Primed fibroblasts and exogenous decorin: potential treatments for subacute vocal fold scar

To investigate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) primed fibroblasts and decorin application on skin and vocal fold fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo in rabbit vocal fold scar model.

Vocal fold and skin fibroblasts underwent five in vitro treatment conditions: control, epidermal growth factor, HGF, both decorin and HGF, and decorin alone. Hyaluronic acid and collagen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed. In vivo, 12 rabbits underwent unilateral vocal fold stripping. Injured vocal folds were then injected with skin fibroblasts, HGF, HGF-primed fibroblasts and decorin, or decorin. Outcomes included histologic and lamina propria height analyses.

In vitro, HGF increased hyaluronic acid synthesis in vocal fold fibroblasts (P<0.001). HGF and decorin treatment diminished collagen secretion (P<0.01). In vivo, histologic findings indicated minimal difference in collagen amount between treatment groups.

HGF and decorin together may decrease collagen production by skin and vocal fold fibroblasts. Fibroblast transplantation into scarred vocal folds has equivocal benefit.