Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome: Toward Cell-Free Therapeutic Strategies in Regenerative Medicine

The document from 2017 reviews the potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) secretome, including conditioned medium (CM) and exosomes, as a cell-free therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine. It suggests that the benefits of MSC therapy are largely due to the bioactive factors they secrete, which can be used in place of direct cell transplantation. The secretome has been shown to be effective in various animal models for pathologies such as myocardial infarction, cerebral injury, and alopecia, and offers advantages in manufacturing, storage, handling, and shelf life. Human uterine cervical stem cells (hUCESCs) are highlighted as a promising source for secretome-derived products. The MSC secretome works through immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and anti-apoptotic effects, contributing to wound healing and tissue repair. The document also notes the need for regulatory guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of these cell-free products and suggests that modifying MSCs could enhance the therapeutic effects of their secretome.