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Injectable Methylcellulose/Hyaluronic Acid/Collagen Hydrogel Loaded With Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Alleviates Skin
Dashuai Li1, Yonghua Wang2, Liqun Li3
1Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
Background:
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) exhibit good anti-photoaging activity, yet inadequate homing numbers and low cell survival rates remain urgent challenges to overcome, and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.
Methods:
Methylcellulose (MC)/hyaluronic acid (HA)/Collagen I hydrogel (Gel) loaded with ADSCs (MHAC/ADSCs Gel) was prepared using the thermal dispersion method. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe its microstructure, while swelling and degradation rates were determined by the pycnometer method. Subsequently, a photoaging HaCat cell model was established to evaluate the anti-photoaging potential of MHAC/ADSCs using the CCK-8 assay and Transwell experiment. Furthermore, qRT-PCR, WB, TargetScan bioinformatics analysis, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of MHAC/ADSCs. Finally, a photoaging mouse model was established to assess the anti-photoaging activity of MHAC/ADSCs using H&E staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and WB.
Results:
MHAC/ADSCs exhibited a 3D porous structure, remaining in a sol state at 20°C and forming a gel at 37°C. Additionally, it demonstrated excellent swelling properties and degradability. The results also revealed that MHAC/ADSCs showed significant anti-photoaging activity, promoting the migration of HaCat cells, increasing the expression of miR-18a and Collagen I, and inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α. In animal experiments, MHAC/ADSCs reversed epidermal thickening and collagen loss in mice and reduced the expression level of CD31.
Conclusion:
MHAC/ADSCs exhibit anti-photoaging activity by inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α through the upregulation of miR-18a, providing a promising approach for clinical treatment of photoaging.
Insights
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in a novel hydrogel show promise for treating photoaging. This approach enhances cell survival and function, offering a new clinical strategy for skin rejuvenation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have potential for anti-photoaging but face challenges with homing and survival.
- The precise mechanisms underlying ADSC anti-photoaging effects require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel hydrogel formulation for ADSC delivery to enhance anti-photoaging efficacy.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which ADSCs exert their anti-photoaging effects.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of a methylcellulose/hyaluronic acid/Collagen I hydrogel loaded with ADSCs (MHAC/ADSCs Gel).
- Assessment of hydrogel properties (microstructure, swelling, degradation).
- In vitro evaluation using a HaCat cell photoaging model (CCK-8, Transwell).
- Mechanistic studies using qRT-PCR, Western blot, bioinformatics, and dual-luciferase assays.
- In vivo assessment using a photoaging mouse model (histology, immunohistochemistry, gene/protein expression analysis).
Main Results:
- MHAC/ADSCs Gel demonstrated favorable physical properties and biocompatibility.
- In vitro studies showed MHAC/ADSCs promoted HaCat cell migration and increased miR-18a and Collagen I expression while inhibiting HIF-1α.
- In vivo experiments confirmed MHAC/ADSCs reversed photoaging-induced skin damage in mice and reduced CD31 expression.
Conclusions:
- MHAC/ADSCs effectively treat photoaging by upregulating miR-18a, subsequently inhibiting HIF-1α.
- This hydrogel-based ADSC delivery system presents a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical photoaging treatment.
