Effects of VEGF and MSCs on vascular regeneration in a trauma model in rats

In the human body, vascular injuries that are caused by trauma, vessel lumen stenosis, and occlusions are often irreversible and can lead to sequelae formation as the vessels cannot reproduce fast enough. To solve this problem, the blood flow must be returned to the region as fast as possible. The adipose tissue contains progenitor cells with angiogenic potential and can be used to resolve the issue. In the present study, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from rat adipose tissue, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and their mixture were applied on the dorsum of a rat, which was traumatized and its contribution to vascular regeneration was reviewed. No application was made to the control group. The results showed that the percentage of necrotic area was significantly lower in the MSC group than that of all the other groups. When the VEGF group was compared to the VEGF + MSCs, the percentage of necrotic area was observed to be similiar. However, VEGF showed effects only when a large quantites of VEGF was applied to the flap area. VEGF could not fully respond to the needs, whereas MSCs can produce VEGF according to the needs of tissue. This makes them superior to stem cells.