Mesenchymal stem cells for sweat gland regeneration after burns: From possibility to reality

Abstract

Sweat glands play important roles in homeostasis maintenance and body temperature regulation. In patients with deep burns, the injury can reach the muscle tissues and damage sweat glands. However, the plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may offer the possibility to regenerate sweat glands after severe burn. In particular, recent studies have changed the possibility to reality. Here, we analyze the barriers of sweat gland regeneration in situ after deep burns, propose the possibilities of MSCs in regeneration of sweat glands, summarize the recent researches into sweat gland regeneration with MSCs, and sum up the possible mechanisms during this process. In addition, the advantage and disadvantage of sweat gland regeneration with MSCs from different tissues have been discussed. So this review will provide meaningful guidance in the clinic for sweat gland regeneration with MSCs.

Keywords: Burns; Mesenchymal stem cells; Regenerative medicine; Sweat glands; Transdifferentiation.