Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, autoimmune dysfunction, and cartilage and bone destruction. In this review, we summarized the available reports on the protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) on RA in terms of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic and osteoprotective effects. Firstly, GLP inhibits RA synovial fibroblast (RASF) proliferation and migration, modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduces synovial inflammation. Secondly, GLP regulates the proliferation and differentiation of antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, inhibits phagocytosis by mononuclear macrophages and nature killer (NK) cells and regulates the ratio of M1, M2 and related inflammatory cytokines. In addition, GLP produced activities in balancing humoral and cellular immunity, such as regulating immunoglobulin production, modulating T and B lymphocyte proliferative responses and cytokine release, exhibiting immunomodulatory effects. Thirdly, GLP inhibits angiogenesis through the direct inhibition of vascular endothelial cell proliferation and induction of cell death and the indirect inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in the cells. Finally, GLP can inhibit the production of matrix metalloproteinases and promote osteoblast formation, exerting protective effects on bone and articular cartilage. It is suggested that GLP may be a promising agent for the treatment of RA.

Scar tissue is the inevitable result of repairing human skin after it has been subjected to external destructive stimuli. It leads to localized damage to the appearance of the skin, accompanied by symptoms such as itching and pain, which reduces the quality of life of the patient and causes serious medical burdens. With the continuous development of economy and society, there is an increasing demand for beauty. People are looking forward to a safer and more effective method to eliminate pathological scarring. In recent years, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have received increasing attention from researchers. It can effectively improve pathological scarring by mediating inflammation, regulating fibroblast proliferation and activation, and vascular reconstruction. This review focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertrophic scarring, summarizing the therapeutic effects of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the therapeutic effects of ADSCs in the field of hypertrophic scarring prevention and treatment, the latest application techniques, such as cell-free therapies utilizing ADSCs, and discussing the advantages and limitations of ADSCs. Through this review, we hope to further understand the characterization of ADSC and clarify the effectiveness of its application in hypertrophic scarring treatment, so as to provide clinical guidance.