Role of stem cells in the management of chronic wounds

Abstract

Chronic wounds continue to be a major challenge for the medical profession, and plastic surgeons are frequently called in to help in the management of such wounds. Apart from the obvious morbidity to the patient, these problem wounds can be a major drain on the already scarce hospital resources. Sometimes, these chronic wounds can be more taxing than the underlying disease itself. Although many newer methods are available to handle such situations, the role of stem cells in the management of such wounds is an exciting area that needs to be explored further. A review of literature has been done regarding the role of stem cells in the management of chronic wounds. The abnormal pathology in such wounds is discussed and the possible role of stem cells for optimal healing in such cases would be detailed.

Wound healing and fibrosis: current stem cell therapies

“…Stem cell therapy has been explored extensively in wound healing . Traumatic wounds, most notably those as a result of burns, are of particular interest to clinicians as these wounds are plagued by slow healing, infection, pain, and hypertrophic scarring .…”

Histological and Immunohistochemical Studies on the Role of Stem Cells on the Burned Skin of Adult Male Albino Rats

“…Also, Sharma and John [32], indicated that the cell membranes release strong vasoconstrictors such as prostaglandin 2 alpha and thromboxane A2 immediately after the acute injury. The collagen in the wound began the cascade of the clotting.…”

“…Moreover, Sharma and John [32] stated that fibroblasts were stimulated by platelet derived growth factor [PDGF] secreted from platelets and macrophages that existed in the wound. After stimulation, fibroblasts laid down a provisional matrix composed of type III collagen, glycosaminoglycans and fibronectin.…”

The Effect of a combination of 12% spirulina and 20% chitosan on macrophage, PMN, and lymphocyte cell expressions in post extraction wound

“…28 Chitosan can also stimulate PMN cells to chemotaxyize the wound area due to the presence of IL-1, TNF-α, and bacterial products. 29 In other words, spirulina and chitosan exert a synergistic effect when combined since chitosan plays a role in drug delivery, while spirulina has a therapeutic effect. Spirulina and chitosan can also interact intermolecularly to increase mechanical resistance.…”