Constructing a tissue-engineered ureter using a decellularized matrix with cultured uroepithelial cells and bone...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Urology

Background:

• Tissue engineering of the ureter faces challenges in scaffold vascularization and cell survival.
• Decellularized matrices offer a promising acellular scaffold for tissue regeneration.
• Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) are known for their angiogenic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ureteral decellularized matrix (UDM) as a scaffold for ureter tissue engineering.
• To investigate the effect of BM-MNCs on the neovascularization and uroepithelial cell (UEC) survival within the UDM scaffold.
• To assess the potential of UDM seeded with UECs and BM-MNCs for ureter reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Canine ureters were decellularized using deoxycholic acid to create the UDM scaffold.
• Uroepithelial cells (UECs) were cultured and seeded onto the UDM.
• BM-MNCs were seeded around the UDM scaffold prior to transplantation in nude mice and rats.

Main Results:

• UECs seeded on UDM without BM-MNCs showed degeneration post-transplantation.
• UDM scaffolds seeded with BM-MNCs supported UEC survival and stratification into 3-5 layers after 14 days.
• Significant increase in mean microvessel density was observed in BM-MNC treated tissues, indicating enhanced angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The ureteral decellularized matrix (UDM) is a viable scaffold for tissue-engineered ureter development.
• Co-seeding UDM with bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) significantly promotes neovascularization and improves uroepithelial cell survival.
• This approach holds potential for future ureter reconstruction strategies.