The Effect of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (ADSC)-Exos on the Healing of Autologous Skin Grafts in Miniature Pigs

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jan 8;26(2):479. doi: 10.3390/ijms26020479.

Abstract

The skin functions as the body's primary defense barrier; when compromised, it can lead to dehydration, infection, shock, or potentially life-threatening conditions. Miniature pigs exhibit skin characteristics and healing processes highly analogous to humans. Mesenchymal stem cells contribute to skin injury repair through a paracrine mechanism involving exosomes. This research examines whether adipose-derived MSC exosomes effectively enhance healing following autologous skin grafting in miniature pigs. It also compares the roles and distinctions of ADSCs and ADSC-Exos in inflammatory responses and tissue regeneration. This study found significantly reduced levels of oxidative stress products and pro-inflammatory factors, while antioxidant factors, anti-inflammatory factors, and pro-regenerative factors were elevated, and anti-regenerative factor levels decreased. Moreover, the expression levels of key markers-namely, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR-in the regeneration-associated signaling pathway were increased. The alterations in these indicators indicate that ADSC-Exos can regulate inflammatory responses and promote regeneration. This study provides a novel theoretical foundation for the implementation of acellular therapy in clinical settings.

Keywords: adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes; autologous skin grafting; miniature pigs.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue* / cytology
  • Adipose Tissue* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Signal Transduction
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin Transplantation* / methods
  • Swine
  • Swine, Miniature*
  • Transplantation, Autologous*
  • Wound Healing*