INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ON THE PROLIFERATION PHASE OF DUODENAL WOUND HEALING.

Background: Duodenal perforation represents a critical gastrointestinal surgical emergency, often associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to enhance wound healing by releasing various growth factors and antiinflammatory cytokines. This study aims to evaluate and analyze the impact of MSCs on the healing process of duodenal perforation wounds. Method: MSCs were extracted from the umbilical cords of rats and injected into the site of duodenal perforation at two different doses: 1.5 × 106 for Treatment Group 1 and 3 × 106 for Treatment Group 2. The control group consisted of rats with duodenal perforation that received local injections on normal saline. The levels of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) and Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) were assessed via Western Blot analysis, while collagen and fibroblast presence were evaluated through histopathological examination. These examinations were conducted on days 3 and 7 post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, with significance defined at p<0.05. Results: Significant increases in the expression of TGF-β, fibroblasts, collagen, and α-SMA were observed in the treatment groups compared to the control group on both day 3 and day 7. Conclusion: The administration of MSCs significantly enhances the proliferation phase of duodenal wound healing through the increased expression of fibroblasts, collagen, TGF-β, and α-SMA.