Wound Healing Potential of Human Neonatal Mesenchymal Cells in an Animal Model of Hyperglycemia

Potential targeting of impaired wounds resulting from hyperglycemia using mesenchymal stem cells is a promising approach. We hypothesized that when administered to dermal wounds in hyperglycemic subjects, neonatal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would be more effective than adult mesenchymal cells in accelerating healing. We examined the in vitro impact of various glucose conditions on proliferation and senescence(definition) of human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs) and adult bone marrow MSCs (hBM-MSCs). We also investigated the healing potential of both cells in dermal wounds of streptozotocin-induced NOD-scid-gamma (NSG) mice utilizing planimetry and histomorphometry. HUCPVCs showed higher proliferation under normal and hyperglycemic conditions and lower senescence under all conditions compared to hBM-MSCs. Wound closure was better in treated wounds compared to untreated wounds. Disease tolerance varied among mice which affected healing. HUCPVCs still holds a potential over adult MSCs for impaired wounds; yet more studies are needed to recognize their bona fide capacity.