The Promising Role of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Wound Healing

Chronic wounds represent a significant healthcare challenge, with traditional treatments often proving inadequate for optimal healing. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option due to their unique biological properties and lack of ethical concerns. This review examines the current understanding of hUCMSCs in wound healing, highlighting their characteristics, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications. hUCMSCs, derived from Wharton’s jelly, demonstrate superior immunomodulatory properties compared to other mesenchymal stem cell sources and exhibit high proliferation rates with minimal donor-related variations. These cells facilitate wound healing through multiple mechanisms, including immunomodulation, angiogenesis promotion, and tissue regeneration. They secrete various growth factors and cytokines that orchestrate the complex wound healing process while suppressing excessive inflammation. Preclinical studies have demonstrated accelerated wound closure and improved tissue regeneration in various wound models, particularly in diabetic and burn wounds. Clinical trials have shown promising results in treating chronic diabetic ulcers, skin lesions, and other wound types, with significant improvements in healing rates and minimal adverse effects. Recent developments in delivery methods, including hydrogel-based applications and exosome therapy, have further enhanced their therapeutic potential. Future perspectives include the optimization of cell preparation methods, development of cell-free alternatives using extracellular vesicles, and combination therapies with advanced biomaterials. This review synthesizes current evidence supporting hUCMSCs as a safe and effective treatment option for wound healing and highlights emerging technologies that may enhance their therapeutic efficacy.