Autologous Cultured Fibroblast Cell Therapy for Treatment of Stria Alba

Abstract Background There is growing evidence showing that human autologous cultured fibroblast transplantation is a safe alternative treatment to prevent and reduce the structural changes in aging skin. Previous data indicate that injections of autologous fibroblasts increase collagen formation, accompanied by a concomitant increase in thickness and density of dermal collagen. our study will highlight the technique of autologous cultured fibroblast and it is indication for treatment of stria alba and this wasn't done before. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous cultured fibroblast for improvement of stria alba. Patients and Methods The present study included 15 patients a with stria alba. The study was approved by the Research Ethical Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University and fulfilled all the ethical aspects required in human research. All patients received full information about description of the procedure of treatment, possible side effects, photo documentation and they all provided written consent. the patients were injected intradermally by autologous fibroblast suspension at 2 weeks intervals with total of 3 sessions. Results Before autologous fibroblast injection (baseline), the width of stria ranged from 4-17.4 mm (mean 8.18 ± 3.85). After treatment at 3rd month, stria ranged from 2.9 – 14.8 (mean 7.17 ± 3.26) and at the 6th month ranged from 2.9 – 14.8 (mean 7.16 ± 3.27). Comparison of width of stria before versus after injection showed non significant difference (p value 0.062)On contrast, the histopathological examination by H&E, Masson Trichome and Orcein stain a showed significant improvement in the form of increased epidermal thickness, better collagen arrangement and thickness and increased elastic fibers contents. Conclusion Autologous fibroblast injection in treatment of stria alba may have promising results in the future especially if combined with other tretment modalities.