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Fresh-wet storage accelerates aortic homograft calcification
Piotr Podolec1, Rafal Drwiła, Grzegorz Goncerz
1Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Pradnicka 80, 31-202 Krakow, Poland.
Cell and Tissue Banking
|November 9, 2007
Summary
Fresh-wet storage accelerates aortic valve homograft (AVH) mineralization, particularly in older donors. Limiting donor age to under 40 years may reduce this calcification process.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Biomaterials science
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- Aortic valve homografts (AVH) are crucial for cardiac repair.
- Mineralization of AVH can compromise their long-term function.
- Fresh-wet storage is a common preservation method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fresh-wet storage on AVH mineralization.
- To identify factors influencing AVH calcification during storage.
- To propose strategies for mitigating AVH mineralization.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four human aortic valves were analyzed post-autopsy.
- Valves were divided into control and fresh-wet stored halves (Medium 199 + antibiotics, 4°C, 28 days).
- Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) determined elemental composition (Ca/P ratio, Ca concentration).
Main Results:
- Fresh-wet storage significantly accelerated AVH mineralization.
- Increased pre-storage calcium (Ca) content correlated with aggravated mineralization, especially in donors >40 years.
- Donors over 40 showed an approximate 40% increase in Ca concentration.
Conclusions:
- The fresh-wet storage procedure enhances AVH mineralization.
- Donor age is a critical factor, with individuals over 40 being more susceptible.
- Limiting donor age to <40 years and modifying storage media are potential strategies to reduce AVH mineralization.
