Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Improved Healing of Cutaneous Wound in a Rat Model

Abstract

Introduction: Wounds of skin are common injuries causing familial burdens. Exosomes received attention as a cell-free therapy. Aim: Studying the role of exosomes (derived from mesenchymal stromal cells [MSCs]) on healing of cutaneous wound in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Five weaned rats were used for exosome isolation. Exosomes were isolated (from bone marrow-MSCs) through ultracentrifugation. They were then characterized using a transmission electron microscope. The study was conducted on 42 adult male rats. They were divided into Group I (control group); Group II (spontaneous wound healing) and Group III (exosomes treated group): 24 h after generation of skin wound rats received a single intravenous injection of 1 mL phosphate buffer saline containing purified exosomes. Skin specimens were collected after 14 days and 21 days. Skin specimens were subjected to proper histological techniques. Results: Administration of exosomes decreased pain experienced by rats, improved wound healing, enhanced epidermal reepithelization and the regeneration of skin appendages, significantly increased epidermal cell proliferation and lead to better organization of newly formed collagen. Conclusions: Intravenous injection of exosomes was effective in accelerating cutaneous wound healing in adult rats.