A recent study published in Burns & Trauma (DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkaf022) revealed that mechanical stretching can significantly optimize the function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thereby enhancing the healing efficiency of chronic diabetic wounds. This research, conducted by a team from the U.S. Air Force Medical University, provides new insights and technical pathways for the application of stem cell therapy in regenerative medicine.

Chronic wounds caused by diabetes have long been challenging to treat clinically due to persistent inflammation, impaired collagen synthesis, and low tissue regeneration capacity. Traditional treatments, such as growth factor therapy and cell therapy, have limited effectiveness and sustainability. Against this backdrop, the research team turned their attention to mechanobiology strategies to explore the regulatory effects of physical stimulation on stem cell function.

The researchers used a custom-developed mechanical stretching device to apply precisely controlled mechanical forces to cultured BMSCs. By systematically optimizing stretching parameters—including a strain intensity of 15%, 1,440 cycles, and a single strain duration of 5 seconds—they successfully enhanced BMSC proliferation, maintained their stem cell properties, and promoted the secretion of key extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including type I and type III collagen, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).

Experimental results showed that mechanically stretched BMSCs exhibited enhanced migration and adhesion capabilities, forming cell sheets with superior mechanical properties. In a diabetic rat model, transplantation of these cell sheets significantly accelerated wound closure and promoted angiogenesis. Histological analysis also revealed richer collagen deposition and more intact tissue structure.

Dr. Yuqian Li, co-leader of the study, said: "Mechanical stretching modulates stem cell behavior, enhancing their cell activity and paracrine function, thereby promoting faster wound repair. This discovery provides a solid basis for integrating mechanical stimulation strategies into existing stem cell therapy systems."

This achievement not only brings new hope for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds, but also has the potential to promote the development of new "bioactive wound dressings" that can improve healing quality while reducing long-term medical burdens. The researchers noted that the next step will be to further explore the clinical translation of this technology and further verify its safety and effectiveness.