A Novel Approach for Skin Rejuvenation by Regenerative Medicine: Delivery of Stem Cell-Derived Growth Factors Through an Iontophoretic System

Purpose: It was hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived growth factor applied by iontophoretic transdermal delivery might improve ultraviolet beam (UVB)-induced photoaged skin. This experimental study was performed to confirm this hypothesis. Materials and Methods: Photoaged skin was induced in nude rat after an 8-week regimen of UVB irradiation, and an MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) was conducted by an iontophoretic transdermal transport system. The effect of iontophoresis with MSC-CM was evaluated by replica method and measurement of the hyaluronic acid level in the dermis after treatment. Results: MSC-CM conducted by iontophoresis significantly reduced all parameters for wrinkles and increased hyaluronic acid in the dermis. Conclusion: MSC-CM application by iontophoresis can be considered as a supplemental treatment to the methods for skin rejuvenation. Keywords: growth factor, iontophoresis, skin rejuvenation, stem cell