International Journal of Cell and Biomedical Science

A Novel Regenerative Approach for Acne Vulgaris Using Combined Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Secretome and Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Case Report

Salsabillah Zamzam — 2025-10-13

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that often leads to scarring and pigmentation. Conventional therapies may provide limited improvement and are frequently associated with adverse effects. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that stem cell–derived secretome and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may promote skin repair and rejuvenation through anti-inflammatory and regenerative pathways. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old male presented with persistent inflammatory acne and post-acne hyperpigmentation. The patient underwent two sessions of combined SH-MSCs-derived secretome and PRP therapy at two-week intervals. Facial assessments were performed using the Janus Skin Analyzer at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvement in multiple parameters, including reduction of pore size, pigmentation index, and sebum levels, accompanied by enhanced skin elasticity. Clinically, the patient exhibited visible improvement in overall skin texture, evenness, and clarity without any adverse reactions. Results: Marked clinical improvement was observed after the second session, with visible reduction in acne lesions, fading of post-acne marks, and overall improvement in skin radiance. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a 30% reduction in pore condition, 58% increase in elasticity, 35% decrease in pigmentation index, and 227% reduction in sebum levels compared to baseline. These findings indicate significant enhancement in skin texture, tone, and elasticity. Conclusion: Combination therapy using SH-MSCs-derived secretome and PRP demonstrated promising regenerative and aesthetic outcomes in this patient with acne vulgaris. Larger-scale clinical studies are warranted to validate efficacy and optimize treatment protocols.

Secretome-Based Therapy Promotes Epidermal Thickness Recovery and Follicular Regrowth in Fluconazole-Induced Alopecia in Rats

Holy Ametati — 2025-10-13

Background: Alopecia involves hair loss characterized by decreased follicle density and epidermal thinning, which may be exacerbated by prolonged fluconazole exposure. The secretome derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) possesses anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties that could aid follicular repair. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, 5% minoxidil, hUC-MSC secretome, and secretome–minoxidil combination. Alopecia was induced by fluconazole administration for seven days, followed by a seven-day treatment period. Histological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin staining assessed hair follicle count and epidermal thickness. Results: The hUC-MSC secretome group exhibited a significant increase in follicle count (mean 39.2; p < 0.001) compared with the control and minoxidil groups. However, changes in epidermal thickness were not statistically significant (p = 0.133). Conclusion: hUC-MSC secretome effectively enhances follicular regeneration in fluconazole-induced alopecia and represents a promising biotherapeutic approach for hair restoration.

Synergistic Effects of Honey and Herbal Bioactives in Cancer Suppression

Waheni Rizki Aprilia — 2025-10-13

Natural bioactives from medicinal plants and honey possess remarkable antioxidant and anticancer properties. However, limited studies have evaluated their synergistic efficacy as combination formulations. This study aimed to develop and characterize a honey–herbal formulation with potential anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells (MDAMB) while ensuring minimal cytotoxicity toward non-cancerous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The formulation was prepared by blending ethanolic herbal extract with pure natural honey in optimized ratios. Organoleptic characteristics were assessed by sensory evaluation. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Organoleptic analysis showed acceptable color, aroma, texture, and pH profiles. The honey exhibited strong antioxidant (IC₅₀ = 60 ± 0.7 ppm) compared with external honey and others sample. The formulation demonstrates potential as a functional nutraceutical or adjunctive natural therapy for breast cancer management, warranting further in vivo and molecular pathway investigations.

Comparison of Animal Serum-Free Media Culture for cGMP-Compliant Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion

Risky Chandra Satria Irawan — 2025-10-13

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells distinguished by their ability to self-renew, their potential for multilineage differentiation, and their strong immunomodulatory characteristics. The recent in vitro expansion of MSCs primarily relies on culture media that is supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Although FBS is effective in enhancing the proliferation of MSCs and ensuring their survival, its use poses several notable challenges, particularly in clinical environments. Methods: This study seeks to fill this important gap by conducting a comprehensive comparison of various commercially available animal source-serum free media formulations against traditional FBS-supplemented media for the expansion of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). The morphology and density of the cells were examined using an inverted microscope. The cell surface of UC-MSCs was analysed through flow cytometry. The evaluation of cytokines released by UC-MSCs was carried out using ELISA. Result: The conditioned medium obtained from UC-MSCs cultured in HPL shows increased levels of exosomes and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the UC-MSCs cultured in HPL-supplemented medium maintained a normal morphology and exhibited expression of UC-MSC surface markers exceeding 95%. Additionally, HPL enhanced the proliferation of UC-MSCs to eight times the cell number on the day of seeding. Conclusion: Media enriched with HPL presents considerable potential for future applications within the pharmaceutical sector.

Harnessing the Innate Effector: A Narrative Review of Advancing Strategies in CAR Engineering, Metabolic Reprogramming, and TME Resistance of Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy

Rita Agustina — 2025-10-13

Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy is rapidly emerging as a promising modality for cancer treatment. As pivotal players in the innate immune system, cells independently recognize and eliminate malignant cells without prior sensitization, offering distinct advantages over other cell-based therapies. This review highlights the current landscapes of NK cell adoptive therapy, from fundamental biology to cutting-edge clinical applications. It highlights how advancing NK cell sources, including peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, established cell lines, and the increasingly significant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are driving wider, more standardized therapeutic use. The multifaceted strategies employed to enhance NK cell efficacy are being explored, including advanced expansion protocols and sophisticated genetic engineering techniques such as the introduction of Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) and modifications to bolster antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Additionally, it also addresses the significant hurdles that remain, primarily the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and discusses innovative strategies being developed to overcome these challenges. By synthesizing preclinical data and results from the latest clinical trials, this review highlights the remarkable progress and bright future of NK cell therapy as a safer, effective, and more accessible cornerstone of cancer treatment.