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Updated: May 31, 2026
Creation and Transplantation of an Adipose-derived Stem Cell (ASC) Sheet in a Diabetic Wound-healing Model
Published on: August 4, 2017
Effects of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Nude Mice
Seung Ho Lee1, Joon Ho Lee, Kwang Hyun Cho
1Department of Dermatology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
Background:
Despite numerous treatments available for deteriorated cutaneous wound healing such as a diabetic foot, there is still the need for more effective therapy. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are mesenchymal stem cells, which are self-renewing and multipotent. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential for tissue repair and regeneration.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of human ASCs on the healing of cutaneous wounds in nude mice.
Methods:
15-mm round full-thickness skin defects were generated on the back of BALB/c nude mice. The mice were divided into three groups for wound coverage: (i) human ASCs-populated collagen gel, (ii) human dermal fibroblasts-populated collagen gel, and (iii) collagen gel alone. Wound contraction was prevented with a splint method. Wound size was measured 10 days after injury. At 28 days histological analysis was performed.
Results:
Both ASCs and dermal fibroblasts accelerated wound closure, but dermal fibroblasts were more effective than ASCs. At 28 days, the dermal portion of ASCs or dermal fibroblasts wound scars were thicker than collagen gel wound scars.
Conclusion:
ASCs and dermal fibroblasts stimulate cutaneous wound healing and improve scar thickness.
Insights
Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and dermal fibroblasts promote skin wound healing. Dermal fibroblasts showed greater efficacy than ASCs in accelerating closure and increasing scar thickness in mice.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Dermatology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Effective therapies for chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers remain limited.
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells with tissue repair potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of human ASCs on cutaneous wound healing in a murine model.
- To compare the efficacy of ASCs with human dermal fibroblasts for wound repair.
Main Methods:
- Full-thickness skin defects were created in nude mice.
- Wounds were treated with ASCs-populated collagen gel, dermal fibroblasts-populated collagen gel, or collagen gel alone.
- Wound closure and histological changes were assessed at 10 and 28 days.
Main Results:
- Both ASCs and dermal fibroblasts enhanced wound closure compared to the control group.
- Dermal fibroblasts demonstrated superior acceleration of wound healing over ASCs.
- Histological analysis at 28 days revealed increased scar thickness in both ASCs and fibroblast treated wounds.
Conclusions:
- Human ASCs and dermal fibroblasts significantly stimulate cutaneous wound healing.
- Both cell types contribute to improved scar thickness, with fibroblasts showing greater effect.
