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The role of stem cells in suppurative environments
Author(s) -
Herreros Dolores,
GarcíaArranz Mariano,
Pascual Isabel,
GarcíaOlmo Damián
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2006.0436p.x
Subject(s) - medicine , stem cell , adipose tissue , adverse effect , transplantation , disease , surgery , clinical trial , bioinformatics , biology , genetics
Purpose: The management of suppurative perianal lesions presents an extremely challenging problem. Stem cells (SC) extracted from certain tissues, such as adipose tissue, can differentiate into various cell types. Therefore, we have tried to use such cells to stimulate healing in a purulent environment. Methods: In the beginning, we designed a phase I clinical trial, involving five patients with Crohn's disease. We inoculated nine fistulas in four patients with autologous adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSC) and were followed at least 8 weeks. Seventy‐five percent became healed, and 25% showed a decrease in output flow. No adverse effects were observed in any patient. This study evidenced that such cells are safe. Then, we started a research line using SC in different suppurative environments. During the course of these studies, we had the opportunity to treat a patient with perianal hidradenitis suppurativa using our current protocol of ADSC transplantation. Eight weeks after injection, patient had no perianal suppuration, and a year later remains well. Discussion: The biological mechanism that underlies the therapeutic success of ADSC transplantation is unknown. Cell differentiation, secretion of growth factors or immunomodulatory effects have been suggested. No ethical conflicts were identified by our Ethics Committee, because the cells were autologous. Conclusions: Our study shows that ADSC are safe for the treatment of suppurative processes. The actual number of patients included and the uncontrolled nature of these pilot studies do not allow demonstration of the effectiveness of the treatment. However, the results encourage the performance of further studies.