Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Colonize and Promote Healing of Leprosy Ulcer by Inducing Neuro-Vascularization.

Leprosy ulcer is a chronic and recurrent disease resulting from nerve injury. While existing treatments partially facilitate ulcer healing, they exhibit limited ability to address localized nerve repair, leading to a risk of recurrence. Moreover, there is a dearth of animal models to evaluate the preclinical efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic approaches. Over the years, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells have been extensively employed in regenerative medicine as an optimal cell therapy source for fostering skin ulcer healing. They have also demonstrated the capacity to enhance nerve regeneration in in vitro experiments and clinical trials. In this study, we established a NU/NU mouse foot pad leprosy ulcer model, transplanted human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into leprosy ulcers via local injection, and conducted subsequent follow-up. Our findings revealed that hADSCs persisted in the leprosy ulcer and facilitated the healing process. In this respect, gross observation and histological analysis revealed increased granular formation, collagen synthesis, and re-epithelialization in the local ulcer area. RNA-Seq data revealed that the upregulated differential genes resulting from the transplantation intervention were not only enriched in pathways related to re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis but also contributed to local nerve regeneration. Furthermore, immunofluorescence assays revealed the increased expression of angiogenesis markers-CD31 and VEGFa, cell proliferation markers-Ki67 and TGF-ß, and nerve regeneration markers-ß3-tubulin, SOX10, NGF, and NT-3. These results underscore the potential of hADSCs in promoting the healing of leprosy ulcers and offer valuable preclinical data for their prospective clinical application.

Facial Erythema Due to Lupus Vulgaris and Candida albicans Infections: A Case Report.

Co-infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Candida albicans with erythema on the face is rare. A familiar red spot on the face can easily lead to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Untreated lupus vulgaris (LV) can form scar tissue. And the fungal infection that cannot be diagnosed and treated timely can also lead to failure of LV treatment, resulting in facial scarring, disfigurement, and psychological stress. In this study, we reported a case of a 58-year-old immunocompetent female co-infected with MTB and Candida albicans on her face. After anti-tuberculous and anti-fungal therapy, she recovered with no scar on her face.