The Effects of a Gel Formulation Containing Cellular Metabolites on Experimental Contact Burn Healing
Project no. 32262 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2024
Summary
<p>Burn injuries are a serious health problem that causes disruption of tissue integrity and can lead to functional impairment. Various approaches are used in burn treatment to accelerate wound healing and improve functional and aesthetic outcomes. In recent years, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained considerable interest in this field due to their regenerative potential. This study investigated the effects of exosomes derived from human amniotic membrane-derived MSCs on wound healing in an experimental contact burn model. The amniotic membrane is considered an ideal source for MSCs due to its easy accessibility, low immunogenicity, and high proliferation capacity. Exosomes derived from amniotic membrane-derived MSCs offer several advantages, such as low immunogenicity, anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to carry various growth factors and cytokines. These properties make exosomes attractive candidates for various therapeutic applications, including tissue regeneration, wound healing, and immunomodulation.</p><p>In our study, these bioactive vesicles were incorporated into a NaCMC hydrogel system to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes and provide controlled release. In vitro studies were conducted to determine the optimal exosome concentration to be added to the gel formulation, which was found to be 100 µl/ml. Six different treatment groups were formed in rats with experimental contact burn model: (1) Control group (healthy subjects), (2) Burn control group (no treatment), (3) Empty gel group</p><p>(NaCMC gel without exosomes), (4) Exosome-containing gel group, (5) Positive control group (Silverdin 1% cream), and (6) Exosome-only group. Wound healing was evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically; levels of oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. Additionally, the expressions of VEGF and iNOS, which play an important role in wound healing, were examined immunohistochemically.</p><p>The findings revealed that the exosome-containing NaCMC gel formulation accelerated the burn healing process more effectively than all other groups. Compared to the exosome-free gel, the exosome-only group, and the untreated group, the exosome-containing gel provided faster wound healing, partially suppressed the inflammatory response, and promoted tissue regeneration.</p><p>These effects can be attributed to the exosomes' ability to stimulate angiogenesis, partially modulate the inflammatory response, support cell proliferation and migration, and increase extracellular matrix deposition, thereby effectively supporting regenerative processes.</p><p>Furthermore, the exosome-containing gel provided more effective healing prevents cell damage and supports tissue regeneration by reducing oxidative stress. In conclusion, the exosome-containing NaCMC gel formulation can accelerate wound healing, improve functional and aesthetic outcomes, and minimize tissue damage by reducing oxidative stress in burn injuries. This study emonstrates that exosome-containing biomaterials have promising potential in burn treatment.</p>