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Functional small-diameter neovessels created using endothelial progenitor cells expanded ex vivo
S Kaushal1, G E Amiel, K J Guleserian
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Nature Medicine
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) successfully replaced arterial endothelial cells in tissue-engineered blood vessels, promoting long-term patency and vascular function. This finding supports EPCs for vascular grafts and treating vascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Arterial conduits are preferred for bypass surgery due to endothelial cell functions like nitric oxide production.
- Small-diameter vascular grafts often face patency issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can substitute for arterial endothelial cells in tissue-engineered vascular grafts.
- To assess the impact of EPCs on the patency and function of small-diameter (4 mm) vascular grafts.
Main Methods:
- EPCs were isolated from sheep peripheral blood and expanded ex vivo.
- Decellularized porcine iliac vessels were seeded with EPCs.
- EPC-seeded and non-seeded grafts were implanted as carotid interposition grafts in sheep.
Main Results:
- EPC-seeded grafts remained patent for 130 days, while non-seeded grafts occluded within 15 days.
- Explanted EPC-seeded grafts demonstrated contractile activity and nitric oxide-mediated relaxation comparable to native arteries.
Conclusions:
- EPCs can functionally replace arterial endothelial cells in tissue-engineered vascular grafts, significantly improving graft survival.
- EPCs show promise for applications in tissue-engineered structures and the treatment of vascular diseases.
