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Review
. 2024 Sep 20;15(1):318.
doi: 10.1186/s13287-024-03892-0.

A comprehensive evaluation of dermal fibroblast therapy in clinical trials for treating skin disorders and cosmetic applications: a scoping review

Maryam Rahnama  1   2 , Navid Ghasemzadeh  1   3 , Yaser Ebrahimi  1   3 , Ali Golchin  4   5   6
Affiliations
Review

A comprehensive evaluation of dermal fibroblast therapy in clinical trials for treating skin disorders and cosmetic applications: a scoping review

Maryam Rahnama et al. Stem Cell Res Ther. .

Abstract

Background: Fibroblast cells have the ability to improve skin conditions through regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. The purpose of this scoping review is to assess the contribution of fibroblast cells to skin homeostasis and extracellular matrix deposition in clinical trials involving skin disorders and cosmetic applications.

Methods: Using targeted search terms, published publications from January 2000 to August 2023 that addressed fibroblast uses in clinical trials of skin conditions were obtained from bibliographic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS). Precise inclusion and exclusion criteria were used during the screening process. The potential benefits of induction treatment with fibroblasts lead to the choosing of clinical trials for this kind of treatment.

Results: Out of the 820 published ppapers initially identified, only 35 studies fulfilled our meticulous eligibility criteria after careful screening. To ensure clarity, we methodically eliminated any duplicate or irrelevant published papers, thereby offering a transparent account of our selection process.

Conclusion: This study highlights the advantages of fibroblast therapy in treating skin conditions such as diabetic foot, venous leg ulcers, and cosmetic reasons. Fibroblasts possess remarkable regenerating capabilities, making dermal fibroblast therapy crucial in cell-based and skin regenerative treatments. Nevertheless, additional research is required for more disorders and cosmetic applications.

Keywords: Clinical trial; Fibroblasts; Regenerative Medicine; Skin diseases; Wound healing.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no commercial, proprietary or financial interest in the products or companies described in this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fibroblasts support neighboring cells through ECM structure, mechanics, and physiology, as well as by releasing growth factors, cytokines, and metabolites
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Fibroblasts support wound healing by creating ECM, collagen, and contracting the wound
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Flow chart of the literature search, review, and selection of the studies analyzed for systematic review
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The outcomes of the quality assessment for cosmetic studies were determined using the risk-of-bias assessment tool delineated in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (version 5.3.0). The assessment consisted of two components: (A) a summary of the risk of bias, and (B) an overall evaluation of the risk of bias
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
The outcomes of the quality assessment for chronic wounds studies were determined using the risk-of-bias assessment tool delineated in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (version 5.3.0). The assessment comprised two components: (A) a summary of the risk of bias, and (B) an overall evaluation of the risk of bias
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
The histogram depicts the distribution of countries involved in fibroblast therapy clinical trials for skin disorders
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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