The bioavailability of the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in umbilical cord tissues as a perspective for stem-cell secretome-mediated skin rejuvenation mechanism

Abstract

The skin is a sensor element that displays the progress of time. Skin structure and functions deteriorate because of biological and physical aging. Aging influences the skin barrier, the elastic and mechanical characteristics of the epidermal cell membranes, as well as its vascular reactivity. Barrier malfunction in old skin is caused by problems in epidermal keratinocyte renewal and differentiation, which are specifically connected to aberrant production of microRNAs that regulate cell division and senescence. The mechanical characteristics of the dermis in old skin are altered by an aberrant balance of matrix protein production and breakdown. Skin-related problems have been rising recently and the role of stem cells in treatment options attracted the interest of the research community. Several studies addressed the potential of stem cells in wound healing and skin aging treatment, thus marking them as agents of regenerative medicine. Stem cells of the umbilical cord were given a special interest for their role and capability in fighting skin aging. Their role was linked to their secreted paracrine factors including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules. In this study, the bioavailability of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the secretome derived from umbilical cord extracts (UC-explants) and mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) is assessed using ELISA. EGF was found with a maximum concentration of 22 pg/ml in secretome derived from UC-explants after 1week culture compared to the secretome derived from UC-MSCs which is the highest in the first passage with a concentration of 4 pg/ml. This anti-aging growth factor might contribute to skin rejuvenation and delay skin aging.