Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) migrate to the site of injury to promote tissue remodeling and cellular re‐organization. In this study we use a hernia repair model in rats to investigate how MSCs and platelet rich plasma (PRP) influence collagen deposition in hernial scars. A midline incision in 21 age‐matched Lewis rats was repaired using one of 3 protocols: 1) standard suture repair (control) 2) platelet‐rich plasma embedded in a collagen matrix (PRP) and 3) platelet‐rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cells embedded in a collagen matrix (MSC+PRP). At 4 weeks post surgery, 0.15 mm scar tissue was harvested and analyzed for collagen content and phenotype. Results showed that collagen content was greater in MSC‐treated rats. Total collagen in MSC+PRP scars was 394.2 % greater than controls (p=0.003) and 250.4% greater than PRP scars (p=0.004). Collagen concentration (per mg scar protein) was significantly higher in MSC+PRP scars than in controls (p=.012) and there was no significant difference between control and PRP scars. A comparison of collagen I/III ratios in scar tissue using 2Dgel analysis of CnBr treated scar tissue indicated that the relative proportion of Col III was higher in MSC+PRP treated scars than in control. The results of this study show that MSC therapy can enhance hernial scar integrity by increasing collagen content and decreasing the Col I/III ratio. Supported by the American Hernia Society.
More than 200,000 abdominal hernias are repaired each year. Although new surgical techniques and technologies have attempted to combat the occurrence of hernias, patients continue to suffer from hernias following abdominal surgeries. Regenerative therapy, including the use of bone marrow derived‐mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), offers a new avenue to reducing the problem of hernias seen in post‐operative patients. Midline laparotomies were performed on three groups of Lewis rats. Group 1 rats were designated as the control group and were repaired without additives. CollaTape containing platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was used to repair the abdominal incisions of group 2 rats. The incisions of group 3 rats were repaired similarly to group 2 but with the addition of MSCs. At 4 and 8 weeks postoperative, abdominal fascia was excised (n=7 per group). Collagen deposition and organization (as determined by a Trichrome stain) was rated by blinded observers. Group 3 showed significantly increased neovascularization and collagen deposition compared to the abdominal fascia of groups 1 and 2. The results of this study suggest that the use of MSCs in abdominal repairs could serve as a beneficial tool to improve wound healing.Grant Funding Source : LifeCell Hernia Resident/Fellow Research Grant
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