# Combination Therapy with Human Chorionic Villi MSCs and Secretory Factors Enhances Cutaneous Wound Healing in a Rat Model

## TL;DR

This study shows that combining human chorionic villus MSCs with their secreted factors improves wound healing in rats by accelerating closure and enhancing tissue repair.

## Contribution

The novel approach combines local MSC delivery with systemic secretome administration for enhanced wound healing.

## Key findings

- hCV-MSCs delivered via hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure by day 20.
- Secretome enriched in ECM and immune regulation proteins enhanced re-epithelialization and angiogenesis.
- Combination therapy improved collagen deposition and vascularization compared to MSCs alone.

## Abstract

Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process involving multiple cellular and molecular events, and current treatments often face limitations in efficacy and safety. Stem-cell therapy, particularly using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has emerged as a promising approach to enhance wound repair through both direct cell replacement and paracrine signaling. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of human chorionic villus mesenchymal stem cells (hCV-MSCs) and their secretory factors in enhancing cutaneous wound healing. Utilizing a rat model, we combined the local administration of hCV-MSC-laden PEGDA/SA/Col-I hydrogel with the systemic delivery of their secretome, aiming to leverage the complementary mechanisms of cellular and cell-free therapies. Our findings demonstrate that hCV-MSCs delivered via PEGDA/SA/Col-I hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure compared to controls, with near-complete closure observed by day 20. Histological analysis revealed enhanced keratinocyte maturation (increased KRT10/KRT14 ratio) and a higher density of CD31+ blood vessels, indicating improved re-epithelialization and angiogenesis. A mass spectrometry analysis of the hCV-MSC secretome identified 849 proteins, with enrichment in pathways related to ECM organization, cell adhesion, and immune regulation. Key proteins such as ANXA1, SERPINE1, and WNT5A were implicated in wound-healing processes. Combination therapy with systemic secretome administration further accelerated wound closure and enhanced collagen deposition, keratinocyte maturation, and vascularization compared to hCV-MSCs alone. Our results highlight the promising application of hCV-MSCs and their secretome in cutaneous wound healing, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that integrate both local and systemic regenerative approaches.