Stem Cell Therapy for Burns: The Story So Far

The document reviewed the potential of stem cell therapy in treating burn wounds, emphasizing its advantages over traditional methods. Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources, were shown to promote accelerated healing, improved scar outcomes, and better skin regeneration through paracrine signaling. Hair Follicle Stem Cells (HFSCs) and Umbilical Cord Stem Cells (USCs) demonstrated reduced inflammation and scar formation. The document highlighted the role of signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT, WNT-β catenin, and TGF-β in enhancing stem cell functions. MSC-derived exosomes and conditioned media (CM) were noted for their therapeutic potential, though challenges such as variability in secretome profiles and the need for standardized protocols were acknowledged. A study involving 60 patients with full-thickness burns showed MSC therapy reduced complications compared to conventional skin grafts, despite higher infection rates in UC-MSC treated groups. The document concluded that while stem cells showed promise, further research and standardization were necessary for clinical application.