-MSCs. Biochemical markers of oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, and SOD) were measured. Lung tissue samples were examined using histological (H & E and Masson’s trichrome), immunohistochemical (TNF-α and COX-2), and ultrastructural (electron microscopy) analyses.
Results: The BPA group showed a significant increase in MDA and marked decreases in GSH and SOD compared to controls. Histologically, the lungs exhibited alveolar collapse, inflammatory infiltration, interstitial thickening, and collagen fiber accumulation. TNF-α and COX-2 expressions were markedly elevated, and electron microscopy revealed severe structural disruption. Co-treatment with melatonin or BM-MSCs ameliorated these alterations, with BM-MSCs producing a more pronounced restoration of biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural features.
Conclusion: BM-MSCs and melatonin effectively mitigated BPA-induced lung injury, with BM-MSCs demonstrating superior protective and reparative effects. The results indicate that BM-MSCs could serve as a promising therapeutic option for  reducing lung fibrosis and inflammation caused by environmental toxins like BPA.