Stem cell secretome-mediated alleviation of scalp psoriasis: A case report

Scalp psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, thickened (erythematous), well-demarcated patches or plaques with overlying silvery-white scales, affecting part or all of the scalp, is an autoimmune disease accompanied by itchy skin. The disease is associated with faulty functioning of adaptive and innate components of immune systems. The key proinflammatory cytokines mediating immunopathology of psoriasis are IL-17 and IL-23 which promote proliferation of Th 17 cells which in turn induce proliferation of keratinocytes leading to the disease. Standard management of psoriasis primarily targets the disease by suppression of inflammation using steroid based drugs. However, these are not enough to cure the disease. In recent years researchers have demonstrated the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating autoimmune disorders and skin disorders. MSCs mediate skin regeneration by a plethora of mechanisms including immune modulation, angiogenesis, proliferation of mediator cells like fibroblasts, and by inhibition of proinflammatory pathways. The paracrine factors secreted by MSCs in surrounding environment like growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling and regulatory molecules, act as key molecules in mediating anti-inflammatory responses. Here we describe a case report following the treatment of a patient suffering from scalp psoriasis using MSC- secreted molecules in the conditioned media. Both silvery scales and plaques on the scalp were significantly reduced within 4 weeks of topical application of the conditioned media. The patient remained disease free for 3 years of follow up. Our current results are in good agreement with those of our previous report where we reported complete amelioration of scalp psoriasis following the topical application of the conditioned media.