Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences
Vol 57 No 4 (2025)

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and their secretome in peripheral nerve regeneration: a narrative review promising therapeutic strategy

Tito Sumarwoto (Orthopaedi and Traumatology Study Program, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia/Division of Upper Extremity, Hand, and Microsurgery, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Sura)
Seti Aji Hadinoto (Orthopaedi and Traumatology Study Program, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia/Division of Upper Extremity, Hand, and Microsurgery, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Sura)
Romaniyanto (Orthopaedi and Traumatology Study Program, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia/Division of Spine, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Sholahudin Rhatomy (5Division of Adult Reconstruction Soeradji General Hospital,Tirtonegoro, Klaten, Indonesia/Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Pamudji Utomo (RSO Soeharso Surakarta - FK UNS Surakarta)
Mujaddid Idulhaq (Orthopaedi and Traumatology Study Program, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia/Division of Musculoskeletal Tumor Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital , Surakarta, Indonesia)
Asep Santoso (Orthopaedi and Traumatology Study Program, Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia/Division of Adult Reconstruction Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Heri Suroto (Division of Upper Extremity, Hand, and Microsurgery Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Dec 2025

Abstract

The injuries of peripheral nerves remain a substantial clinical challenge because of their limited regenerative capacity, the complexity of nerve repair, and limitations of current treatment strategies. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) and their secretome have shown promise as regenerative treatments due to their distinct biological characteristics. This review explores the possibility of UC-MSCs and their secretome in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration, by their action mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and current preclinical - clinical evidence. UC-MSCs have proven to be capable of support Wallerian degeneration, improving axonal growth, reducing inflammation, and improving functional recovery in both animal models and early clinical studies. Their secretome has been shown to promote neuroprotection and functional repair, avoiding the risks of receiving a direct stem cell transplant. Challenges remain in standardizing UC-MSC-based therapies, ensuring long-term safety, and enhancing delivery strategies. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy, safety, and scalability of UC-MSC therapies for widespread clinical use. UC-MSCs and their secretome provide a unique, cell-free and cell-based strategy to peripheral nerve regeneration. Future advancements in biomaterial integration, gene editing, and personalized medicine will be essential to implementing these treatments in clinical settings.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

InaJBCS

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences (InaJBCS) aims to promote the translational of basic research into clinical studies and of clinical evidence into practice. InaJBCS publishes studies that substantially enhance our standing of disease etiology and physiology; the development of ...