Proliferative Effects of CALECIM® Umbilical Cord Lining-Derived Stem Cell Conditioned Media (CALECIM®-H & CALECIM®-D) and Human Foreskin Fibroblast Conditioned Media (FSF-CM) on Aged Skin Fibroblasts

Introduction

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a gradual decline in the physiological functions of cells and tissues, leading to visible changes in skin health and appearance (1). One of the most prominent features of aging skin is the diminished proliferative capacity of fibroblasts, the primary cells responsible for the production of collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix components that provide structural support and elasticity to the skin (2). As fibroblast functionality declines with age, the skin becomes thinner, less resilient, and more prone to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have highlighted the potential of stem cells to stimulate cellular proliferation and enhance skin rejuvenation (3). Stem cell-derived conditioned media is the collection of proteins, growth factors and cytokines that are secreted by stem cells into the extracellular environment has emerged as a promising avenue for promoting skin health (4). 

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of CALECIM®-H (human derived conditioned media, CALECIM®-D (deer-derived conditioned media, otherwise known as PTT-6®), and FSF-CM (human foreskin conditioned media) on the proliferation of aged skin fibroblasts, to elucidate the efficacy of PTT-6® in promoting skin rejuvenation. 

The purpose of these comparisons is to observe the differences in conditioned media (largely seen as a collection of growth factors, exosomes and proteins) from three different sources, and their reactions on aged skin cells . 

Methods

Aged skin fibroblast lines (asf74, asf75, asf76) were cultured in four different media: CALECIM®-H, CALECIM®-D, as well as FSF-CM — a control media that was an industry produced conditioned media allegedly from an animal source. The cultures were maintained for 5 days, after which cell counts were performed using a Countess-II Automated Cell Counter.

Results

At Day 5, the fibroblast cultures in CALECIM®-H (human) and CALECIM®-D (deer) exhibited a significantly higher cell count compared to those in Control Media and FSF-CM (both controls). Specifically, the average number of cells in CALECIM®-H and CALECIM®-D cultures was approximately 2.1 times greater than in the Control and FSF-CM groups.

Figure 1. Proliferation of Three Different Aged Skin Fibroblast Cells in Various Culture Conditions on Day 5

Discussion & Conclusion

CALECIM®-H and CALECIM®-D demonstrate significant potential for enhancing cellular proliferation in aged skin fibroblasts, indicating their utility in skin rejuvenation therapies. Notably, CALECIM®-D (deer-derived) exhibits comparable efficacy to CALECIM®-H (human-derived), suggesting that stem cell-derived factors from red deer cord lining are as biologically active and as effective as those from human cord lining.

Reference 

1. López-Otín C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. The hallmarks of aging. Cell [Internet]. 2013 Jun 6 [cited 2025 Jan 26];153(6):1194. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23746838/
2. Russell-Goldman E, Murphy GF. The Pathobiology of Skin Aging: New Insights into an Old Dilemma. Am J Pathol [Internet]. 2020 Jul 1 [cited 2025 Jan 26];190(7):1356. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7481755/
3. Jo H, Brito S, Kwak BM, Park S, Lee MG, Bin BH. Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation. Int J Mol Sci [Internet]. 2021 Mar 1 [cited 2025 Jan 26];22(5):2410. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7957487/
4. Alquraisy A, Wilar G, Mohammed AFA, El-Rayyes A, Suhandi C, Wathoni N. A Comprehensive Review of Stem Cell Conditioned Media Role for Anti-Aging on Skin. Stem Cells Cloning [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 26];17:5–19. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39310304/