The Rejuvenating Powers of Stem Cell Therapy
Welcome to a groundbreaking exploration of the rejuvenating powers of stem cell therapy in the context of aging skin. In this peer-reviewed article, we dive into the world of skin regeneration, with a specific focus on the remarkable potential of Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) loaded with hypoxic pretreated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). These cutting-edge techniques were put to the test in a study involving mice with incisions on their backs, shedding light on the intricate process of healing in aging skin.
Discussion/Review:
The peer reviewed article that I chose researched the healing effects of aged skin with the assistance of stem cell treatment. More specifically, they looked at the use of Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) loaded with concentrated hypoxic pretreated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in the healing of mice who has incisions placed onto their backs.1 It’s safe to say that it is general knowledge that as the skin ages the integumentary system becomes more compromised. With this, it becomes more prone to poor healing when recovering from a wound. More specifically, typical attributing factors include reduced moisture retention causing dehydration (which leads to increased tenting of the skin). As well as the skin becoming more fragile losing its ability to resist external forces to the degree of younger more resilient skin. Furthermore, it is important to note that additional factors that contribute to comprised aging skin are the changes in the physiological effects of the aging skin. Some of these factors include decreased blood flow, poor wound perfusion, decreased release of cytokines, and reduced proliferation.1 The article discussed the results of accelerated wound healing because of administering ADSC’s to wounds of the aging skin in mice. There results showed an increase in the cytokines secreted more cytokines including VEGF which promoted an improvement of proliferation and migration to facilitate accelerated healing.1 The accelerated wound healing could be attributed as a result of promoting angiogenesis as well as the promotion of migrating endothelial cells which resulted in more adequate transportation of blood flow to the injured site.
Clinical importance for Physical Therapists:
The results of these regenerative therapies have a profound impact on healthcare and will provide advancements in the rehabilitation of patients with wounds. Although this study may be considered to be experimental and performed on mice the long-term outcomes appear to be promising for both the healthcare community, physical therapists, and their patients. In addition, these findings should be made aware to the wound care specialists as well as physical therapists who specialize in wound care management. Various stem cell therapies are being introduced in the management of wound care therapy thanks to the scientific community and similar research being conducted. These benefits are accelerating the patient’s recovery and rehabilitative time frame exponentially resulting in better outcomes and should lengths of stays in hospitals. Unfortunately, most stem cell therapy treatments are extremely expensive and can be a barrier to entry for most individuals, especially the older population due to limited incomes and being dependent on Medicare resources. This scientific evidence, in addition to other stem cell therapies being introduced, may soon pay dividends for physical therapists and the management of their patients. These dividends will facilitating improved compliance in the patient’s rehabilitation and completion of their plan of cares while simultaneously reducing the length of care, potentially reducing costs, and even reducing risk for infection or further wound complications. The faster a wound can heal from the inflammatory phase and enter the proliferative/granulation phases the quicker the wound can start to transition into the final stage of healing, the maturation phases of healing.
Conclusion / Impact for patients/clients.
The clinical importance of this study is significant as more and more people go through the aging process and baby boomers continue to leave the work force and the hospital systems are becoming overwhelmed with the high demands of healthcare workers, but continued shortages noted. By improving the efficiency of a wounds ability to heal hospitals and extended healthcare facilities (e.g., nursing homes, SNFs, intensive rehab facilities) can discharge patients faster. This will dramatically improve the healthcare community’s ability to serve more individuals resulting in more openings available for other potential patients who may require skilled wound care services. Fortunately, with the rapid advancements of medicine, these regenerative therapies are becoming more of a reality than one previously thought. In many ways stem cell therapies have already been implemented throughout the healthcare community. However, barriers to entry continue to remain and further action to reduce costs of these therapies as well as expand the available coverage by insurance companies will continue to be of importance until change is enacted.
References
Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Loaded with Concentrated Hypoxic Pretreated Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADSCs) Conditioned Medium Promotes Wound Healing and Vascular Regeneration in Aged Skin | Biomaterials Research | Full Text. https://biomaterialsres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40824-023-00352-3. Accessed 22 Oct. 2023.