Use of human umbilical cord serum to treat animal skin burns

Abstract

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that human umbilical cord blood crude serum applied topically may promote an early healing for animal models with burn injury. Human umbilical cord serum HUCS was collected and screened for transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The HUCS was subjected to microbial testing to demonstrate the presence or absence of viable contaminating microorganisms. Mice (no=45) and rabbits (n=16) were scalded by boiling water then treated with HUCS in comparison to untreated animals. Another group of rabbits (n=24) were subjected to hot water (70°C) and 1N NaOH and treated with HUCS in comparison to cetrimide 0.5% cream treated group and control group (without treatment). Topical application of HUCS promoted the healing process; complete healing was seen after 10 days in the mice group and 7 days in the rabbit group. Cetrimide group applied to the second rabbit group showed slow healing and needed 10 days for hair regrowth. Control group in both mice and the two rabbits' group, showed very slow response and the burn area diameter remained the same for over 10 days, and no hair regrowth was observed after 10 days. In conclusion the results of the current study indicated that HUCS is a promising therapy for healing of burns caused by boiling water alone or by alkali with hot water. More clinical trials are needed to explore the long-term effects after UCS use and incorporation of HUCS in suitable dosage form.