The Vital Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treating Skin Diseases. An introduction

Exosome Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation

Our skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it does much more than what we think. It protects us from harmful substances, helps us feel different sensations, and regulates our body temperature. Unfortunately, skin problems can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing emotional stress and financial burdens. Skin injuries, whether from trauma, burns, infections, or chronic conditions like diabetic ulcers, are major challenges in healthcare today.

Healing skin injuries involve a complex process that includes stopping the bleeding, inflammation, cell growth, and tissue remodeling. If anything goes wrong during these stages, healing can become a struggle, and the wound may not heal properly (Xinyu Zhao et al. 2023).

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Solution for Healing

Stem cell therapies are showing exciting potential for regenerating damaged tissues in various studies. Among the different types of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells stand out for their ability to heal and regenerate tissues. These multipotent cells can be found in areas like bone marrow, fat, dental tissue, and umbilical cord, and they have been shown to effectively promote wound healing by supporting processes such as cell migration, blood vessel formation, and inflammation control (Jia-Chen Hu et al. 2022).

Understanding Skin Structure and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function

To understand how mesenchymal stem cells help heal skin wounds, it is essential to know a bit about skin anatomy. The skin consists of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outer layer that protects the body, while the dermis, which is thicker, provides support and contains blood vessels and nerves (Hani Yousef et al. 2024). As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis decreases, leading to less firm and elastic skin.

How Mesenchymal Stem Cells Aid in Healing and Prevent Scars

According to Kotaro Tanaka et al. (2022) there are several ways mesenchymal stem cells contribute to wound healing:

•          Promoting Blood Vessel Growth: Mesenchymal stem cells secrete factors that encourage new blood vessel formation, essential for healing

•          Transforming into Healing Cells: They can turn into various cells, including fibroblasts, which are crucial for tissue repair

•          Activating Natural Stem Cells: Mesenchymal stem cells can mobilize the body’s own stem cells to aid the healing process

•          Remodeling Extracellular Matrix: They help organize the supportive network for skin cells

•          Modulating Immune Response: Mesenchymal stem cells can shift immune cells to an anti-inflammatory state, which is beneficial for healing

•          Using Exosomes: Mesenchymal stem cells release tiny vesicles called exosomes that enhance healing and are more stable than whole cells 

The Role of Exosomes in Skin Healing

Exosomes are tiny vesicles secreted by almost all living cells and serve as communication tools between them. They carry essential molecules that can influence healing:

1.        Reducing Inflammation: Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells help shift immune responses from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory, aiding tissue repair. This is crucial as anti-inflammatory macrophages are associated with tissue repair and regeneration (Xinyu Zhao et al. 2023).

2.        Anti-Aging Benefits: Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can boost collagen and elastin levels in the skin, highlighting their rejuvenating effects (Jia-Chen Hu et al. 2022).

3.        Helping Diabetic Wounds: For individuals with diabetes, exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells can support the growth of cells needed for healing and reduce inflammation, showing potential for treating diabetic foot ulcers (Jia-Chen Hu et al. 2022).

What mesenchymal stem cells management options are available for skin diseases and wound healing? Donghui Bian et al. (2022) shows what applications have been studied and tested for safety and efficacy.

Direct Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Human mesenchymal stem cells can grow and change into skin cells to heal injuries and damaged areas. They help in healing by sending out signals to encourage cell regeneration and wound repair. Mesenchymal stem cells can move to injured spots and turn into different types of skin cells, producing proteins that support skin structure. They also help manage inflammation and create new blood vessels, which are important for healing.

Studies show that when mesenchymal stem cells are used in wound healing, they can speed up recovery, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue formation. For instance, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to improve wound closure and the formation of granulation tissue, which is essential for healing. They release various growth factors and proteins that aid in tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Primed-Mesenchymal Stem Cells Application

Pretreating mesenchymal stem cells with certain inflammatory signals can enhance their healing abilities. For example, mesenchymal stem cells treated with specific cytokines show better migration to wounds and improved healing effects. This approach harnesses the mesenchymal stem cells' natural capabilities while boosting their effectiveness.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Based Delivery Methods

Mesenchymal stem cells are often combined with biomaterials like scaffolds to enhance their effectiveness in healing wounds. Using scaffolds can help keep mesenchymal stem cells at the injury site and promote the release of healing factors. This combination can improve skin quality, support hair follicle regrowth, and reduce inflammation.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exosome in Wound Healing

Exosomes can stimulate the growth and movement of skin cells without the the need to apply whole cells.

Conclusion

Mesenchymal stem cells represent a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of skin diseases, offering new hope for patients dealing with various skin conditions and injuries. Their unique properties allow them to play various roles in wound healing, from promoting blood vessel formation and differentiating into critical healing cells to enhancing the body’s own regenerative processes. By aiding in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and modulating immune responses, mesenchymal stem cells address both the immediate and long-term challenges of skin repair.

As our understanding of mesenchymal stem cells deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that their potential extends beyond mere tissue repair; they hold promise in preventing excessive scarring and improving overall skin health. This transformative capability not only enhances the quality of life for individuals suffering from skin ailments but also alleviates the financial burden on healthcare systems.

Ongoing research into mesenchymal stem cells therapies, including the use of exosomes, could pave the way for innovative treatment modalities that are more effective and less invasive. Ultimately, understanding the intricate mechanisms in which mesenchymal stem cells work in dermatology may redefine our approach to skin health, fostering a future where skin injuries are treated with greater efficacy and precision.

References

1.     Donghui Bian et al. (2022). The application of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their derivative exosome in skin wound healing: a comprehensive review. Stem Cell Res Ther 13, 24

2.     Hani Yousef, Mandy Alhajj, Adegbenro O. Fakoya; Sandeep Sharma. 2024. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. StatPearls Publishing.

3.     Jia-Chen Hu, Chen-Xi Zheng, Bing-Dong Sui, Yan Jin et al. 2022. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: A novel and potential remedy for cutaneous wound healing and regeneration. World J Stem Cells 2022 May 26; 14(5): 318-329

4.     Junyi Li, Ye Liu, Rui Zhang et al. 2024. Insights into the role of mesenchymal stem cells in cutaneous medical aesthetics: from basics to clinics. Li et al. Stem Cell Research & Therapy 13287-024-03774-5 (2024) 15:16

5.     Xinyu Zhao et al. 2023. Application of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes in the treatment of skin wounds. Smart Materials in Medicine 4 (2023) 578–589

6.     Kotaro Tanaka et al. 2022. Role and Function of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Fibroblast in Cutaneous Wound Healing. Biomedicines 2022, 10(6), 1391

7.     Tae Hoon Shin et al. 2017. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Clinical Potential and Mode of Action. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(2), 244

8.     Zahra Lotfollahi. 2024. The anatomy, physiology and function of all skin layers and the impact of ageing on the skin. Wound Practice and Research 2024;32(1):6-10.