The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Chitosan Gel on Full Thickness Skin Wound Healing in Albino Rats: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Fluorescent Study

The Role and Prospects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Skin Repair and Regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recognized as a cell therapy with the potential to promote skin healing. MSCs, with their multipotent differentiation ability, can generate various cells related to wound healing, such as dermal fibroblasts (DFs), endothelial cells, and keratinocytes. In addition, MSCs promote neovascularization, cellular regeneration, and tissue healing through mechanisms including paracrine and autocrine signaling. Due to these characteristics, MSCs have been extensively studied in the context of burn healing and chronic wound repair. Furthermore, during the investigation of MSCs, their unique roles in skin aging and scarless healing have also been discovered. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which MSCs promote wound healing and discuss the recent findings from preclinical and clinical studies. We also explore strategies to enhance the therapeutic effects of MSCs. Moreover, we discuss the emerging trend of combining MSCs with tissue engineering techniques, leveraging the advantages of MSCs and tissue engineering materials, such as biodegradable scaffolds and hydrogels, to enhance the skin repair capacity of MSCs. Additionally, we highlight the potential of using paracrine and autocrine characteristics of MSCs to explore cell-free therapies as a future direction in stem cell-based treatments, further demonstrating the clinical and regenerative aesthetic applications of MSCs in skin repair and regeneration.

Mesenchymal stem cells-based drug delivery systems for diabetic foot ulcer: A review

The complication of diabetes, which is known as diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), is a significant concern due to its association with high rates of disability and mortality. It not only severely affects patients’ quality of life, but also imposes a substantial burden on the healthcare system. In spite of efforts made in clinical practice, treating DFU remains a challenging task. While mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been extensively studied in treating DFU, the current efficacy of DFU healing using this method is still inadequate. However, in recent years, several MSCs-based drug delivery systems have emerged, which have shown to increase the efficacy of MSC therapy, especially in treating DFU. This review summarized the application of diverse MSCs-based drug delivery systems in treating DFU and suggested potential prospects for the future research.

Tissue-Oxygen-Adaptation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhances Their Immunomodulatory and Pro-Angiogenic Capacity, Resulting in Accelerated Healing of Chemical Burns

Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) provides a powerful tool for the management of multiple tissue injuries. However, poor survival of exogenous cells at the site of injury is a major complication that impairs MSC therapeutic efficacy. It has been found that tissue-oxygen adaptation or hypoxic pre-conditioning of MSCs could improve the healing process. Here, we investigated the effect of low oxygen tension on the regenerative potential of bone-marrow MSCs. It turned out that incubation of MSCs under a 5% oxygen atmosphere resulted in increased proliferative activity and enhanced expression of multiple cytokines and growth factors. Conditioned growth medium from low-oxygen-adapted MSCs modulated the pro-inflammatory activity of LPS-activated macrophages and stimulated tube formation by endotheliocytes to a much higher extent than conditioned medium from MSCs cultured in a 21% oxygen atmosphere. Moreover, we examined the regenerative potential of tissue-oxygen-adapted and normoxic MSCs in an alkali-burn injury model on mice. It has been revealed that tissue-oxygen adaptation of MSCs accelerated wound re-epithelialization and improved the tissue histology of the healed wounds in comparison with normoxic MSC-treated and non-treated wounds. Overall, this study suggests that MSC adaptation to 'physiological hypoxia' could be a promising approach for facilitating skin injuries, including chemical burns.

Scaffold-based delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells to diabetic wounds

Foot ulceration is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, which results in significant human suffering and a major burden on healthcare systems. The cause of impaired wound healing in diabetic patients is multifactorial with contributions from hyperglycaemia, impaired vascularization and neuropathy. Patients with non-healing diabetic ulcers may require amputation, creating an urgent need for new reparative treatments. Delivery of stem cells may be a promising approach to enhance wound healing because of their paracrine properties, including the secretion of angiogenic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory factors. While a number of different cell types have been studied, the therapeutic use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has been widely reported to improve delayed wound healing. However, topical administration of MSCs via direct injection has several disadvantages, including low cell viability and poor cell localization at the wound bed. To this end, various biomaterial conformations have emerged as MSC delivery vehicles to enhance cell viability and persistence at the site of implantation. This paper discusses biomaterial-based MSCs therapies in diabetic wound healing and highlights the low conversion rate to clinical trials and commercially available therapeutic products.

An active ingredient isolated from Ganoderma lucidum promotes burn wound healing via TRPV1/SMAD signaling

The mushroom Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional Chinese medicine and G. lucidum spore oil (GLSO) is the lipid fraction isolated from Ganoderma spores. We examined the effect of GLSO on burn wound healing in mice. Following wounding, GLSO was applied on the wounds twice daily. Repair analysis was performed by Sirius-Red-staining at different time points. Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed to verify the effect of GLSO on growth. Network pharmacology analysis to identify possible targets was also carried out, followed by Western blotting, nuclear translocation, cell proliferation, and immunofluorescence assays for in-depth investigation of the mechanism. Our study showed that GLSO significantly promoted cell proliferation, and network pharmacology analysis suggested that GLSO might act through transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1)/SMAD signaling. Furthermore, GLSO elevated SMAD2/3 expression in skin burn and promoted its nuclear translocation, and TRPV1 expression was also increased upon exposure to GLSO. Cell proliferation and immunofluorescence assays with TRPV1 inhibitor showed that GLSO accelerated skin burn wound healing through TRPV1 and SMADs signaling, which provides a foundation for clinical application of GLSO in the healing of deep skin burns.

Amnion bilayer for dressing and graft replacement for delayed grafting of full-thickness burns; A study in a rat model

Burn is a common case in developing countries, with over half of fire-related deaths reported in Southeast Asia and full-thickness burns as a high mortality risk. Human amnion has been used as a wound dressing for centuries. In this study, a decellularised amnion overlaid with fibrin, “amnion bilayer (AB),” was used as a dressing immediately after burn and as a graft to replace the scar in Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to full-thickness burn model. The aim was to observe whether amnion bilayer can reduce damages in third-grade burn when skin replacement is deemed impossible. The burn was induced using an electrical solder, heated for 5 mins, and contacted on the rat’s bare skin for 20 s. AB was applied as a (i) dressing immediately after induction and graft after eschar removal. Two groups (n = 6) were compared: AB and Sofra-Tulle ^®, the National Hospital of Indonesia (NHI) protocol. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome stains. Immunohistochemistry labelling was used to indicate scars (α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA] and collagen-1) and angiogenesis (von Willebrand factor). Also, the macrophages inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α) indicates an early inflammatory process. The post dressing of the AB group demonstrated hair follicle remains and adipose tissue development. The NHI group appeared with a denatured matrix. Complete healing was seen in the AB group after 28 days with skin appendages similar to normal, while the NHI group showed no appendages in the centre of the actively inflamed area. The α-SMA was found in both groups. Collagen-1 was highly expressed in the NHI group, which led to a scar. Angiogenesis was found more in the AB group. The AB group had shown the capacity to accelerate complete healing and recover skin appendages better than the current protocol.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of encapsulated Mesenchymal stem cells in Aloe vera gel and Chitosan-based gel in healing of grade-II burn injuries

Treatment of burn injuries with Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a great promise due to their unique properties. As two natural and functional wound dressing, Chitosan and Aloe-Vera gel assist wound regeneration by providing a proper environment. In the current study, we aimed to compare the effect of encapsulated BMSCs in Chitosan-based gel and Aloe-Vera gel on the healing of grade-II burn injuries compared to other groups in the rat. After creation of a 2 × 2 cm grade-II burn on dorsal skin of rats, treatments were performed for each group. The wound closure rate and healing properties were evaluated by histopathological analysis on 7, 14, 21 and, 28 days post-treatment. The expression rate of VEGF, Collagen-I and Collagen-III genes was also assessed on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 performing qRT-PCR. The full wound healing with inconsiderable scar formation was achieved for Aloe-vera/BMSCs and Chitosan/BMSCs group on 28th day post-treatment. Pathological results also demonstrated the highest angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation for Aloe-vera/BMSCs and Chitosan/BMSCs groups respectively. The expression level of VEGF, Collagen-I, and Collagen-III genes was significantly higher in these groups on days 14 and 21, compared to other groups. Results demonstrated the synergistic effect of BMSCs when combined with Chitosan or Aloe-vera gel enhanced the healing process of wound healing more than chitosan gel treatment. Therefore, this gel can be considered as effective approaches for treatment of burn injuries.

An Update on the Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Cutaneous Diseases

Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic postnatal stem cells with self-renewal, multipotent differentiation, and potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capabilities, thus playing an important role in tissue repair and regeneration. Numerous clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential application of MSCs in the treatment of tissue inflammation and immune diseases, including inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, understanding the biological and immunological characteristics of MSCs is important to standardize and optimize MSC-based regenerative therapy. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms underlying MSC-mediated immunomodulation and tissue repair/regeneration and present the latest development of MSC-based clinical trials on cutaneous diseases.

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Ascorbic Acid and N-Acetylcysteine on TNF-α, IL 1β, and NF-κβ Expressions in Acute Pancreatitis in Albino Rats

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a necrotic pancreatic inflammation associated with high mortality rate (up to 70%). Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in pancreatic cellular regeneration, but still their effects are controversial. Therefore, the present study is aimed at examining the enrichment of the stem cells with ascorbic acid (AA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and explore their combined action on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines: interleukin 1β (IL 1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κβ). A total of twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into four groups: the control group, cerulein group (to induce acute pancreatitis), BM-MSCs group, and combined BM-MSCs with AA and NAC group. Homing and proliferation of stem cells were revealed by the appearance of PKH26-labelled BM-MSCs in the islets of Langerhans. AA and NAC combination with BM-MSCs (group IV) was demonstrated to affect the expression of the inflammatory cytokines: IL 1β, TNF-α, and NF-κβ. In addition, improvement of the biochemical and histological parameters is represented in increasing body weight, normal blood glucose, and insulin levels and regeneration of the islet cells. Immunohistochemical studies showed an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and decrease in caspase-3 reactions, detected markedly in group IV, after the marked distortion of the classic pancreatic lobular architecture was induced by cerulein. It could be concluded that treatment with BM-MSCs combined with antioxidants could provide a promising therapy for acute pancreatitis and improve the degeneration, apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammatory processes of the islets of Langerhans. TNF-α, IL 1β, and NF-κβ are essential biomarkers for the evaluation of MSC regenerative effectiveness.

Thermosensitive Injectable Chitosan/Collagen/β-Glycerophosphate Composite Hydrogels for Enhancing Wound Healing by Encapsulating Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids

Chronic wounds caused by diabetic or venous diseases remain a social and healthcare burden. In this work, a new strategy is proposed in which injectable thermosensitive chitosan/collagen/β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) hydrogels were combined with three-dimensional mesenchymal stem cell (3D MSC) spheroids to accelerate chronic wound healing by enhanced vascularization and paracrine effects. Chitosan/collagen/β-GP solution mixed with 3D MSC spheroids was rapidly transformed to a gel at body temperature by physical cross-linking, then overlapped the wounds fully and fitted to any shape of the wound. The results showed that the combination therapy exhibited a markedly therapeutic effect than the hydrogel-loaded two-dimensional (2D) MSCs or 2D MSCs alone. The hydrogel could provide an environment conductive to the attachment and proliferation of encapsulated MSCs, especially accelerating the proliferation and paracrine factor secretion of 3D MSC spheroids. These results supplied a novel alternative approach to treat chronic wounds caused by diabetic or venous diseases.

Role of bone marrow-derived stem cells versus insulin on filiform and fungiform papillae of diabetic albino rats (light, fluorescent and scanning electron microscopic study)

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. DM affects many body's organs and caused by insulin production deficiency or by the ineffectiveness of the produced insulin. Administration of exogenous insulin is required for management of type I DM; however, it does not cure the disease. Bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been highlighted to offer a novel cell based approach for treatment of diabetes because of their anti-diabetic effect, direct differentiation into a variety of cell types, or release of paracrine factors.

AIM

To examine the effect of BM-MSCs versus insulin on true filiform and fungiform papillae of diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty six male Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were equally divided into: Control group (Gp I): Rats did not receive any drug. Diabetic group (Gp II): Rats received a single intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). BM-MSCs treated diabetic group (Gp III): After DM confirmation; rats received a single intravenous injection of BM-MSCs (million units) through tail vein. Insulin treated diabetic group (Gp IV): After DM confirmation; rats received a daily subcutaneous injection of insulin (5IU/kg). After four weeks, half of the tongue specimens were processed and stained by Hematoxyline & Eosin and Anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Anti-PCNA) then examined by light microscope. Fluorescent microscope was used to detect homing of injected labeled BM-MSCs in rats' filiform and fungiform papillae. While the other half were examined by scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

True filiform and fungiform papillae of Gp II showed significant histological and morphological alterations. In treated groups, Gp III and Gp IV, both papillae showed marked improvements, being more noticeable in Gp IV. There was a significant increase in the number of Anti-PCNA positive cells and a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose level in Gp III and Gp IV in comparison to Gp II.

CONCLUSIONS

DM had degenerative effects on true filiform and fungiform papillae. Administration of BM-MSCs reduced the deleterious effects of DM on both papillae. Insulin injection caused more obvious improvements in both papillae of diabetic rats than BM-MSCs.

Design and evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells seeded chitosan/glycosaminoglycans quaternary hydrogel scaffolds for wound healing applications

The main goal of this study was the design, development and characterization of a chitosan based scaffolding substrate including three glycosaminoglycans and collagen to provide an optimal microenvironment for human mesemchymal stem cells isolated from adipose tissue (hMSCs). Chitosan scaffolds provide a moist wound environment which promotes healing and epidermal regeneration. Furthermore, the importance of extracellular molecules such as glycosaminoglycans in wound healing makes them essential ingredients in these types of formulations. The physical properties of hydrogels scaffolds and stability were investigated. The scaffolds were evaluated by structural and microscopic assays, as well as cell culture analyses. The hydrogel with best suitable properties was selected as candidate scaffold for hMSCs encapsulation. The viability of hMSCs remained above 75%, indicating good cell viability. The number of living hMSCs in the scaffold reached a steady state up to ~100% at days 5 and 7. Scanning electron microscopy showed irregular compartments with the presence of the hMSCs. These findings indicated that our hydrogel scaffold provided a suitable niche for cell viability which could be considered a promising candidate for further in vivo studies.

Cellular and collagen reference values of gingival and periodontal ligament tissues in rats: a pilot study

Reference data are lacking on the periodontal ligament and the gingival tissue of the rat model, which would be useful for studies of new medical or biomaterial periodontal treatments. The objective of the current study was to propose cellular and collagen reference values of gingival and periodontal ligament tissues in rat, using a simple and reliable quantitative method after decalcification. Mandibular samples of ten adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Mild decalcification was carried out using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to preserve the morphology of tissues. Half of the samples were decalcified and the other half were not. The gingiva and the periodontal ligament were analyzed. Descriptive histology and computer-assisted image analysis were performed. The data showed that qualitatively, cellular and extracellular matrix morphologies were well preserved compared to non-decalcified periodontal soft tissue biopsies. Histomorphometrically, constitutive cellularity and the total amount of native collagen, collagen directionality and collagen anisotropy in both experimental conditions did not significantly differ. Taken together, these results suggested that EDTA decalcification did not negatively affect the studied endpoints. Moreover, this mild decalcification method allowed in situ maintenance of the periodontal soft and hard tissue integrity. The structural and compositional computerized assessment performed in the healthy periodontal soft tissue could provide reference values that will be required for future assessment on the effects of pathological, reparative and regenerative processes in rat periodontal soft tissues.

The effect of mesenchymal stem cells combined with platelet-rich plasma on skin wound healing

INTRODUCTION

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that have the potential of proliferation, high self-renewal, and the potential of multilineage differentiation. The differentiation potential of the MSCs in vivo and in vitro has caused these cells to be regarded as potentially appropriate tools for wound healing. After the burn, trauma or removal of the tumor of wide wounds is developed. Although standard treatment for skin wounds is primary healing or skin grafting, they are not always practical mainly because of limited autologous skin grafting.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, PubMed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO), and Web of Science have been searched.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

For clinical use of the MSCs in wound healing, two key issues should be taken into account: First, engineering biocompatible scaffolds clinical use of which leads to the least amount of side effects without any immunologic response and secondly, use of stem cells secretions with the least amount of clinical complications despite their high capability of healing damage.

CONCLUSION

In light of the MSCs' high capability of proliferation and multilineage differentiation as well as their significant role in modulating immunity, these cells can be used in combination with tissue engineering techniques. Moreover, the MSCs' secretions can be used in cell therapy to heal many types of wounds. The combination of MSCs and PRP aids wound healing which could potentially be used to promote wound healing.

Physical Properties of Implanted Porous Bioscaffolds Regulate Skin Repair: Focusing on Mechanical and Structural Features

Porous bioscaffolds are applied to facilitate skin repair since the early 1990s, but a perfect regeneration outcome has yet to be achieved. Until now, most efforts have focused on modulating the chemical properties of bioscaffolds, while physical properties are traditionally overlooked. Recent advances in mechanobiology and mechanotherapy have highlighted the importance of biomaterials' physical properties in the regulation of cellular behaviors and regenerative processes. In skin repair, the mechanical and structural features of porous bioscaffolds are two major physical properties that determine therapeutic efficacy. Here, first an overview of natural skin repair with an emphasis on the major biophysically sensitive cell types involved in this multistage process is provided, followed by an introduction of the four roles of bioscaffolds as skin implants. Then, how the mechanical and structural features of bioscaffolds influence these four roles is discussed. The mechanical and structural features of porous bioscaffolds should be tailored to balance the acceleration of wound closure and functional improvements of the repaired skin. This study emphasizes that decoupling and precise control of the mechanical and structural features of bioscaffolds are significant aspects that should be considered in future biomaterial optimization, which can build a foundation to ultimately achieve perfect skin regeneration outcomes.

Glycosaminoglycan-based resorbable polymer composites in tissue refurbishment

Regeneration of tissue structure with the aid of bioactive polymer matrices/composites and scaffolds for respective applications is one of the emerging areas of biomedical engineering. Recent advances in conjugated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) hybrids using natural and synthetic polymers have opened new avenues for producing a wide variety of resorbable polymer matrices. These hybrid scaffolds are low-immunogenic, highly biocompatible and biodegradable with incredible mechanical and tensile properties. GAG-based resorbable polymeric matrices are being exploited in migration of stem cells, cartilage and bone replacement/regeneration and production of scaffolds for various tissue engineering applications. In the current review, we will discuss the role of GAG-based resorbable polymer matrices in the field of regenerative medicine.

Can mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with platelet-rich plasma modulate tissue remodeling in a rat with burned skin?

Our aim was to study the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the proliferation of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and to investigate their roles in the healing of experimental burn injury and the possible mechanism of action. Our work was divided into in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The in-vitro study included untreated MSCs and MSCs treated with PRP. Levels of TGF-β and cell proliferation were assessed. In the in-vivo study, 72 rats were distributed equally among 6 groups: control, burn, burn with MSCs, burn with PRP, burn with both MSCs and PRP, and burn with MSCs pretreated with PRP. On the 7th and 20th day after injury, the serum levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in skin tissue were measured by ELISA; histopathology and gene expression of MMP-1, TIMP-2, Ang-1, Ang-2, and vimentin by real-time PCR were performed in all groups. In vitro: proliferation of MSCs and TGF-β increased in the PRP-treated group compared with the control group. In vivo: Ang-1, Ang-2, and vimentin were upregulated, whereas MMP-1 and TIMP-2 were downregulated. TGF-β and IL-10 were increased, whereas TNF-α was decreased in all treated groups with more significance in MSCs and PRP on day 20. Histopathology of burn skin was improved in all treated groups, particularly in MSCs pretreated with PRP 20 days post-burn.

Evaluation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells for full-thickness wound healing in comparison to tissue engineered chitosan scaffold in rabbit

BACKGROUND

Chronic wounds present a major challenge in modern medicine. Even under optimal conditions, the healing process may lead to scarring and fibrosis. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into other cell types makes these cells an attractive therapeutic tool for cell transplantation. Both tissue-engineered construct and MSC therapy are among the current wound healing procedures and potential care. Chitosan has been widely applied in tissue engineering because of its biocompatibility and biodegradability.

AIM

The aim of the current work was to compare the efficiency of MSCs and chitosan dressing, alone or in combination treatment on wound healing.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 15 rabbits, which were randomly divided in 3 groups based on the type of treatment with MSCs, chitosan dressing and combination of both. A full-thickness skin defect was excised from the right and left side of the back of each animals. Defects on right sides were filled with treatments and left side defects were left as control. Evaluation of the therapeutic effectiveness was performed through a variety of clinical and microscopical evaluations and measurements of the process of wound healing on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Histological evaluation of wound healing was classified by different scoring systems.

RESULTS

The data indicated that wounds treated with bone marrow derived MSC had enhanced cellularity and better epidermal regeneration. During the early stages of wound healing, the closure rate of bone marrow derived MSC-treated wounds were significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05). Although the MSCs in the wound edges enhance the healing of the full-thickness wound, the healing process of chitosan treatment was slower than the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed advanced granulation tissue formation and epithelialization in wounds treated with MSCs, and may suggests this treatment as an effective applicant in wound healing process. Chitosan scaffold dressings, whether alone or in combination with MSCs, have worsened the wound healing as compared to the control group.

Involvement of eIF6 in external mechanical stretch-mediated murine dermal fibroblast function via TGF-β1 pathway

External mechanical loading on a wound commonly increases fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been implicated in fibrosis in various models, including the mechanical force model. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Our previous experiments suggested that eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6) acted as a regulator of TGF-β1 expression, and negatively impact on collagen synthesis. Our current results showed that external mechanical stretching significantly increased COL1A1, TGF-β1 and eIF6 expression as well as dermal fibroblasts proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. eIF6 –deficient (eIF6^+/−) cells exhibited significantly higher levels of COL1A1, and these levels increased further with external mechanical stretching, suggesting that mechanical stretching plays a synergistic role in promoting COL1A1 expression in eIF6^+/− cells. Inhibition of TGFβR I/II by LY2109761 decreased COL1A1 protein expression in eIF6^+/− dermal fibroblasts in a cell stretching model, and attenuated granulation tissue formation in partial thickness wounds of eIF6^+/− mice. These data suggest that mechanical stretching has a synergistic role in the expression of COL1A1 in eIF6^+/− cells, and is mediated by activation of TGFβRI/II. Taken together, our results indicate that eIF6 may be involved in external mechanical force-mediated murine dermal fibroblast function at least partly through the TGF-β1 pathway.

Self-Assembled Wound Dressings Silence MMP-9 and Improve Diabetic Wound Healing In Vivo

The direct local delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) into target tissues presents a real solution to several complex medical conditions that today lack efficacious therapies. The development of an ultrathin polymer coating is described to sustain the delivery of siRNA for up to 2 weeks in vitro and in vivo. This technology successfully reduces the expression of MMP-9 within the wounds of diabetic mice, significantly accelerating the wound healing process and improving the quality of tissue formed.