Biocompatibility ofBletilla striataMicrospheres as a Novel Embolic Agent

Abstract

We have prepared Chinese traditional herb Bletilla striata into microspheres as a novel embolic agent for decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of Bletilla striata microspheres (BSMs). After a thermal test of BSMs in vitro, the cell biocompatibility of BSMs was investigated in mouse fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells using the methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. In addition, blood biocompatibility was evaluated. In vivo intramuscular implantation and renal artery embolization in rabbits with BSMs were used to examine the inflammatory response. The experimental rabbits did not develop any fever symptoms after injection of BSMs, and BSMs exhibited no cytotoxicity in cultured mouse fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Additionally, BSMs exhibited high compatibility with red blood cells and no hemolysis activity. Intramuscular implantation with BSMs resulted in a gradually lessened mild inflammatory reaction that disappeared after eight weeks. The occlusion of small renal vessels was associated with a mild perivascular inflammatory reaction without significant renal and liver function damage. In conclusion, we believe that BSMs exhibit high biocompatibility and are a promising embolic agent.

<p>MRI Detectable Polymer Microspheres Embedded With Magnetic Ferrite Nanoclusters For Embolization: In Vitro And In Vivo Evaluation</p>

“…FNMs were considered foreign matters after being injected into the bodies of animals and produced an inflammatory reaction in the organism 64. The inflammatory reaction can be divided into several phases: alteration (injury), exudation, and proliferation.…”

Prostatic Artery Embolisation with Bletilla Striata Particles in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) Resulted from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

“…However, our study showed that no prostate abscess occurred after embolization, this may be related to Bletilla striata antibiotic activity. And the last, it has also been proved that Bletilla striata was pyrogen-free and had good tissue biocompatibility and no adverse effects, such as hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity in in vitro and in vivo, indicating their promising potential for use as a highly biocompatible embolic agent [11,12,26]. Moreover, Bletilla striata is rich in nature and very economical in use.…”

“…The feasibility of a safe and effective PAE depends on many factors, including the characteristics of BPH, body weight, habitus, age, increased atherosclerosis and the ability and experience of the operating physicians, and most importantly the embolic materials used. Although our technical success rate was only 90.7%, this technique of PAE by Bletilla striata particles offered some advantages: First, instead of PVA, Zedoary Oil and Brucea Javanica Oil used as mentioned above [22,23], Bletilla striata was based on empiricism of embolization of benign or malignancy in the last two decades [9][10][11][12]30]. It has the ability of expansion and promotion of thrombin and produce extensive and permanent vascular embolization, while it cannot be absorbed by body tissues.…”

“…It has the ability of expansion and promotion of thrombin and produce extensive and permanent vascular embolization, while it cannot be absorbed by body tissues. After embolization, prostate necrosis and shrinkage were significant with less collateral circulation that formed later [9][10][11][12]. Second, the polysaccharide component of Bletilla striata was a wide spectrum antitumor element that may inhibit tumor occurrence and development by inhibiting angiogenesis and anti-mitotic effect [30].…”

“…We are inspired by the fact that satisfactory results of arterial embolization with Bletilla striata in solid benign or malignancy (such as hepatocellular carcinoma, renal carcinoma, uterus tumor, etc.) were achieved in last two decades [9][10][11][12]. In the present study, we report the results of PAE with Bletilla striata particles 150-200 µm in size as a primary treatment in 75 patients with severe LUTS after failure of medical treatment; all patients were unsuitable for surgery.…”