Stem Cell Treatments in Dermatology

Cells that have the potential to self-renew and differentiate into different cell types are called stem cells. Two types of adult stem cells are used for therapeutic purposes in clinical practice: hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are used in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Mesenchymal stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into muscle, fat, bone, nerve, tendon, ligament and cartilage cells. For this reason, studies using mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine are emphasized in current literature.

Stem cell therapy is used in dermatology for hair loss, anti-aging, treatment of vitiligo and acne scars and wound healing. Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) method may be used for the treatment of hair loss, while the stem cells used are collected from the patient’s own fat tissue with a mini liposuction under local anesthesia and then injected into the affected area to promote growth and healing. It has been found that adipose tissue-derived and mesenchymal stem cells are beneficial in the treatment of the signs of aging of facial region.

Another way to obtain stem cells is to take skin from the scalp behind the ear. Skin is taken by punch biopsy. It is separated into progenitor stem cells with the help of the device. These stem cells obtained are injected into the scalp for hair loss treatment.

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality with the potential to restore tissue to its pre-injury state. Of particular interest are mesenchymal stromal cells, which have been shown to accelerate wound healing by modulating the immune response and promoting angiogenesis. CD8+ T cells are responsible for melanocyte destruction. Due to the immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells, it is possible to prevent this destruction and provide repigmentation in vitiligo.

Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay

Professor of Dermatology

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty

Department of Dermatology

Email: zekayi.kutlubay@iuc.edu.tr