Allogeneic Stromal Vascular Fraction Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND

Impaired wound healing in patients with diabetes mellitus is a major clinical problem resulting from chronic hyperglycemia, which disrupts immune function and prolongs inflammation. Cell-based therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) have shown promise in promoting tissue repair, yet comparative data between SVF and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) remain limited.

METHODS

In this experimental study, a diabetic rat model was used to compare the effects of allogeneic SVF and allogeneic ADSCs on wound healing. Wound areas were measured on days 5, 10, and 14. Histological analyses, including assessments of reepithelialization, fibrosis, and epithelial tongue length, as well as cytokine level measurements, were performed to evaluate tissue regeneration and inflammation.

RESULTS

Both SVF and ADSC groups demonstrated significantly smaller wound areas compared with controls at all time points ( P <0.05). On days 5, 10, and 14, the wound areas were 3.127±0.382, 0.833±0.360, and 0.552±0.185 cm 2 in the control group; 1.968±0.533, 0.543±0.165, and 0.347±0.144 cm 2 in the SVF group; and 2.242±0.565, 0.432±0.137, and 0.276±0.131 cm 2 in the ADSC group, respectively. Histological evaluation revealed enhanced reepithelialization and greater epithelial tongue length in both treatment groups. No significant differences were observed between SVF and ADSC groups. IL-12 levels on day 5 decreased in the SVF group (76.01±13.65 ng/L) and increased in the ADSC group (96.50±19.66 ng/L) compared with the control group (84.81±15.03 ng/L) ( P =0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Both allogeneic SVF and ADSC therapies significantly accelerated wound healing in diabetic rats. Given its simpler and faster isolation process, lower cost, and comparable efficacy to ADSCs, SVF may represent a practical and effective alternative for enhancing diabetic wound repair.