Nur Azida Mohd Nasir

Background: Abnormal wound healing leading to keloids and hypertrophic scars is driven by persistent fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, yet effective therapeutic options remain limited. Novel approaches, including nucleic acid aptamers and biomaterial‐based delivery platforms, have recently attracted attention. Objective: This study systematically reviews current research on the application of DNA aptamers and alginate–agarose hydrogels in fibrosis‐related conditions. Methods: Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published between January 2000 and March 2025. Studies meeting predefined criteria were grouped according to their primary focus on aptamer‐based targeting, hydrogel‐based delivery, or combined strategies. Due to heterogeneity, the included studies were synthesized descriptively. Results: Sixteen studies were included. Investigations of aptamers primarily addressed modulation of profibrotic signaling pathways, particularly those associated with TGF‐β and IL‐6. Hydrogel systems, especially alginate and agarose formulations, were mainly explored for their ability to prolong local drug retention and enable controlled release. Integrated approaches combining both strategies were rarely reported. Conclusion: Both aptamer‐based targeting and hydrogel‐mediated delivery demonstrate potential in fibrosis management. However, the predominance of preclinical evidence and the limited development of integrated systems indicate that further research is required to advance clinical translation.

Background: Adipose tissue is vital for plastic and reconstructive surgery due to its accessibility and regenerative potential via abundant stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). However, unpredictable graft resorption remains a major limitation, for which cryopreservation offers a potential solution. Yet, cryopreserving excised adipose tissue in commercial freezers with mechanical isolation of ADSCs remains unexplored. Methods: Human adipose tissue from 22 donors was preserved as tissue blocks or lipoaspirates at −20 °C or −80 °C for up to 4 months. Across 284 technically replicated experiments, oil release, mitochondrial activity (XTT assay), SVF yield and viability (trypan blue and flow cytometry), and ADSC multilineage differentiation were assessed. Fresh samples served as controls. Results: Rapid thawing at 37 °C (thawing method 3) minimized oil leakage (0.02 ml) and better preserved SVF yield with viability (3.03 and 0.64 × 10 ⁴ cells/ml) after 2 months of tissue block preservation at −80 °C compared with lipoaspirates, per gram of fat. After 4 months, −80 °C-stored samples retained more SVF cells (88%) with 68% viability and showed stronger ADSC marker expression (CD73⁺/CD90⁺/CD105⁺: 70–80%) than −20 °C samples. ADSCs from −80 °C stored blocks differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages, whereas −20 °C stored samples showed poor adhesion and no differentiation. Conclusion: Cryopreserving adipose tissue blocks at −80 °C, followed by rapid thawing at 37 °C and mechanical isolation, provides a practical, xeno-free, and scalable approach to long-term storage. This strategy effectively preserves viable ADSCs, supporting their potential clinical application in regenerative therapies.

Non-enzymatic isolation of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has gained increasing clinical interest due to the regulatory, safety, and logistical constraints associated with enzymatic digestion. However, reported outcomes following their use remain heterogeneous, and direct quantitative comparisons are limited. This systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis aimed to compare SVF yield and in vitro proliferation outcomes across different non-enzymatic isolation techniques. A PRISMA-guided search of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library identified 17 eligible studies published up to May 2023. Device-based systems were the most frequently reported (35.3%), followed by wash-based methods (15%), kits (15%), centrifugation (12%), and other mechanical approaches. The pooled mean SVF yield was comparable between wash-based (0.33 × 10⁶ cells/g) and shear force–based techniques (0.34 × 10⁶ cells/g). The proliferative capacity varied across methods, with some mechanical and kit-based systems reaching confluence earlier than wash-based approaches. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the included studies. These findings present clinically feasible alternatives for SVF recovery, demonstrating comparable mean cell yields across major mechanical categories. Increasing mechanical disruption does not necessarily enhance cell recovery. To enhance reproducibility and facilitate clinical translation, future research should prioritize standardized reporting frameworks and direct head-to-head scalability studies.

Background & objectives: The impact of cell passaging and cryopreservation on the phenotypic and functional attributes of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) must be understood to improve their clinical value. This systematic review investigates the phenotypic characteristics of ADSCs derived from fresh and cryopreserved adipose tissue, with a focus on how these cells change across passages. Methods: A thorough search of databases was conducted as per the PRISMA guideline to find publications that were aligned with the inclusion criteria and were published between January 2013 and January 2023. Results: In both cryopreserved and fresh stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, CD90, CD73, and CD105 consistently exhibited strong expression (90%) across passages in 50 screened studies. In fresh tissue, CD29 was upregulated in subsequent passages (up to 95%) but downregulated at passage 2 (2.3%). Variable CD29 was seen in cryopreserved groups (47% at P1, 90% at P4). While CD34 and CD45 were lower in cryopreserved ADSCs (less than 5%), they were higher in fresh tissue (41%), suggesting less haematopoietic contamination. Interpretation & conclusions: Passaging and cryopreservation protocols can help maintain the therapeutic potential of ADSCs, providing a reliable source of functional stem cells for regenerative utilization.

Utilizing adipose tissue and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) turned into a promising field of allograft in recent years. The therapeutic potential of adipose tissue and ADSCs is governed by their molecular secretions, ability to sustain multi-differentiation and self-renewal which are pivotal in reconstructive, genetic diseases, and cosmetic goals. However, revisiting the existing functional capacity of adipose tissue and ADSCs and their intricate relationship with allograft is crucial to figure out the remarkable question of safety to use in allograft due to the growing evidence of interactions between tumor microenvironment and ADSCs. For instance, the molecular secretions of adipose tissue and ADSCs induce angiogenesis, create growth factors, and control the inflammatory response; it has now been well determined. Though the existing preclinical allograft studies gave positive feedback, ADSCs and adipose tissue are attracted by some factors of tumor stroma. Moreover, allorecognition is pivotal to allograft rejection which is carried out by costimulation in a complement-dependent way and leads to the destruction of the donor cells. However, extensive preclinical trials of adipose tissue and ADSCs in allograft at molecular level are still limited. Hence, comprehensive immunomodulatory analysis could ensure the successful allograft of adipose tissue and ADSCs avoiding the oncological risk.

Background This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of chitosan derivative hydrogel paste (CDHP) as a wound bed preparation for wounds with cavities. Methods This study enrolled 287 patients, with 143 patients randomized into the CDHP group (treatment) and 144 patients randomized into the commercial hydroactive gel (CHG) group (control). The granulation tissue, necrotic tissue, patient comfort, clinical signs, symptoms, and patient convenience during the application and removal of the dressing were assessed. Results The study was completed by 111 and 105 patients from the treatment and control groups, respectively. Both groups showed an increasing mean percentage of wound granulation over time when the initial wound size and comorbidity were adjusted (F(10,198) = 4.61; p < 0.001), but no significant difference was found between the groups (F(1,207) = 0.043; p = 0.953). The adjusted mean percentage of necrotic tissue of both groups showed a significant decrease over time (F(10,235) = 5.65; p <0.001), but no significant differences were found between the groups (F (1,244) = 0.487; p = 0.486). Conclusion CDHP is equivalent to CHG and is an alternative in wound management and wound bed preparation for wounds with cavities.

Clinical photography is an essential process in current medical practice for surgical procedure planning and outcome evaluation. Clinicians help to enhance patient care while demonstrating their treatment methods and skills. High-quality images complement the pre-procedure assessment, diagnosis, post-procedure documentation and medical education. Additionally, it serves as teaching material for publication, medicolegal documents, and proof of example in court cases. In this digital era, post-procedure good outcome photos function to promote potential clients and boost one's private practice visibility. The advancement of technology has made it possible to produce high-quality imaging with minimal technical expertise and a more straightforward device. The cost and mobility achievable with current devices allow photography to be practical in clinical and operative theatre settings. The gold standard for medical photography was confined to digital cameras single-lens reflex (DSLR) devices where high quality, consistent, reproducible, and predictable images could be produced. However, the usage of DSLR requires training, technical skills, and experience to provide efficient photos. Keeping up with the expansion of digital photography, smartphone cameras can potentially replace DSLR, mirrorless and even compact digital cameras for daily practical use. Portability, size, build-in applications of smartphones eliminate the need to carry multiple devices for clinical photography. The smartphone manufacturers engagement in 'camera wars' since 2019 are incorporating excellent cameras, backed up by even better software. Smartphones in our pockets can rival mirrorless cameras and are integrated with advanced processing techniques to create photographs that mimic professional systems. Camera capabilities are advancing to a higher megapixel lens with a bigger sensor, simplified shooting process, and faster image production.

Stem cells have been widely used for treating disease due to the various benefits they offer in the curing process. Several treatments using stem cells have undergone clinical trials, such as cell-based therapies for heart disease, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, etc. Adipose-derived stem cells are some of the many mesenchymal stem cells that exist in our body that can be harvested from the abdomen, thighs, etc. Adipose tissue is easy to harvest, and its stem cells can be obtained in higher volumes compared to stem cells harvested from bone marrow, for which a more invasive technique is required with a smaller volume obtained. Many scientists have expressed interest in investigating the role of adipose-derived stem cells in treating disease since their use was first described. This is due to these stem cells’ ability to differentiate into multiple lineages and secrete a variety of growth factors and proteins. Previous studies have found that the hormones, cytokines, and growth factors contained in adipose tissue play major roles in the metabolic regulation of adipose tissue, as well as in energy balance and whole-body homeostasis through their endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine functions. These are thought to be important contributors to the process of tissue repair and regeneration. However, it remains unclear how effective and safe ADSCs are in treating diseases. The research that has been carried out to date is in order to investigate the impact of ADSCs in disease treatment, as described in this review, to highlight its “trick or treat” effect in medical treatment.