Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improve the Aging Skin of Nude Mice by Promoting Angiogenesis and Reducing Local Tissue Water.

Background Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are considered promising cells for skin rejuvenation. However, whether the angiogenetic effect of ASCs plays an important role in the treatment of aging skin and its influence on skin tissue remain elusive. Objectives The present study evaluated the effect of ASCs on angiogenesis and local tissue water (LTW) in the aging skin of nude mice. Methods Twelve nude mice were randomly divided into a UVB-induced photoaging group and a natural aging group. After the mouse model was established, ASCs and PBS were separately injected into the dorsal skin of the mice. Blood perfusion and LTW were measured. After 7 weeks, mice were sacrificed, and skin samples were collected to measure the thickness of the dermis, density of the capillaries and expression of angiogenic growth factors. Results ASC therapy significantly increased the thickness of the dermis, the number of capillaries, and the expression of some angiogenic growth factors (VEGF, IGF-1, and EGF). At 7 weeks after injection, blood perfusion was significantly higher on the ASCs-injection side than on the PBS-injection side. The LTW was increased in the PBS-injection side of photoaging mice. The ASCs-injection side showed no significant changes over time. Conclusions ASCs increased dermal thickness, promoted angiogenesis and reduced LTW in the skin of photoaging mice, providing a potential clinical therapy for skin rejuvenation.