Effect of mesenchymal stem cells on skin graft to flap prefabrication: an experimental study

Angiogenetic potential has been reported for bone marrow-derived stem cells (BSCs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). The superficial femoral artery, vein, and fascia were used as a vascular crane for prefabrication model of skin graft to flap. BSCs or ASCs were injected before the adaptation of the graft to the vascular crane depending on the group. The prefabricated grafts were then transferred to inguinal region in every 7 days to observe the viability. In experiment part I (n = 18), the critical time for the prefabrication was found to be 1 week. In experiment part II (n = 12), the control and experiment assays were performed on the same animal to support the data of the experiment part I. The viability of flaps was evaluated. The vascular density was higher in BSC, and ASC groups. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor immunohistochemical staining was quantified. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cells could be helpful in any prefabrication procedure in which neovascularization is indispensable.