Evaluation of the Effect of Different Mesenchymal Stem Cell Microvesicles on Diabetic Wound Healing

Cemal Alper Kemaloğlu1, Ömer Taşkın2, Zeynep Burçin Gönen3

  • 1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Memorial Ankara Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye.

Journal of Clinical Practice and Research
|March 30, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Umbilical cord-derived stem cell microvesicles (UCDSC-MVs) significantly enhance diabetic wound healing by promoting re-epithelialization and collagen formation. This study highlights UCDSC-MVs as a promising cell-free therapy for diabetic cutaneous wound repair.

Area of Science:

  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Wound Healing Biology
  • Stem Cell Therapeutics

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived microvesicles are crucial for wound regeneration.
  • Diabetic cutaneous wounds present a significant clinical challenge due to impaired healing.
  • Evaluating different MSC sources for microvesicle-based therapies is essential for optimizing diabetic wound repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comparatively assess the therapeutic efficacy of microvesicles from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-MVs), umbilical cord-derived stem cells (UCDSC-MVs), and bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSC-MVs) in healing diabetic cutaneous wounds.
  • To determine the optimal MSC source for microvesicle-based wound healing therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Forty Wistar albino rats with induced diabetes and dorsal skin defects were divided into four groups: control (saline), ADSC-MVs, UCDSC-MVs, and BMDSC-MVs.
  • Macroscopic and histological evaluations assessed re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and collagen matrix formation.
  • Statistical analysis compared treatment outcomes at specific postoperative time points.

Main Results:

  • All microvesicle treatments accelerated wound closure and improved collagen alignment compared to controls.
  • Increased angiogenic activity was observed across all treatment groups, with UCDSC-MVs showing the most significant effect.
  • UCDSC-MVs demonstrated significantly enhanced epithelial tongue length on postoperative days 3 and 14 (p=0.008 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Umbilical cord-derived stem cell microvesicles exhibit superior potential in promoting re-epithelialization for diabetic wound healing.
  • UCDSC-MVs represent a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for managing complex diabetic wounds.
  • Further research into UCDSC-MVs could lead to novel treatments for chronic wound conditions.