Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in an in vitro model of keloid

Background Keloid is a pathologic scar formation resulting from trauma, burns, surgery, or unknown causes, leading to deformity and varying degrees of functional impairment, significantly impacting the physical and mental well-being as well as the quality of life of affected individuals. Studies have indicated that Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) can effectively promote wound healing in various injuries, reducing the formation of keloid. This study aims to explore an in vitro model of keloid and investigates the effects of exosomes from human Umbilical Cord MSCs (HUCMSC) on fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis in keloid model. Methods Methods include isolating primary fibroblasts, extracting HUCMSC exosomes (HUCMSC-Exos), and establishing a histamine-induced keloid model in vitro. Results show dose-dependent inhibition of keloid fibroblast activity by HUCMSC-Exos, affecting proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Through gene sequencing analysis, we investigated the abnormal gene expression and signaling pathway changes of histamine-induced keloid fibroblast before and after co-cultivation with HUCMSC-Exos. Results It turns out that HUCMSCs-Exos effectively inhibit the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts, promoting apoptosis and exhibiting a dose-dependent effect. We also proved that HUCMSCs-Exos regulated genes and inhibit signaling pathway by upregulating the expression of intracellular genes, ultimately inhibiting keloid fibroblasts proliferation activity and enhancing apoptosis. The research found that HUCMSC-Exos as potential regulators of keloid fibroblast behavior, offering insights for keloid treatment strategies.