Red Deer Umbilical Cord-Derived Stem Cell Conditioned Media Combined With Ablative Resurfacing of the Face

November 2020 | Volume 19 | Issue 11 | Original Article | 1044 | Copyright © November 2020


Published online October 9, 2020

doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5246

Elika Hoss MD,a Ramya Kollipara MD,b Marwan Alhaddad MD,c Monica Boen MD,c Mitchel P. Goldman MDc

aDepartment of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
bWestlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Dallas, TX
cCosmetic Laser Dermatology, A West Dermatology Company, San Diego, CA

Abstract
Background: Laser resurfacing is the gold standard procedure for photodamage, but is not without downtime and risk. Use of periprocedural products containing stem cell conditioned media may improve results and optimize healing.
Study Design: This was a prospective, randomized controlled, double-blind study, evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of red deer umbilical cord-derived stem cell conditioned media (USCCM) cream and serum pre- and post- ablative facial resurfacing.
Methods and Materials: Twenty patients with moderate to severe photodamage were randomized to receive vehicle or USCCM cream and serum pre- and post- ablative resurfacing of the face. Blinded investigators rated healing, tolerability, and efficacy, while subjects rated post-procedure symptoms, tolerability, and satisfaction.
Results: Both the active and vehicle pre-procedure cream were soothing, calming and easy to use by all patients. There was a trend towards decreased facial erythema and crusting in the active versus vehicle group. A greater improvement in wrinkling occurred in the active group. The majority of subjects were very satisfied with the active products. There were no serious adverse events.
Conclusion: Red deer umbilical cord-derived stem cell conditioned media (USCCM) is well tolerated, safe and efficacious for use pre- and post- facial laser resurfacing.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(11): 1044-1048 doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5246

INTRODUCTION

Aging is a multifactorial process, leading to changes at every level of the skin. Extrinsic factors such as environmental and ultraviolet (UV) damage lead to accumulation of free radicals, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Intrinsic factors include reduced cell turnover, as well as loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. In combination, this leads to pigmentation, dull skin tone, textural changes, and fine and deep skin rhytides.1-3 Laser resurfacing remains the gold standard to improve signs of photodamage and aging, but despite advances in technology, the procedure is often carries a long healing time, patient discomfort, and post-procedure erythema.4-5

A novel rejuvenation and healing system (Calecim® Multi Action Cream and Professional serum, Cell Research Corporation, Singapore) utilizes red deer umbilical cord lining mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media (USCCM) to optimize healing post procedure. This patented protein mix contains growth factors, cytokines, amino acids, peptides, and extracellular matrix proteins, to aid in wound and tissue healing processes, as well as improve fine lines, elasticity, pigmentation, and erythema.6-7 In this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial, the authors analyze the efficacy and tolerability of USCCM cream and serum compared to vehicle pre- and post- ablative resurfacing of the face.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was approved by a centralized Institutional Review Board and conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practices conforming to the ethical guidelines of the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki.

Participants
Twenty healthy subjects, aged 36–70, with skin type I to IV, with moderate to severe photodamage, graded as Class II–III and Score 4–9 on the Fitzpatrick-Goldman Classification of Wrinkling and Degree of Elastosis Scale (Table 1) were eligible for enrollment. Subjects were excluded if they were pregnant or breastfeeding; had systemic steroid use, dermabrasion, deep chemical peel, non-ablative laser, ablative laser, microfocused ultrasound, light or radiofrequency treatment to the face within 6 months; had microdermabrasion or light to medium chemical