Effect of human adipose derived stem cells on scar formation and remodeling in a pig model: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have positive effects in the wound healing process.


OBJECTIVE
To clarify whether ASCs positively mitigate scar formation in the wound remodeling process.


METHODS
Full-thickness skin defects were created on the dorsal skin of Yorkshire pigs. After the defects were transformed into early scars, ASCs were injected, and the same amount of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was injected in the control group. Clinical and histologic examinations were performed.


RESULTS
In the experimental group, the areas of scars were smaller than those of control groups. The color of scars was more similar to that of the surrounding normal tissue, and scar pliability was better. The number of mast cells decreased, and more-mature collagen arrangement was noted. In the early period of scar remodeling, the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)3 and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) was greater in the experimental group than in control group. In the late period, the level of alpha smooth muscle actin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 were dramatically less, although the level of MMP1 was lower in the experimental group than in control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Local injection of ASCs decreases scar size and provides better color quality and scar pliability. It decreases the activity of mast cells and inhibits the action of TGF-β against fibroblasts and positively stimulates scar remodeling through greater expression of MMP molecules.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
In Sik
IS
Yun
Yeo Reum
YR
Jeon
Won Jai
WJ
Lee
Jae Wook
JW
Lee
Dong Kyun
DK
Rah
Kwan Chul
KC
Tark
Dae Hyun
DH
Lew
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003116:Color; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D013552:Swine; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000378:metabolism; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3 / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3; D003094:Collagen; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1