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Human mesenchymal stem cells favour healing of the cutaneous radiation syndrome in a xenogenic transplant model

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Abstract

It has been suggested that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) could be used to repair numerous injured tissues. We have studied the potential use of hMSC to limit radiation-induced skin lesions. Immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice were locally irradiated to the leg (30 Gy, dose rate 2.7 Gy/min) using a 60Co source to induce a severe skin lesion. Cultured bone marrow hMSC were delivered intravenously to the mice. The irradiated skin samples were studied for the presence of the human cells, the severity of the lesions and the healing process. Macroscopic analysis and histology results showed that the lesions were evolving to a less severe degree of radiation dermatitis after hMSC transplant when compared to irradiated non-transplanted controls. Clinical scores for the studied skin parameters of treated mice were significantly improved. A faster healing was observed when compared to untreated mouse. Immunohistology and polymerase chain reaction analysis provided evidence that the human cells were found in the irradiated area. These results suggest a possible use of hMSC for the treatment of the early phase of the cutaneous radiation syndrome. A successful transplant of stem cells and subsequent reduction in radiation-induced complication may open the road to completely new strategies in cutaneous radiation syndrome therapy.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Isabelle Clairand, Ismael Robbes and François Trompier (IRSN/DRPH/SDE) for establishing the physical dosimetry of these experiments. This study was supported by grants from the Comité de radioprotection Electricité de France and the Région Ile-de-France.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Cell Therapy and Radioprotection of the Accident, Radiobiology and Epidemiology Department, Radiological Protection and Human Health Division, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire DRPH/SRBE/LTCRA, IRSN BP no. 17, 92262, Fontenay aux Roses CEDEX, France

    Sabine François, Moubarak Mouiseddine, Noëlle Mathieu, Alexandra Semont, Pascale Monti, Amandine Saché, Asma Boutarfa, Dominique Thierry & Alain Chapel

  2. Laboratory of Radiopathology Radiobiology and Epidemiology Department, Radiological Protection and Human Health Division, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire DRPH/SRBE/LTCRA, IRSN BP no. 17, 92262, Fontenay aux Roses CEDEX, France

    Nicolas Dudoignon

  3. Radiological Protection and Human Health Division, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN/DRPH), BP no. 17, 92262, Fontenay aux Roses CEDEX, France

    Patrick Gourmelon

Authors
  1. Sabine François
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  2. Moubarak Mouiseddine
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  3. Noëlle Mathieu
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  4. Alexandra Semont
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  7. Amandine Saché
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  8. Asma Boutarfa
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  9. Dominique Thierry
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  10. Patrick Gourmelon
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  11. Alain Chapel
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Correspondence to Alain Chapel.

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François, S., Mouiseddine, M., Mathieu, N. et al. Human mesenchymal stem cells favour healing of the cutaneous radiation syndrome in a xenogenic transplant model. Ann Hematol 86, 1–8 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-006-0166-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-006-0166-5

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