Abstract
Both cultured Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) and non-cultured Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BM-MNCs) can improve random-pattern skin flap survival. However, whether prior culture expansion of bone marrow cells is beneficial for this therapy remains unclear. In the current study, the protective effects of BM-MNCs and BMSCs derived from identical bone marrow aspirates were compared in a random-pattern skin flap rat model. The mean skin flap survival rates were 71.6 ± 8.4% in the BM-MNC-treated group and 66.2 ± 3.1% in the BMSCtreated group, both of which were significantly higher than the control group (55.9 ± 3.4%). The protective effects were confirmed by blood perfusion analysis and vessel density assay. However, no significant difference was observed between the cell transplanted groups. These results indicate that the current method for pre-culture of BMSCs does not bring therapeutic benefits in skin flap protection. Therefore, BM-MNCs without pre-culture might be more practicable in the clinical setting.
Highlights
The random-pattern skin flap is one of the most widely used flaps in the repair of skin defects
Various growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), have been proven to be beneficial for the survival of skin flaps, they are restricted by their short half-life and poor longlasting effects [4,5,6]
The cell surface marker expression profiles of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) and non-cultured Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BM-MNCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry
Summary
The random-pattern skin flap is one of the most widely used flaps in the repair of skin defects. Partial necrosis, especially in the distal part, is a major problem because of lack of blood supply and severe ischemia [1]. This problem limits the length-width ratio of random-pattern skin flaps. Applying high doses of these drugs can lead to many side-effects. Various growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), have been proven to be beneficial for the survival of skin flaps, they are restricted by their short half-life and poor longlasting effects [4,5,6]
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