52 Decellularization of goat uterus as a promising 3-dimensional homing matrix of biological scaffold: A pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
M. Ghiringhelli ◽  
N. Verdile ◽  
T. A. L. Brevini ◽  
F. Gandolfi

Female infertility or absence of a functional uterus has a prevalence of 3 to 5% in the general human population. Nowadays most patients diagnosed with absolute uterine factor infertility remain untreatable. Moreover, the world population is aging rapidly, and as people live longer, uterus frailty increases the risk of developing age-related diseases. Whole-organ decellularization and recellularization, a novel technique within the field of regenerative medicine, could eventually provide another solution compared with the reality of gestational surrogacy. Extracellular matrix to enable recellularization has been described using different animal models, where decellularization has been performed of whole uteri. The aim of the present study was to offer a new perspective with a goat uterus as a large whole reproductive organ model. For this purpose, uteri were collected from 6 goats after slaughter and attached to the perfusion circuit. Decellularization was achieved by 2 methods of whole-uterus perfusion, namely with Triton-X100 and dimethyl sulfoxide (group 1; n=3), or with sodium deoxycholate (group 2; n=3), both compared with a control group (n=1). Morphological, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative PCR analysis, coupled with vascular corrosion cast preparation, were used to assess protocol efficiency. Statistical analysis was carried out to identify significant differences between the 2 groups, using ANOVA and, when required, a post-hoc test (Bonferroni method). Morphological analysis showed different opacity between protocols. In both group 1 and 2, the removal of cells and cellular debris was confirmed with DNA quantification. Immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of the major extracellular matrix components, with collagen type I being the most abundant. Vascular tree network cast of the decellularized organ was successfully perfused in all the uteri. In conclusion, this preliminary study gives a new perspective in whole uterus bioengineering, utilising goats as a biological model to increase the knowledge in veterinary medicine as well as toward the in vitro and in vivo research of regenerative medicine in the field of reproduction. Research was funded by the Carraresi Foundation.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaohua Wu ◽  
Vikas Kumar ◽  
Peng Xiao ◽  
Mitchell Kuss ◽  
Jung Yul Lim ◽  
...  

AbstractHeart valve disease is a common manifestation of cardiovascular disease and is a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pulmonary valve (PV) is of primary concern because of its involvement in common congenital heart defects, and the PV is usually the site for prosthetic replacement following a Ross operation. Although effects of age on valve matrix components and mechanical properties for aortic and mitral valves have been studied, very little is known about the age-related alterations that occur in the PV. In this study, we isolated PV leaflets from porcine hearts in different age groups (~ 4–6 months, denoted as young versus ~ 2 years, denoted as adult) and studied the effects of age on PV leaflet thickness, extracellular matrix components, and mechanical properties. We also conducted proteomics and RNA sequencing to investigate the global changes of PV leaflets and passage zero PV interstitial cells in their protein and gene levels. We found that the size, thickness, elastic modulus, and ultimate stress in both the radial and circumferential directions and the collagen of PV leaflets increased from young to adult age, while the ultimate strain and amount of glycosaminoglycans decreased when age increased. Young and adult PV had both similar and distinct protein and gene expression patterns that are related to their inherent physiological properties. These findings are important for us to better understand the physiological microenvironments of PV leaflet and valve cells for correctively engineering age-specific heart valve tissues.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
J. Raúl Olmos-Zuñiga ◽  
Matilde Baltazares-Lipp ◽  
Claudia Hernández-Jiménez ◽  
Rogelio Jasso-Victoria ◽  
Miguel Gaxiola-Gaxiola ◽  
...  

Treatment of tracheal stenosis is occasionally performed in combination with wound healing modulators to manipulate new extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and prevent fibrosis. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen-polyvinylpyrrolidone (collagen-PVP) decrease fibrosis in experimental tracheal healing. However, they have not been used clinically as their effect on ECM components, which modify tracheal scarring, has not been described. Objective. To evaluate the effect of the application of HA, collagen-PVP, a mixture of HA and collagen-PVP (HA+collagen-PVP), and mitomycin C on the expression of decorin, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), and MMP9, as well as the type of collagen and deposits formed in the scar after resection and end-to-end anastomosis (REEA) of the cervical trachea using an experimental model. Materials and Methods. Thirty dogs underwent REEA of the cervical trachea and were treated with different wound healing modulators: group I (n=6), control; group II (n=6), HA; group III (n=6), collagen-PVP; group IV (n=6), HA+collagen-PVP; and group V (n=6), mitomycin C. The dogs were evaluated clinically and endoscopically for 4 weeks. Subsequently, macroscopic and microscopic changes, expression of ECM proteins, and collagen deposition in tracheal scars were analysed. Results. Groups II, III, and IV showed reduced endoscopic, macroscopic, and microscopic inflammation, improved neovascularization, high decorin expression (p<0.01, analysis of variance (ANOVA)), and moderate expression of MMP1 (p<0.003, ANOVA) and type I and III collagen (p<0.05, Kruskal–Wallis). Groups IV and V developed fewer collagen deposits (p<0.001, ANOVA). Conclusion. Treatment with HA and collagen-PVP improved post-REEA healing by increasing neovascularization, stimulating the expression of decorin, and regulating the expression of MMP1, as well as type I and III collagen and their deposition.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (03) ◽  
pp. 340-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Papi ◽  
Stefano Di Carlo ◽  
Daniele Rosella ◽  
Francesca De Angelis ◽  
Mario Capogreco ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this case–control study was to compare patients with a healthy peri-implant environment and patients affected by peri-implantitis, evaluating the occurrence of antibodies to extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. The authors hypothesized the presence of ECM autoantibodies in serum of peri-implantitis patients. Materials and Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: one with dental implants with a diagnosis of peri-implantitis and one control group with implants classified as being “healthy.” Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on patients' sera to detect human antibodies to type I, III, IV, and V collagens, laminin, and fibronectin. Fisher exact test was performed to evaluate statistical association, with a significant P < 0.05. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled in this study, 27 females (64.28%) and 15 males (35.72%) with a mean age of 53 ± 29.69 years (age range 32–74). The presence of antibodies to CIII was recorded in 6/21 (28.57%) patients of test group, compared to just 2/21 (9.52%) for the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Other antibodies tested were found to be not statistically significant or absent. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that further studies, with larger sample and different design, are necessary to address the research purpose, evaluating possible associations between anti-ECM antibodies and peri-implantitis.


2006 ◽  
Vol 396 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Concetta Ambrosino ◽  
Tomoko Iwata ◽  
Claudio Scafoglio ◽  
Massimo Mallardo ◽  
Rüdiger Klein ◽  
...  

p38 MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) play important roles in the regulation of cellular responses to environmental stress. Recently, this signalling pathway has also been implicated in the regulation of processes unrelated to stress, for example, in T lymphocytes and cardiomyocytes. In order to identify molecular targets responsible for the housekeeping functions of p38 MAPKs, we have analysed the differences in the transcriptomes of normally proliferating wild-type and p38α knockout immortalized embryonic cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, many potential components of the myocardium extracellular matrix were found to be upregulated in the absence of p38α. Further analysis of the microarray data identified TEF-1 (transcriptional enhancer factor-1), a known regulator of heart-specific gene expression, and C/EBPβ (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β), as the two transcription factors the binding sites of which were most enriched in the promoters of p38α-regulated genes. We have focused on the study of the extracellular matrix component COL1A1 (α1 chain of type I collagen) and found evidence for the involvement of both TEF-1 and C/EBPβ in the p38α-dependent inhibition of COL1A1 transcription. Our data therefore show that p38 MAPKs regulate TEF-1 and C/EBPβ transcriptional activity in the absence of environmental stress and suggests a role for p38α in the expression of extracellular matrix components that maintain organ architecture.


1990 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. 1405-1415 ◽  
Author(s):  
C H Streuli ◽  
M J Bissell

Reconstituted basement membranes and extracellular matrices have been demonstrated to affect, positively and dramatically, the production of milk proteins in cultured mammary epithelial cells. Here we show that both the expression and the deposition of extracellular matrix components themselves are regulated by substratum. The steady-state levels of the laminin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin mRNAs in mammary epithelial cells cultured on plastic dishes and on type I collagen gels have been examined, as has the ability of these cells to synthesize, secrete, and deposit laminin and other, extracellular matrix proteins. We demonstrate de novo synthesis of a basement membrane by cells cultured on type I collagen gels which have been floated into the medium. Expression of the mRNA and proteins of basement membranes, however, are quite low in these cultures. In contrast, the levels of laminin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin mRNAs are highest in cells cultured on plastic surfaces, where no basement membrane is deposited. It is suggested that the interaction between epithelial cells and both basement membrane and stromally derived matrices exerts a negative influence on the expression of mRNA for extracellular matrix components. In addition, we show that the capacity for lactational differentiation correlates with conditions that favor the deposition of a continuous basement membrane, and argue that the interaction between specialized epithelial cells and stroma enables them to create their own microenvironment for accurate signal transduction and phenotypic function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-110
Author(s):  
Braca Kundalic ◽  
Sladjana Ugrenovic ◽  
Ivan Jovanovic ◽  
Vladimir Petrovic ◽  
Aleksandar Petrovic ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in human endoneurium during aging. We harvested 15 cadaveric sural nerves, distributed in 3 age groups (I: 25-44, II: 45-64, III: 65-86 years old). Histological sections were stained immunohistochemically for the presence of collagen type I, type IV and laminin, and the ImageJ processing program was used in morphometrical analysis to determine the percentages of these endoneurial proteins. In two younger groups, the endoneurial matrix of the sural nerve was composed from about equal proportions of these proteins, which may be considered a favorable microenvironment for the regeneration of nerve fibers. Linear regression analysis showed a significant increase in endoneurial collagen type IV with age, while collagen type I and laminin significantly decreased during the aging process. In cases older than 65 years, remodeling of the endoneurial matrix was observed to be significantly higher for the presence of collagen type IV, and lower for the expression of collagen type I and laminin. This age-related imbalance of ECM proteins could represent a disadvantageous microenvironment for nerve fiber regeneration in older adults. Our findings contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches for peripheral nerve regeneration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Eitan Mijiritsky ◽  
Letizia Ferroni ◽  
Chiara Gardin ◽  
Oren Peleg ◽  
Alper Gultekin ◽  
...  

Analyses of composition, distribution of cellular and extracellular matrix components, and molecular analysis of mitochondria related genes of bone loss in the presence of inflammatory environment in humans was the aim of the present project. As a human model we chose peri-implantitis. Morphological analyses were performed by means classical histological, immunohistochemical, and SEM (scanning electron miscroscopy) test. Gene expression analysis was performed to evaluate epithelium maturation, collagen fiber production, and genes related to mitochondrial activity. It was found that a well-defined keratinocyte epithelium was present on the top of all specimens; a distinct basal lamina was present, as well as desmosomes and autophagic processes related to the maturation of keratinocytes. Under this epithelium, a full inflammatory cell infiltrate was present for about 60% of the represented by plasma cells. Collagen type I fibers were present mainly in the form of fragmented cord tissue without cells. A different distribution of blood vessels was also present from the apical to the most coronal portion of the specimens. High levels of genes related to oxidative stress were present, as well as the activation of genes related to the loss of ability of osteogenic commitment of Mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. Our study suggests that peri-implantitis lesions exhibit a well defined biological organization not only in terms of inflammatory cells but also on vessel and extracellular matrix components even if no difference in the epithelium is evident, and that the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) related to the inflammatory environment influences the correct commitment of Mesenchymal stem cells.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6-1) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
M. A. Kovalevskaya ◽  
O. A. Pererva

Background. In economically developed countries, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual disability among the population of the older age group. The main criterion for the anti-VEGF treatment of neovascular AMD is the activity of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is determined by its confi guration. The search for optimal criteria for quantifying the state of the macular region in order to decide on the appointment of anti-VEGF therapy continues.Aim: improving the effi ciency of diagnosis and treatment of AMD based on the assessment of the configuration of vascular system on the “Key to Diagnosis II” platform.Material and methods. The study included 341 patients: 64 % (218 patients, 267 eyes) with non-neovascular AMD, 36 % (123 patients, 174 eyes) – with neovascular AMD. 56 patients (58 eyes) had active type I CNV. Group 1A – active CNV before treatment (9 patients, 9 eyes), group 1B – non-active CNV after treatment with antiVEGF (9 patients, 9 eyes); control group – 10 patients (10 eyes) without AMD. Analysis of OCT-angio images of choriocapillaries included the isolation of CNV, its area, fractal dimension (Df) and the complexity of the vascular system (CVS) counting.Results. Group 1A: Df – 1.5871 ± 0.05, CVS – 2.29 ± 0.29, area – 11734 ± 4866; group 1B: Df – 1.6462 ± 0.08, CVS – 1.65 ± 0.18, area – 6797 ± 3818; control: Df – 1.9167 ± 0.06, CVS – 1, area – 0. Significant differences were found for CVS (p = 0.0003). Df correlates with the CNV area (p = 0.7) and is probably an unreliable parameter due to incomplete visualization of active CNV.Conclusions. CVS is a quantitative biomarker for determining the activity of type 1 CNV in patients with AMD and can serve as a parameter for convolutional neural networks training for automated analysis of OCT angiography images based on the “Key to Diagnosis II” platform


1997 ◽  
Vol 325 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Martins SANTANA ◽  
Philippe GRELLIER ◽  
Joseph SCHRÉVEL ◽  
Antonio R. L. TEIXEIRA

Specific interactions between parasites and extracellular matrix components are an important mechanism in the dissemination of Chagas' disease. Binding of the extracellular matrix proteins to Trypanosoma cruzireceptors has been described as a significant step in this phenomenon. In this study, a specific proteinase activity was identified in cell-free extracts of amastigote, trypomastigote and epimastigote forms of T. cruziusing the collagenase fluorogenic substrate N-Suc-Gly-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin. Isolation of this activity was achieved by a four-step FPLC procedure. Optimal enzyme activity was found to occur at pH 8.0 and was associated with a single T. cruzi80 kDa protein (Tc 80 proteinase) on SDS/PAGE under reducing conditions. An internal peptide sequence of Tc 80 proteinase was obtained (AGDNYTPPE), and no similarity was found to previously described proteinases of T. cruzi. This enzyme activity is strongly inhibited by HgCl2, tosyl-lysylchloromethane (‘TLCK’) p-chloromercuribenzoate and benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Ala-diazomethane. The purified enzyme was able to hydrolyse purified human [14C]collagen types I and IV at neutral pH, but not 14C-labelled BSA, rat laminin, rabbit IgG or small proteins such as insulin or cytochrome c. In addition, Tc 80 proteinase activity was found to be secreted by T. cruziforms infective to mammalian cells. Furthermore we demonstrated that purified Tc 80 proteinase mediates native collagen type I hydrolysis in rat mesentery. This feature is compared with that of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase. These findings suggest that Tc 80 proteinase may facilitate T. cruzihost-cell infection by degrading the collagens of the extracellular matrix and could represent a good target for Chagas' disease chemotherapy.


1982 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 452-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
J E Aubin ◽  
J N Heersche ◽  
M J Merrilees ◽  
J Sodek

Clones of nontransformed hormone-responsive bone cells have been isolated in vitro from mixed cell populations of fetal rat calvaria. In several independent isolations, microscopically visible colonies appeared at plating efficiencies of 5-10% of the starting cell numbers. Of these clones, approximately 10% grew to mass populations which could be assayed for a number of growth and biochemical properties. Although some similarities existed among the clones, they could be distinguished from each other and from the mixed cell populations. Population-doubling times (tDs) and saturation densities varied over a wide range: e.g., tDs of 24-72 h and saturation densities of 0.4-5 x 10(5) cells/cm2. Morphologies varied from roughly polygonal multilayering cells to typically spindle-shaped monolayering cells. Hormone responsiveness, as measured by stimulation of cAMP by hormones, indicated that some clones were responsive to both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), while others responded to PTH only. Analysis of extracellular matrix components revealed that all clones produced type I and type III collagens, though in different proportions. Similarly, although all clones synthesized four glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate), the quantities of each were distinctive from clone to clone. Further investigation of such clones is continuing to define more precisely the heterogeneity of clonal bone cell populations in vitro. They represent an important step in the study of the endocrinology and differentiation of bone.


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