IGF-1-Expressing Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Scalding Wound Healing

ABSTRACT Background Stem cell-based regenerative therapy is a novel approach to severe damaged skin. Perinatal tissues such as placenta are considered as promising alternatives. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-expressing placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) on healing of burn wounds. Materials and methods hPMSCs were isolated from human placenta, and IGF-1 was transducted into hPMSCs via lentivirus . Flow cytometry and MTT assay were performed to assess cell apoptosis and viability, respectively. Immunostaining of CK19 and ki67 was for evaluating epithelial differentiation ability and cell proliferation . For in vivo studies, we established a mouse model of scalding and performed local administration of IGF-1-expressing hPMSCs via subcutaneous injection . Wound histology was analyzed with H&E staining. The expression of fibrogenic cytokines was detected by western blot. The production of pro-inflammatory factors was measured by ELISA. Results Overexpression of IGF-1 promoted cell proliferation and epithelial differentiation of hPMSCs in vitro and in vivo . Mice with burn injury displayed increased wound contraction and healing rates following treatment with IGF-1-expressing hPMSCs. There was less inflammatory infiltration and reduced collagen disposition in the presence of IGF-1 at the wound site. Administration of IGF-1-expressing hPMSCs suppressed inflammation by decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. Besides, IGF-1 increased VEGF expression, and decreased TGF-β1, collagen I and collagen III expressions in vivo . Conclusions IGF-1-expressing PMSCs promotes cell proliferation and epithelial differentiation, inhibits inflammation and collagen deposition, and thus contributes to wound healing.