The efficacy of a novel collagen-gelatin scaffold with basic fibroblast growth factor for the treatment of vocal fold scar

Abstract

Vocal fold scar remains a therapeutic challenge. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was reported to have regenerative effects for vocal fold scar, although it has the disadvantage of rapid absorption in vivo. A collagen-gelatin sponge (CGS) can compensate for the disadvantage by providing a sustained release system. The current study evaluated the efficacy of CGS combined with bFGF on vocal fold scar, using rat fibroblasts for an in vitro model and a canine in vivo model. We prepared fibroblasts from scarred vocal folds (sVFs) in rats and showed that bFGF accelerated cell proliferation and suppressed expression levels of cleaved caspase 3 and α-smooth muscle actin. Has 1, Has 3, Fgf2, Hgf and Vegfa mRNA levels were significantly upregulated, while Col1a1 and Col3a1 were dose-dependently downregulated, with a maximum effect at 100 ng/ml bFGF. In an in vivo assay, 6 weeks after lamina propria stripping, beagles were divided into three groups: CGS alone (CGS group); CGS with bFGF (7 µg/cm ; CGS + bFGF group); or a sham-treated group. Vibratory examination revealed that the glottal gap was significantly reduced in the bFGF group and the two implanted groups, whereas the CGS + bFGF group showed higher mucosal wave amplitude. Histological examination revealed significantly restored hyaluronic acid and elastin redistribution in the CGS + bFGF group and reductions in dense collagen deposition. These results provide evidence that CGS and bFGF combination therapy may have therapeutic potential and could be a promising tool for treating vocal fold scar. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of lyophilization factors and gelatin concentration on pore structures of atelocollagen/gelatin sponge biomaterial

“…The collagen/gelatin sponge was used as a drug delivery system of bFGF for the treatment of scarred vocal fold, and had no cytotoxic effects on vocal fold fibroblasts 38,39) . Fluvastatin released from poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels triggered the osteogenic differentiation and modulated the function of hMSCs 40) .…”

In vitro evaluation of anti‐fibrotic effects of select cytokines for vocal fold scar treatment

“…In brief, PEGDA hydrogels can be used as a platform for prolonging cytokine release (3–6 months due to hydrolysis mediated degradation of tethered proteins) to greater extents than other VFF material systems (i.e. gelatin) . Prolonged retention may circumvent problems associated with multiple dosing (i.e.…”

Vibratory function and healing outcomes after small intestinal submucosa biomaterial implantation for chronic vocal fold scar

“…Regardless of the approach, outcomes remain suboptimal. Over the past decade, several new therapeutic options incorporating tissue engineering with cells, biomaterial, growth factors, or a combination thereof have emerged . The overarching principle is that these treatments may provide an optimal environment to upregulate tissue HA and elastin, and minimize the deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix.…”

“…Over the past decade, several new therapeutic options incorporating tissue engineering with cells, biomaterial, growth factors, or a combination thereof have emerged. [15][16][17][18][19] The overarching principle is that these treatments may provide an optimal environment to upregulate tissue HA and elastin, and minimize the deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix. Results are promising; however, many of these treatments remain exploratory and have yet to be commercialized and made available to surgeons for clinical use.…”