Research Article

Astragalus and human mesenchymal stem cells promote wound healing by mediating immunomodulatory effects through paracrine signaling

Clinical Research Center, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, China

‡Authors contributed equally to this paper

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Dandan Zhang‡

Arachna Skin Biotechnology Center, Eston Cell Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 201611, China

‡Authors contributed equally to this paper

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Ying Zhu‡

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0256-3216

Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China

‡Authors contributed equally to this paper

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Xiumei Mo

Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China

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Patrick C McHugh

*Author for correspondence:

E-mail Address: p.c.mchugh@hud.ac.uk

Centre for Biomarker Research, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK

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Qiang Tong

**Author for correspondence:

E-mail Address: jasontong1985@outlook.com

Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200235, China

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Published Online:7 Mar 2022https://doi.org/10.2217/rme-2021-0076

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Abstract

Background: Skin regeneration from an injury without a scar is still a challenge. Methods: A murine model of a skin wound was treated with a combination of extract of astragalus and exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). CD11b+ and CD45 macrophages were detected and levels of cytokines were tested. Results: The expression of growth factors VEGF, FGF2 and EGF was elevated after treatment administered to MSCs. The administration of ethanolic extract of astragalus decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and simultaneously increased the levels of IL-10. The combination sped up the process of wound healing. A sustained-release gel with both ingredients was developed to enhance restoration from granulation. Conclusion: The extract of astragalus promotes the efficacy of MSC-derived exosomes in skin repair.

Graphical abstract

Plain language summary

Recovery from and regeneration of skin wounds are essential to maintaining epidermal function. Improving restoration and reducing scar tissue effectively need to be explored. Here, the authors investigated the potential role of extracts from the combination of an herbal plant (astragalus) and mesenchymal stem cells in wound healing. The administration of ethanolic extract of astragalus decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, increased the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts. The authors found that the combination treatment reduced the recovery time, with a lighter scar. Finally, the authors developed a slow-release gel with the mixture to prolong the effect and promote wound repair. Ethanolic extract of astragalus could enhance the properties of mesenchymal stem cells by effectively increasing recovery speed and improving prognosis.

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Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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Vol. 17, No. 4

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Received 9 June 2021

Accepted 3 February 2022

Published online 7 March 2022

Published in print April 2022

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Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.futuremedicine.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/rme-2021-0076

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Ms Liu (Arachna Skin Biotechnology Center, Eston Cell Technology [Shanghai] Co. Ltd) for the assistance of the graphical abstract.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81700069 and 81302580) and major project of Eighth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital (No. 2021ZD005). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

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