Skin wounds heal with less scarring when treated with human placenta dressings
A scanning electron micrograph of a section through a human placenta
Science Photo Library
Research in mice and humans has shown that applying thin sheets of dried human placenta on skin wounds can result in reduced scarring during the healing process. The healing properties of the placenta have been recognized for decades, but concerns about disease transmission led to a decline in its use as a treatment.
Recent advancements in sterilization and preservation techniques have paved the way for the reintroduction of placenta-based dressings. Specifically, researchers have been focusing on the amniotic membrane, the innermost layer of the placenta that contains a range of growth factors and immune-modulating proteins.
Companies in the US have begun harvesting amniotic membranes from donated placentas, processing them into thin sheets, and sterilizing them for use as wound dressings. These dressings have shown promising results in both animal and human studies, with improved wound healing and reduced scarring.
Studies conducted on mice demonstrated that wounds treated with human amniotic membrane dressings healed better compared to untreated wounds, resulting in thinner and less visible scars. The immune-privileged nature of the placenta prevents adverse reactions when used as a dressing.
Clinical use of amniotic membrane dressings has been approved by the FDA, and healthcare professionals are exploring their benefits in treating surgical wounds and chronic conditions like diabetes.
Recent research analyzing patient health records revealed that wounds treated with amniotic membrane dressings had lower infection rates and reduced risk of developing hypertrophic scars. While these findings support the efficacy of placenta-based dressings, further studies are needed to validate their long-term benefits.
Scientists are also investigating the potential of placental tissue in healing other organs besides the skin. Studies have shown that placental cells have the ability to repair heart injuries in animal models, hinting at future applications in treating conditions like heart attacks.
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