Efficacy and safety of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media for preventing and treating skin aging

BACKGROUND: Research has been increasingly conducted on the connection between mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) and aging. However, most studies have focused on adipose-derived MSC-CM (ADMSC-CM), resulting in a research bias. We hypothesized that umbilical cord-derived MSCs, being younger than adipose-derived MSCs, would be more suitable for overcoming aging-related processes. AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of umbilical cord-derived MSC-CM (UCMSC-CM) for preventing and treating skin aging. METHODS: In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to compare UCMSC-CM with ADMSC-CM, the most studied active aging-preventive conditioned medium to date. Additionally, the most effective delivery method of UCMSC-CM for aged skin was identified. RESULTS: UCMSC-CM had a higher content of effective factors, stimulated higher proliferation of fibroblasts, and strongly inhibited melanin production in B16F1 cells. In aged mice, UCMSC-CM application increased skin thickness, the number of Ki-67-positive cells, and the area of collagen deposition. UCMSC-CM was more effective than ADMSC-CM in preventing and treating skin aging. Additionally, a safety evaluation of UCMSC-CM performed in various animal models indicated that it was safe even when used directly on the skin. CONCLUSION: UCMSC-CM is effective and safe for preventing and treating skin aging.