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. 2025 May;21(4):1131-1133.
doi: 10.1007/s12015-025-10862-3. Epub 2025 Feb 28.

Compatibility of Hepatocyte Growth Factor, Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, and Dermal Fillers for the Treatment of Vocal Fold Scar

Nabanita Halder  1 , Ralph Perkerson  1 , Takahisa Kanekiyo  1 , Amy L Rutt  2
Affiliations

Compatibility of Hepatocyte Growth Factor, Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, and Dermal Fillers for the Treatment of Vocal Fold Scar

Nabanita Halder et al. Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2025 May.

Abstract

Vocal fold (VF) scar and sulcus cause severe vocal problems, however optimal treatment methods are not well established. We tested the viability of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in combination with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a hyaluronic acid-based (HA) hydrogel. There was a significant increase in the metabolic output of adipose- derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) grown in the presence of HGF up to 1 ug/mL when compared to control wells. Metabolic activity of AD-MSC in the presence of 2 ug/mL HGF was similar to controls. No significant differences were detected between any of the groups when compared to control wells. The results from these experiments provide evidence for the compatibility of the tested products; recombinant human HGF, human AD-MSC, and HA-based dermal fillers. These pre-clinical results support the ongoing research of this combination therapy in treating VF scar.

Keywords: Growth factor; Stem cells; Vocal fold; Vocal fold scar.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate: The stem cells used were research grade. Therefore, they would have been derived from commercial deidentified bone marrow. No IRB was required. Consent for Publication: The manuscript does not contain any individual person’s data in any form. Competing Interests: There are no competing or conflicts of interest

References

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