Adipose-derived stem cells to modulate scar tissue: From biological basis to clinical applications

Abstract

Hypertrophic scars and keloids represent fibrotic skin conditions which can often be difficult to treat and can lead to a functional impairment, especially in burn patients. Chronic wounds include different pathological conditions, but have a common biological basis characterized by an entrapment in a constant inflammatory phase due to a failure to proceed through the subsequent stages of wound healing. This inflammatory state leads to an abnormal cellular and biochemical microenvironment and a remarkable discomfort for the patient associated with chronic disability. The aim of the treatment of the above pathological conditions using adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) is to reestablish a physiological, biochemical, and cellular milieu; thanks to the adjunct of healthy undifferentiated cells that are able to secrete growth factors stimulating the restart of the orchestrate process of wound healing. The authors discuss treatment of hypertrophic scars and chronic wounds with stem cells.