Efficacy of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on human epidermal stem cell transplantation seeded in collagen sponge scaffolds for wound healing in a murine model

Abstract

To explore the possible efficacy of electromagnetic fields (EMF) for skin tissue engineering, effects of EMF exposure on epidermal stem cells (ESC) seeded in collagen sponge scaffolds for wound healing in a murine model were investigated. The wound models of a full-thickness defect established with 36 7 ∼ 8-week-old nude mice were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, an ESC-only group, and an ESC with EMF exposure group (frequency of 50 Hz, magnetic induction of 5 mT, 60 min per day for 20 days). ESC were separated from human foreskin and cultured in vitro, and then transplanted with collagen sponge scaffolds as a delivery vehicle to wounds of the ESC-only group, and ESC with EMF exposure group was exposed to EMF after ESC transplantation. Effects of EMF on morphological changes and expression of β1 integrin in regenerated skins were observed. Wound healing rates and healing times were collected to evaluate the efficacy of repairment. Results showed that human ESC were successfully transplanted to nude mice, which facilitated the formation of intact skin on nude mice. In contrast to other groups, the wound healing of ESC with EMF exposure group was the fastest (P < 0.05), the structure of regenerated skins was more mature, and it contained more continuity in the number of viable cell layers and rich hair follicles' structure. These results suggest that the use of 50 Hz EMF as a non-invasive treatment can accelerate wound healing of ESC transplantation, and restore structural integrity of regenerated skin. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:204-212,2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Epidermal Stem Cells in Wound Healing and Regeneration

“…During the process of proliferation and differentiation of basal-layer cells, the expression of the surface integrin is gradually downregulated until it disappears, and the cells gradually migrate to the surface of the skin and are finally keratinized and exfoliated. Studies have demonstrated [16][17][18] that the decrease in β1 integrin expression stimulates hair follicle stem cells to leave the stem cell pool and migrate upward into differentiated cells [19,20]. Moreover, some researchers have found that nitric oxide (NO) can mediate the regulation of β1 integrin expression, affect the proliferation and differentiation of EpiSCs through cGMP signaling pathway, and then participate in the process of wound healing [21].…”

Bone marrow stromal cells‑derived exosomes target DAB2IP to induce microglial cell autophagy, a new strategy for neural stem cell transplantation in brain injury

“…Microglia autophagy serve an important role in the differentiation, survival and homeostasis maintenance of transplanted stem cells (43)(44)(45)(46). Previous studies have demonstrated that bone marrow-derived neural progenitor cells can differentiate into neurons and their transplantation in vivo can effectively promote the motor function of rats following brain injury (25)(26)(27).…”

“…Isolation and culture of bone marrow-derived neural progenitor cells. The methods and procedures for the isolation, culture and identification of bone marrow-derived neural progenitor cells were performed based on previous studies (25)(26)(27). Three Sprague-Dawley rats (sex, male; age, 5 weeks; weight, 115-150 g) were housed in a temperature of 18-25˚C and 30-60% humidity.…”

“…In previous studies, bone marrow-derived neural progenitor cells have been characterized, revealing that these cells have the potential to differentiate into neurons (25)(26)(27). However, progress has been slow regarding investigation into the treatment of brain injury using neural stem cell transplantation, which may be due to changes in the intracranial microenvironment following brain injury (26).…”

“…In previous studies, bone marrow-derived neural progenitor cells have been characterized, revealing that these cells have the potential to differentiate into neurons (25)(26)(27). However, progress has been slow regarding investigation into the treatment of brain injury using neural stem cell transplantation, which may be due to changes in the intracranial microenvironment following brain injury (26). A series of studies have reported that the autophagy of microglia serves an important role in brain injury, involving cranial nerve inflammation, cerebral ischemia and cerebral hypoxia (28)(29)(30).…”