Effects on Wound Healing of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cells Similar to Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells

Abstract

Background: Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) complement the disadvantages of conventional embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells, and have the advantages of simplicity of production and pluripotency. Some recent studies have applied hiPSC in cell therapy.Methods: In this study, we examined the effect of cells similar to cord blood endothelial colony-forming cells (CB-ECFCs), differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells, on angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation in the proliferative phase of wound healing. For cell transfer, we used methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)-co-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) cryogel, which has better bioactivity than conventional hydrogels and excellent mechanical properties and swelling capacity. Two full-thickness skin defects, 0.8 cm in diameter, were made in each of our 12 experimental mice. Wound splinting models were used to prevent contraction of the wounds. In each of the experimental animals, 5×10<sup>5</sup> cells were applied with GelMA-co-PSS cryogel in one of the two wounds, while only a culture medium with cryogel was applied to the other wound.Results: Wound reduction rates in the experimental side showed increases compared to the control side in 3 days, but there was no statistical significance. The histological score was significantly increased (P<0.05), and histologic examination showed that angiogenesis and granulation formation were also increased in the experiment side.Conclusion: In conclusion, CB-ECFCs-like cells differentiated from hiPSCs were effective in promoting formation of angiogenesis and granulation tissue in a mouse wound healing model.