Our skin is our “armor” from the harmful effects of the outside world: ultraviolet light, dust, microorganisms. But, unfortunately, it is not steel and there are many different influences that can break the integrity of the skin. There is a whole range of physical and chemical factors that cause the most complex damage to the anatomical integrity of the skin. We are talking about burn wounds.
Recent advances have shown that burn wounds can be treated with stem cell therapy. Not only have stem cells been shown to promote better and faster healing, but they have also been shown to reduce the rate of inflammation with less scarring and fibrosis development. For example, New York Medical College demonstrated how somatic stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood can accelerate wound healing. In the study, they injected stem cells under the skin of a wounded area, which resulted in significantly accelerated wound healing.
Embryonic stem cells
Some stem cells function not only in a specific place, but also at a strictly defined time. We are talking about embryonic stem cells, which were first bred in 1981. These cells are able to survive for a long time in an undifferentiated state, which makes them convenient for use in medicine.
However, to obtain embryonic stem cells, it is necessary to destroy the embryo, which raises ethical issues. Some countries have introduced laws prohibiting the use of embryos for medical purposes.
Artificial Stem Cells in the Treatment of Burn Wounds
In response to ethical concerns, many scientists have begun researching artificial stem cells. In 2012, the Nobel Prize was awarded to Shinya Yamanaka and John Gurdon for developing the technology to produce such cells. These cells can be derived from adult cells such as skin fibroblasts, hair follicles, or adipose tissue. Fibroblasts are most commonly used because they are easily multiplied in the laboratory and can be reprogrammed into stem cells. Artificial stem cells hold great promise in treating burn wounds, offering the potential for regenerating damaged tissues and improving recovery.
Mesenchymal stem cells and burn wounds treatment
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a promising material for the treatment of burn wounds. Adipose tissue is a convenient and low-trauma source of cells that can differentiate into various cell types.
One gram of adipose tissue can contain up to 2 million mesenchymal stem cells, 90% of which are capable of transforming into different cell types. These cells can be effectively used in the treatment of burn wounds, as they promote accelerated tissue healing.
Local or systemic application of stem cells?
One of the debated issues is the choice of the method of stem cell application in the treatment of burn wounds: local or systemic administration.
Studies have shown that when stem cells are administered intravenously in mice with sarcoma, accelerated division of tumor cells is observed. This indicates that this method may be less safe.
Local application of stem cells, such as in the form of a gel, has proven to be much safer and more effective. Studies have shown that the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the form of gel can significantly accelerate the healing of burns.
Results of the application of mesenchymal stem cells
Studies by Chinese scientists have shown that applying a gel with mesenchymal stem cells to burns in mice accelerates healing. Already in the first week the areas of wound surfaces were reduced by 38%, and by the end of the second week – by 68%.
In addition, the use of stem cells in the treatment of superficial burn wounds significantly accelerates the process of epithelization, reducing the time to 5-6 days.
MSCs have expressed immunomodulatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Prospects of MSCs application are conditioned by three key factors.
- First, mesenchymal cells in the body are able to migrate to damaged areas. Migration is caused by both chemical and mechanical factors.
- Secondly, MSCs can differentiate into local cells.
- Thirdly, the cells are able to secrete chemokines, cytokines and growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. A wide range of secreted molecules allows MSCs to interact with cells belonging to the adaptive immune system, as well as with the components of the innate immune response. This provides anti-inflammatory action.
Stem cells in complex therapy of burn wounds
The use of stem cells in the treatment of burns is important as part of a comprehensive approach that includes not only treating the wound itself, but also restoring normal skin function. Stem cells can be effectively combined with other treatment methods such as surgical wound care, therapy with drugs to accelerate healing and physiotherapy. This not only allows for faster regeneration processes, but also minimizes the risk of complications such as infections or excessive scarring. In the future, such approaches may become an integral part of standard burn wound therapy.
Conclusion
Stem cell therapy represents a promising and promising method in the treatment of burn wounds. Mesenchymal stem cells, especially those derived from adipose tissue, show excellent results in accelerating healing and regeneration of damaged tissues, reducing inflammation and scar formation. Topical application of stem cells in gel form has proven to be effective, significantly shortening the healing time of burn wounds.
In addition, studies have shown that stem cells have unique properties such as the ability to migrate to damaged areas, differentiate into specific cells, and secrete molecules that promote regeneration. These qualities make stem cells a valuable tool in repairing tissues and organs damaged by burn wounds.
The future use of stem cells in medicine promises new horizons for the treatment of not only burns, but also other diseases associated with the disruption of tissue integrity.
