Combination therapy of human adipose-derived stem cells and basic fibroblast growth factor hydrogel in muscle regeneration

Skeletal muscle regeneration after sport injury is inconsistent, and complete healing without fibrosis is very important. In this study, we determined whether the combination therapy using human adipose-derived stem cells (h-ADSCs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) incorporated into hydrogel could enhance muscle regeneration in a muscle laceration animal model. The h-ADSCs and/or bFGF hydrogels were applied to the lacerated gastrocnemius muscle. Fast twitch muscle contraction improved significantly and fibrosis decreased significantly in combined h-ADSC and bFGF-hydrogel group compared to other experimental groups. Skeletal muscle differentiation of h-ADSCs was determined by immunohistochemistry (PKH-26/MyHC co-staining) and Western blot. Our data suggested that combination therapy of h-ADSCs and bFGF hydrogel resulted in functional recovery, revascularization and reinnervation with minimal fibrosis in lacerated muscle. A combination of h-ADSCs and bFGF hydrogel can be used as a promising therapy for skeletal muscle regeneration.