Rapid cutaneous wound healing in nude mice by fetal skin-derived stem cells involves enhanced collagen secretion and angiogenesis

Stem cells are used to treat chronic non-healing wounds. However, the seed cells required for optimal healing remain unknown. In this study, we evaluate the effects of fetal skin-derived stem cells (FSSCs) on a nude mice cutaneous wound model and compare them with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). Both stem cell types exhibit polygonal or spindle-like morphology and differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. FSSCs express CD90, CD44, CD73, and CD105, but not CD34, CD45, or CD14. Additionally, they display a lower expression of HLA-DR compared to ADSCs. <i>In vitro</i>, FSSCs have stronger proliferation, migration, and collagen secretion than ADSCs and promote tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which is crucial for wound healing. <i>In vivo</i>, FSSCs accelerate cutaneous wound healing in nude mice compared to ADSCs. Furthermore, after intervention with FSSCs, the expression of collagen and angiogenesis-related proteins (CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor) in the skin tissue significantly increased, and the secretion of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13) was regulated. Hence, FSSCs are more promising in accelerating wound healing and are closely related to their ability to promote fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and collagen secretion, providing a novel treatment strategy for accelerating wound healing.