Effects of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on the Survival of Rabbit Ear Composite Grafts

Abstract

BackgroundComposite grafts are frequently used for facial reconstruction. However, the unpredictability of the results and difficulties with large defects are disadvantages. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) express several cytokines, and increase the survival of random flaps and fat grafts owing to their angiogenic potential. MethodsThis study investigated composite graft survival after ADSC injection. Circular chondrocutaneous composite tissues, 2 cm in diameter, from 15 New Zealand white rabbits were used. Thirty ears were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the experimental groups (1 and 2), ADSCs were subcutaneously injected 7 days and immediately before the operation, respectively. Similarly, phosphate-buffered saline was injected in the control group just before surgery in the same manner as in group 2. In all groups, chondrocutaneous composite tissue was elevated, rotated 90 degrees, and repaired in its original position. Skin flow was assessed using laser Doppler 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after surgery. At 1 and 12 days after surgery, the viable area was assessed using digital photography; the rabbits were euthanized, and immunohistochemical staining for CD31 was performed to assess neovascularization. ResultsThe survival of composite grafts increased significantly with the injection of ADSCs (P<0.05). ADSC injection significantly improved neovascularization based on anti-CD31 immunohistochemical analysis and vascular endothelial growth factor expression (P<0.05) in both group 1 and group 2 compared to the control group. No statistically significant differences in graft survival, anti-CD31 neovascularization, or microcirculation were found between groups 1 and 2. ConclusionsTreatment with ADSCs improved the composite graft survival, as confirmed by the survival area and histological evaluation. The differences according to the injection timing were not significant.

Optimal Condition of Isolation from an Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction for the Development of Automated Systems

“…Cells in the highand low-CFU groups were analyzed using an angiogenesis array, because angiogenesis contributes to wound healing and tissue regeneration. Cells in both the high-and low-CFU groups expressed angiogenin, GROa/b/g, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, RANTES, TIMP-1 and -2, and VEGF-A [21,22]. IL-6 and IL-8 are factors that contribute to wound healing, and their expression increases during an inflammatory response [23].…”

Labelling stem cells with a nanoprobe for evaluating the homing behaviour in facial nerve injury repair

“…However, because of the difficulty in harvesting Schwann cells and the scarcity of tissue sources, mesenchymal stem cells such as bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been used as alternatives for cell-based therapy. 10–13 Notably, ADSCs can be harvested by minimally invasive liposuction with a high cellular yield, and they have been shown to promote neovascularization, neuronal survival, and growth or neurotrophic factors secretion, 14–17 making them a suitable source in clinics. 18–20…”

The effect of deferoxamine injection on composite graft survival in rabbits

“…Composite grafts yield better results than skin grafts in discrepancies in color and texture at the donor site, causing less scar contracture, because more tissue structure is provided by transferring 2 or more different tissue types. However, the composite graft has limited graft viability when the recipient defect is more than 1.5 cm in diameter [ 1 ].…”