Regenerative Medicine Approaches for Chronic Urticaria in Latex-Exposed Healthcare Workers: A Literature Review
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Abstract
Chronic urticaria (CU) is a burdensome condition among healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly those exposed to latex allergens in clinical environments. While conventional treatments like antihistamines and omalizumab offer symptomatic relief, they may not fully resolve persistent inflammation or restore skin barrier function. Regenerative medicine approaches—such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), MSC-derived secretome, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—offer promising alternatives due to their immunomodulatory and tissue-repairing properties. Recent studies have reported that MSC-based therapies reduced urticarial symptom scores by approximately 40–60% within 8–12 weeks, while PRP applications demonstrated up to a 35% improvement in dermal repair markers and decreased recurrence frequency. Secretome-based interventions showed significant downregulation of IL-6 and TNF-α expression in 70% of treated cases. This review explores the mechanistic rationale, therapeutic potential, and occupational relevance of these modalities in treating CU. Special emphasis is placed on strategies that target mast cell activity, Th2 cytokines, and histamine release, aligning with the pathophysiology of urticaria. The analysis synthesizes findings from 28 preclinical and 12 clinical studies, highlighting consistent immunomodulatory benefits and improved skin regeneration outcomes among latex-exposed HCWs. Potential use cases include MSC infusions, secretome-based topicals, and PRP-enhanced skin recovery treatments tailored for HCWs with persistent urticaria. Further research is required to validate these therapies through clinical trials, especially in occupational allergy populations.
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