Therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells in second-degree burn wound repair: Integration with split-thickness skin grafts.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown significant potential in a variety of clinical applications for repairing and regenerating damaged tissues. MSCs can stimulate cellular processes such as fibroblast proliferation, migration, and endothelial angiogenesis, as well as modulate the host's immune response to favor more optimal wound healing. Therefore, the application of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy to severe burn wounds holds promise as a potential avenue for improved outcomes, especially in cases where alternative therapies may be limited.

Case presentation: We present the results of a specific case excluded from our previously reported phase I Clinical Trial, examining the safety of allogeneic bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy for deep 2nd-degree burn wounds. This patient had been discontinued from the trial as a clinical decision was made that the patient would best be served by subsequent split-thickness skin grafting, an exclusion criterion for the trial.

Conclusion: We report the benefits of local allogenic MSC therapy followed by an early split-thickness skin graft. We observed a reduction in scar formation with improved sensation to touch using MSC therapy. No adverse events or evidence of rejection were seen. Our case report provides evidence supporting the notion that employing stem cell therapy preceding grafting represents a promising and synergistic therapeutic strategy for effectively treating burn injuries.

Lay summary: Hypertrophic scarring is a common issue in burn wounds, despite surgery or non-surgical treatments, and it often leads to tight, restrictive scars that can cause significant discomfort and complications for patients. This report explores the safety of using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as a potential treatment for burn wounds, applied either directly to the skin or beneath the surface.To date, no adverse side effects have been reported with these methods. The report details the case of a patient who first received stem cells under the skin, followed by a topical application, and later had a skin graft to treat a large, deep second-degree burn. The stem cells used were from a young healthy adult donor. The patient's progress was monitored for six months.The findings suggest that combining donor stem cells with skin grafting could be a helpful way to treat burn injuries, particularly in cases of deep second-degree burns. This approach appears to enhance wound healing, facilitate faster recovery, and reduce complications like infections, which could lead to shorter hospital stays.