Transplanting cultured skin sheets improved acne scars in four patients.
The study explores the use of hair follicle-derived epithelial sheets (HFES) as a novel treatment for vitiligo, addressing the limitations of autologous cultured epithelial grafts (ACEG) which can cause scarring. By optimizing culture conditions, researchers maintained undifferentiated hair follicle cells and directed them to form a multi-layered, epidermis-like sheet. The HFES showed promising results in terms of cell identity, viability, purity, genomic stability, and safety. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that basal keratinocytes were predominant, and transcriptomic analysis revealed increased melanocyte proliferation and melanosome maturation. Transplantation of HFES in patients with stable vitiligo led to successful skin repigmentation, offering a new therapeutic option for vitiligo management.
4 citations
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November 2011 in “InTech eBooks” Cultured epithelial autografts help treat burns by expanding skin cells, but challenges like cost and scarring persist.
48 citations
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March 2020 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy” Using a collagen sponge scaffold helps stem cells become more like skin cells.
3 citations
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January 2020 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery” A new treatment using skin and hair cells may help heal stubborn leg ulcers effectively and safely.