Burn injuries are among the most devastating forms of trauma, often leading to extensive tissue destruction, prolonged recovery times, and lasting physical and psychological scars. Traditional treatment methods can help manage burns, but they often fall short of restoring the skin’s full structure and function. In recent years, stem cell therapy, especially using umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), has gained attention in Thailand and worldwide as a promising approach to enhance burn healing and reduce long-term complications.
The Challenge of Burn Injuries
Severe burns damage multiple layers of the skin, sometimes extending into underlying muscles or connective tissue. The body’s natural healing process can be slow and inefficient, often resulting in excessive scarring, infection, and impaired skin elasticity. Moreover, traditional grafting techniques—while lifesaving—can leave visible scars and may not completely restore the skin’s natural strength, appearance, or protective functions.
The Promise of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells are special cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly those derived from umbilical cords, are considered highly valuable in regenerative medicine. UC-MSCs are young, multipotent cells that can transform into skin, muscle, or vascular cells, making them ideal for repairing damaged tissues after a burn.
Unlike bone marrow stem cells, UC-MSCs can be collected non-invasively from umbilical cords after childbirth—a process that is safe, ethical, and abundant. In Thailand, several research centers and hospitals are exploring the use of these cells in regenerative therapies for skin wounds and burns.
How UC-MSCs Aid in Burn Recovery
- Promoting Tissue Regeneration
After a burn injury, the body attempts to repair the damaged area by forming new tissue. UC-MSCs can accelerate tissue regeneration by differentiating into keratinocytes and fibroblasts, two key cell types that form the outer and inner layers of the skin.
Moreover, UC-MSCs release a range of growth factors and cytokines—such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)—that stimulate nearby cells to proliferate and repair the wound more efficiently. This results in faster wound closure, better tissue quality, and improved elasticity compared to conventional healing.
- Reducing Scar Formation
Scarring is one of the most common and distressing outcomes of burn injuries. Excessive collagen deposition and prolonged inflammation contribute to the development of thick, raised scars known as hypertrophic scars or keloids.
UC-MSCs have anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties that help regulate the body’s healing response. By releasing molecules that balance collagen synthesis and breakdown, they prevent the overproduction of fibrotic tissue. Additionally, UC-MSCs can modulate immune cells, reducing chronic inflammation that often leads to excessive scar tissue.
- Enhancing Skin Function
Beyond physical appearance, healthy skin plays vital roles in temperature regulation, fluid balance, and protection against pathogens. In deep or extensive burns, these functions are severely compromised.
By regenerating new blood vessels through a process called angiogenesis, UC-MSCs help re-establish adequate blood supply to the damaged area. This improves oxygen and nutrient delivery, supporting healthier skin formation. In addition, UC-MSCs encourage the regeneration of skin appendages like hair follicles and sweat glands, contributing to more natural, functional recovery.
- Preventing Complications
Burn wounds are highly susceptible to infection due to the loss of the protective skin barrier. UC-MSCs secrete antimicrobial peptides and anti-inflammatory factors that help fight off infections and enhance immune defense.
Furthermore, these cells shorten the inflammatory phase of wound healing, thereby reducing the risk of chronic wounds and delayed closure. Patients treated with stem cells often show faster recovery times, fewer infections, and better overall outcomes compared to those receiving standard care alone.
Research and Treatment Approaches
- Stem Cell Injections: UC-MSCs are injected directly into or around the wound site to stimulate repair and regeneration. This method allows the cells to interact directly with the injured tissue and release healing factors locally.
- Stem Cell–Based Skin Substitutes: Scientists are developing bioengineered skin grafts that combine UC-MSCs with biocompatible materials, such as collagen scaffolds or hydrogels. These artificial skin substitutes act as a temporary covering for the wound while delivering stem cells that promote regeneration from within.
- Topical Applications: UC-MSCs are incorporated into creams, gels, or dressings that can be applied directly to burn wounds. These formulations release growth factors gradually, enhancing the natural healing process.
- Combination Therapies: Some studies are testing UC-MSCs alongside other regenerative methods, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or growth factor infusions, to maximize healing potential and minimize scarring.
Patients receiving UC-MSC therapy have shown faster wound closure, reduced scarring, and improved functional recovery compared to conventional treatment alone.
UC-MSC Therapy in Thailand: Opportunities and Challenges
Thailand has become a regional hub for regenerative medicine due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and supportive biomedical research environment. Several Thai institutions, including university hospitals and private clinics, are investigating UC-MSCs for various conditions.
The advantages of implementing UC-MSC therapy in Thailand include:
- Availability of umbilical cord tissue, a safe and ethical source of stem cells.
- Advanced stem cell laboratories equipped for cell isolation, culture, and storage.
- Growing expertise in regenerative medicine among Thai clinicians and researchers.
- Regulatory oversight from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the Thai FDA, ensuring safety and ethical compliance.
Conclusion
Stem cell therapy using umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of burn injuries. These cells possess remarkable regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that can accelerate wound healing, reduce scar formation, and restore the skin’s vital functions.
In Thailand, ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring the most effective ways to apply UC-MSCs in burn treatment, from direct injections to stem cell–based skin substitutes. The results so far are highly promising, showing improved healing rates and better aesthetic and functional outcomes.
As technology and clinical experience continue to evolve, UC-MSC therapy could become an integral part of modern burn management in Thailand—offering hope for patients who suffer from severe burns and helping them regain not only their health but also their confidence and quality of life.