EPCs enhance angiogenesis in renal regeneration

Abstract

Decellularized renal scaffolds have previously been used for renal regeneration following partial nephrectomy, in which angiogenesis played a key role. In this study, rats underwent partial nephrectomy and repaired with decellularized renal scaffolds. Subsequently, the labeled EPCs were intravenously injected into rats in EPCs group, and the control group received an equal amount of phosphate-buffer saline (PBS). We chose 1, 2 and 4 weeks post operation as time point. Average microvascular density (aMVD) analyses revealed higher angiogenesis in EPCs group compared with the control group. The expression of angiogenic growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and hypoxia-inducible factors 1-alpha (HIF-1α), was generally higher in the EPCs group in all weeks (1, 2 and 4), and peaked in week 2. EPCs were observed to home into renal injury site, promoting angiogenesis across the renal parenchyma-scaffold interface to be potentially used as bridges for EPCs to migrate into the implanted scaffolds. Administration of exogenous EPCs promotes angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in decellularized renal scaffolds-mediated renal regeneration, providing adequate microenvironment for kidney recovery post renal injury.

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“…Molecular cues from growth factors are added to induce differentiation into various kidney cell types [57]. This combination of growing stem cells on decellularized scaffolds can be up scaled to engineering of a whole organ [58,59]. Typically, the decellularized scaffolds come from cadavers or other animals; the scaffolds are re-seeded with stem cells and grown in a bioreactor [58,59].…”

“…This combination of growing stem cells on decellularized scaffolds can be up scaled to engineering of a whole organ [58,59]. Typically, the decellularized scaffolds come from cadavers or other animals; the scaffolds are re-seeded with stem cells and grown in a bioreactor [58,59]. The limitations attributed to this method come with the cost of time and resources, as well as the ability to ensure that the cells grow and differentiate appropriately [58,59].…”

“…Typically, the decellularized scaffolds come from cadavers or other animals; the scaffolds are re-seeded with stem cells and grown in a bioreactor [58,59]. The limitations attributed to this method come with the cost of time and resources, as well as the ability to ensure that the cells grow and differentiate appropriately [58,59]. The bioreactors create an environment for cell proliferation that is supposed to mimic the human body, however scientists have limited control over these processes [58,59].…”

“…The limitations attributed to this method come with the cost of time and resources, as well as the ability to ensure that the cells grow and differentiate appropriately [58,59]. The bioreactors create an environment for cell proliferation that is supposed to mimic the human body, however scientists have limited control over these processes [58,59]. Aside from these limitations, research is still necessary to investigate the true compatibility of the extracellular matrix between other animals and humans [60].…”

Home-Grown Kidneys: Challenges and Mechanisms Behind Tissue Engineering for the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease

“…57 This combination of growing stem cells on decellularized scaffolds can be up scaled to engineering of a whole organ. 58,59 Typically, the decellularized scaffolds come from cadavers or other animals; the scaffolds are re-seeded with stem cells and grown in a bioreactor. 58,59 The limitations attributed to this method come with the cost of time and resources, as well as the ability to ensure that the cells grow and differentiate appropriately.…”