Prolonged healing and scar formation are two major challenges in treating wounds, resulting in physical, mental and socioeconomic burden to the affected subjects. Exosomes (Exos) are naturally secreted vesicles playing a vital role in the transfer of RNA to neighboring or distant recipient cells and there are numerous on-going studies on their role of in tissue regeneration and wound healing.
Aim of the work: Evaluation of the efficiency of Exos derived from adipose stem cells on cutaneous wound healing in adult male albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-four rats were divided into three groups; Group I: control. Group II: a dorsal cut wound (1.5 × 1.5 cm) was done to each rat. Group III: the same wound was done and rats were injected with 200μ PKH26-labeled Exos intravenously. Rats were sacrificed after 21 days. Skin sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HandE), Mallory's trichrome and orcein stains, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Ki67 immunohistochemical stains.
Results: Skin sections from group II showed scar formation, lost epidermal layers and hair follicles. There was significant increase in collagen fibers and α-SMA immunoreaction, with significant decrease in elastic fibers and Ki67 immunoexpression compared to the control. In group III, the skin revealed almost normal histology, significant decrease in collagen fibers and α-SMA, with significant increase in elastic fibers and Ki67 immunoreaction compared to group II.
Conclusion: Exos injection has demonstrated a beneficial effect on cutaneous wound healing and could prevent scar formation in adult male albino rats.