Adipose-derived stem cells alleviate radiation-induced dermatitis by suppressing apoptosis and downregulating cathepsin F expression

The study investigated the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on radiation-induced dermatitis in a rat model, involving 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into control and ADSC groups. ADSCs were found to alleviate acute skin reactions, such as erythema, desquamation, and hair loss, and promoted earlier skin damage repair with smaller ulcers and open wounds. The protective effects of ADSCs were attributed to their ability to suppress apoptosis and downregulate cathepsin F expression. Histological analysis showed decreased lymphocyte infiltration, increased blood vessel presence, and preserved skin appendages in the ADSC group. ADSCs inhibited apoptosis by downregulating pro-apoptotic proteins and upregulating anti-apoptotic proteins, suggesting their potential as a therapeutic approach for managing radiation-induced skin damage.