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A novel approach to reduce catheter-related infection using sustained-release basic fibroblast growth factor for
Keiichi Hirose1, Akira Marui, Yoshio Arai
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shizuoka Children's Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Catheter-related infection is one of the most serious complications. Microbes migrate along the catheter (the foreign material) from the wound at the insertion-site, leading to catheter-related infection. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent mitogen that promotes the growth and regeneration of organs and tissues in vivo. Catheter-related bacterial invasion was simulated by the invasion of inoculated bacteria into a transplanted foreign material. Sterile Dacron sheets (foreign materials) were implanted on the subcutis of 96 male mice (C57BL/6) randomized into four groups (n = 24 per group). Group A: Dacron sheets only; Group B: Dacron sheets treated with a plain gelatin hydrogel sheet; Group C: Dacron sheets treated with free bFGF (50 microg); Group D: Dacron sheets treated with sustained-release bFGF (50 microg). On day 7, "detachment test" (to measure the force needed to pull out the Dacron sheet) and microscopic evaluations were performed, and the tissue immediately above the Dacron sheet was inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 1 x 10(6) colony-forming units. The total energy needed for pulling out the implanted Dacron sheet in Group D was significantly higher than other three groups (P < 0.01). Group D had a large granulation tissue area containing a large amount of collagen tissue and vessels microscopically. Two days after the MRSA inoculation, the number of MRSA in the Dacron sheet of Group D was smallest. Pretreatment with sustained-release form of bFGF promoted tissue regeneration and reduced catheter-related bacterial invasion, indicating a useful adjuvant for reducing catheter-related infection.
Insights
Sustained-release basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) enhanced tissue regeneration around implanted materials. This significantly reduced bacterial invasion, offering a novel strategy to prevent catheter-related infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Catheter-related infections are a serious complication caused by microbial invasion along implanted foreign materials.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is known for its potent mitogenic properties, promoting tissue growth and regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of sustained-release basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in preventing catheter-related bacterial invasion.
- To evaluate the impact of bFGF on tissue regeneration and foreign material integration in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Sterile Dacron sheets were implanted in mice and treated with either no treatment, gelatin hydrogel, free bFGF, or sustained-release bFGF.
- Tissue integration was assessed via a detachment test measuring pull-out force.
- Bacterial invasion was simulated using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) inoculation.
Main Results:
- Sustained-release bFGF significantly increased the force required to detach the Dacron sheets compared to other groups.
- Microscopic analysis revealed enhanced granulation tissue formation with abundant collagen and vessels in the bFGF-treated group.
- The number of MRSA within the Dacron sheets was significantly lower in the sustained-release bFGF group.
Conclusions:
- Pretreatment with sustained-release bFGF promotes robust tissue regeneration and integration of foreign materials.
- This approach effectively reduces catheter-related bacterial invasion, demonstrating potential as an adjuvant therapy for infection prevention.
