The Angiogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheath

The study investigated the angiogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells from the hair follicle outer root sheath (MSCORS) for vascular regeneration and tissue engineering. MSCORS were found to differentiate efficiently into endothelial and smooth muscle cells, essential for blood vessel formation, and showed superior performance compared to adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). The study involved 7 healthy donors for hair follicles and 5 patients for adipose tissue. MSCORS-derived cells demonstrated a high capacity for forming complex angiogenic networks and expressed elevated levels of VEGF, a critical factor in angiogenesis. The findings highlighted MSCORS as a promising, non-invasive source for personalized regenerative therapies, with potential applications in tissue engineering and vascularization, although further optimization for in vivo applications was suggested.