The Healing Effects of Conditioned Medium Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Radiation-Induced Skin Wounds in Rats

Abstract

Radioactive dermatitis is caused by the exposure of skin and mucous membranes to radiation fields. The pathogenesis of radioactive dermatitis is complex and difficult to cure. Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) may serve as a promising candidate for the therapy of cutaneous wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a WJ-MSC-derived conditioned medium (MSC-CM) could be used to treat radiation-induced skin wounds in rats using a radiation-induced cutaneous injury model. The present study was designed to examine MSC-CM therapy in the recovery of radiation-induced skin wounds in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, we prepared the MSC-CM and tested the effects of the MSC-CM on human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation in vitro. After that, we used a β-ray beam to make skin wounds in rats and tested the effects of MSC-CM on cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Our results indicated that MSC-CM secreted factors that promoted HUVEC proliferation, regeneration of sebaceous glands, and angiogenesis. Importantly, MSC-CM promoted wound healing in excess of the positive control (epidermal growth factor), with no, or smaller, scar formation. In conclusion, MSC-CM significantly accelerated wound closure and enhanced the wound healing quality. MSC-CM has a beneficial therapeutic effect on radiation-induced cutaneous injury skin in rats and in this way MSC-CM may serve as a basis of a novel cell-free therapeutic approach for radiation dermatitis.

Biomaterials Functionalized with MSC Secreted Extracellular Vesicles and Soluble Factors for Tissue Regeneration

“…For instance, an MSC‐CM‐loaded hydrogel promoted angiogenesis and wound healing in a rat model of radiation‐induced skin wounds, with superior performance in vitro and in vivo compared with an EGF‐laden hydrogel positive control. [ 233 ] Another study observed that MSC‐CM embedded in a natural seaweed‐derived material, Carrageenan (CG), or a synthetic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer, enhanced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, although MSC‐CM without a biomaterial carrier showed no difference from untreated controls. [ 234 ] MSC‐EVs delivered in a chitosan/silk hydrogel [ 235 ] and in a self‐healing, anti‐bacterial polypeptide hydrogel [ 58 ] promoted cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rat models.…”

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome as an Emerging Cell-Free Alternative for Improving Wound Repair

“…MSC-S derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ-MSC-S) promotes excisional wound healing in mice through increased cell proliferation [ 58 ]. Recently, WJ-MSC-S has also been shown to promote wound healing in radiation-induced cutaneous wounds of rats [ 59 ].…”

Regenerative potential of Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: A new horizon of stem cell therapy

“…Subcutaneous injection of the WJ‐MSCs suppressed secondary inflammation via reducing inflammatory cytokines and, therefore, promoted burn healing process and skin repair in rat burn models (Zhang et al, 2015). Sun, Zhang, Song, Zhu, and Zhu (2019) assessed the healing effects of these MSCs in radiation‐induced skin injury in rats. They found that WJ‐MSCs improved wound healing quality by promoting cell proliferation, sebaceous glands regeneration, and angiogenesis.…”