Collagen analysis of mesenchymal stromal cell assisted hernial scar repair

Abstract

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.