Histological study of the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on healing of skin defect in adult male albino rats

Introduction Despite advances in wound care, skin loss results in significant morbidity and mortality. There is increasing evidence that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are useful for tissue regeneration because of their multipotency and easy isolation and culture. Aim of the work The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of local administration of in-vitro-expanded BM-MSCs in the healing of experimentally induced full-thickness excisional wounds in adult male albino rats. Materials and methods Thirty-five adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups. In group I rats, BM was isolated and cultured and skin specimens were obtained as a control. In group II rats, a full-thickness circular skin wound of 5mm in diameter was inflicted on the mid back of each rat and was examined on days 3, 7, and 14. In group III rats, the wound was inflicted as in group II, which was then treated with BM-MSCs and examined as in group II. The wound areas were excised and used for histological and immunohistochemical studies for CD105. Morphometric analysis was performed for assessment of epidermal thickness, area percentage of collagen and elastic fibers, and number of CD105-positive cells. Results Wounds treated with BM-MSCs (group III) showed evidence of re-epithelialization, increased epidermal thickness, hair follicle formation, collagen, and elastic fibers compared with wounds in group II. Similarly, the number of CD105-positive cells was prominently increased in the skin of the same group. Conclusion Local administration of in-vitro-expanded BM-MSCs accelerates and promotes healing in full-thickness excisional wounds.