Les cellules souches mésenchymateuses humaines migrent dans la peau et arrêtent l'évolution de la nécrose radio-induite : un modèle xénogénic de transplantation pour le traitement du syndrome cutanée radio-induit.

Titre du congrès :ISSCR Ville du congrès :Queerns Date du congrès :18/06/2007

Skin complications play an important role in radiation accidents, in radiotherapy and radio-oncology. Several therapeutic strategies of severe radiation induced damages to the skin (including surgical procedures) have been used with some success. Stem cell therapy may be a promising therapeutic approach to reduce radiation-induced skin tissue damages. It has been suggested that human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSC) could be used to repair numerous injured tissues. We have studied the potential use of hMSC in order to limit radiation-induced skin lesions. Immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice were locally irradiated to the leg (30 Gy, dose rate 2.7 Gy/mn) using a 60Co source in order to induce a severe skin lesion. Cultured bone marrow hMSC were delivered intravenously to the mice. The irradiated skin samples were studied for the presence of the human cells, the severity of the lesions and the healing process. Macroscopic analysis and histology results showed that the lesions were evolving to a less severe degree of radiation dermatitis following hMSC transplant when compared to irradiated non-transplanted controls. Clinical scores for the studied skin parameters of treated mice were significantly improved. A faster healing was observed when compared to untreated mouse. Immunohistology and Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) analysis provided evidence that the human cells were found in the irradiated area. These results suggest a possible use of hMSC for the treatment of the early phase of the cutaneous radiation syndrome. A successful transplant of stem cells and subsequent reduction in radiation-induced complication may open the road to completely new strategies in cutaneous radiation syndrome therapy