Regenerative Medicine in Dermatology

Abstract

The skin, the largest organ among all body organs in the human body, acts as primary barrier that stands in the first row defending against environmental factors and providing mechanical support to the underlying organs. It also regulates body temperature, balance homeostasis and plays a critical role in overall health. As it is the outermost organ covering internal organs, it is more prone to different kind of injuries, physically or chemically like traumas and burns, Furthermore, constitutional factors such as age, disease, genetic influences can compromise the skin's integrity and function. Traditional dermatological treatments, disregard of their effectiveness, have their limitations and might not always yield restorative or curative outcomes. This has set the field of dermatology in the frontside to search for alternative innovative approaches that not only treat but regenerate and restore. Regenerative medicine, an interdisciplinary branch of medicine that focuses on harnessing the body's own regenerative capabilities or introducing new regenerative capabilities to repair damaged tissues and organs. We believe the integration of dermatology and regenerative medicine displays a transformative approach in the perception and treatment of certain skin disorders, forming the primary inspiration behind this thesis. Furthermore, given the fact that dermatology is a dynamic filed and distinguished by its adaptability to change, advancements in treatments, as such in regenerative medicine, will be better absorbed in skin and its related disorders. Importance and relevance of regenerative medicine in dermatology: Regenerative medicine convey great potential and promising therapeutic approach in dermatology (10). It can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with traditional therapies such as operative treatments (11,12). The importance of regenerative medicine lies in its ability to trigger and amplify the body's innate healing mechanisms and to promote restoration (13). In the context of dermatology, this means addressing variety of skin conditions from superficial scars to chronic non-healing ulcers, pigmentary disorders, and even genetic skin disorders. Recent advancements in stem cell therapy, biologics, and tissue engineering have already made waves in dermatological treatments. For instance, the use of autologous stem cell transplants in treating vitiligo or engineered skin grafts for burns manifests the tangible benefits of combining regenerative medicine with dermatological practices. By harnessing the body's intrinsic elements or engineering tissues in labs, the potential is boundless. The move towards regenerative medicine is not just a transition in therapeutic approaches but signifies a more expansive evolution in the re-envisioning of dermatology. Research question and objectives In the context of our review for this thesis being a narrative review (see methodology chapter), it is essential to understand that the research question is not narrowly defined as one might expect in other methodologies. Instead, the intention is to broadly explore, answer, and fill in the gaps within the existing literature, shedding light on areas that may have been overlooked or underrepresented. The narrative approach grants the flexibility to delve into various aspects, ensuring that the review is comprehensive and captures the multifaceted nature of the topic. Nevertheless, this thesis aims to broadly explore the following research question: what is the role of regenerative medicine in dermatological treatments, and what are its long-term implications for patient care? To answer this, the objectives of this thesis are as follows: • To dig into the fundamental principles of regenerative medicine and how they apply to dermatological contexts. • To evaluate the current applications and outcomes of regenerative medicine in treating various skin conditions. • To forecast potential future developments in the integration of regenerative medicine into dermatology. • To critically appraise the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding regenerative approaches in skin care.