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Tracheal reconstruction by mesenchymal stem cells with small intestine submucosa in rabbits
Xiao Fei Du1, Seong Keun Kwon, Jae-Jun Song
1Medical Science Research Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Tracheal reconstruction using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on small intestine submucosa (SIS) effectively repaired tracheal defects in rabbits, showing minimal stenosis and promoting tissue regeneration. This approach offers a promising treatment strategy for tracheal defects.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Prolonged intubation in newborns increases tracheal stenosis, necessitating surgical repair.
- Current treatments for tracheal defects have limitations, driving the need for novel approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of tracheal reconstruction using autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with small intestine submucosa (SIS).
- To assess this regenerative strategy in a rabbit model of tracheal defects.
Main Methods:
- Twelve rabbits with tracheal defects were divided into three groups: untreated, SIS graft only, and SIS with MSCs (SIS+MSC).
- Histological (H&E, Prussian blue) and endoscopic analyses were performed to evaluate outcomes.
- The SIS+MSC group received transplantation of monolayered mesenchymal stem cells on SIS.
Main Results:
- The SIS+MSC group exhibited minimal tracheal stenosis compared to control and SIS-only groups.
- Histological analysis revealed significantly less inflammatory cell infiltration and granulation tissue in the SIS+MSC group.
- Regeneration of pseudostratified columnar epithelium and presence of labeled MSCs were confirmed in the SIS+MSC group after 12 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Tracheal reconstruction using MSCs with SIS is an effective strategy for repairing tracheal defects in a rabbit model.
- This method demonstrated minimal mortality and morbidity, indicating its potential as a promising therapeutic approach.
Aim:
The increasing number of newborns requiring intubation and artificial ventilation in the sophisticated premature and intensive care units of recent years has been followed by a concomitant increase in the number of children who develop tracheal stenosis as a sequela of prolonged intubation, with a consequent increasing need for tracheal surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate tracheal reconstruction by monolayered autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with small intestine submucosa (SIS) in a rabbit model.
Methods:
Twelve male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: rabbits with tracheal defects without reconstruction (untreated group, n=4), rabbits with tracheal defects given porcine small intestine submucosa graft (SIS group, n=4), and rabbits with tracheal defects that underwent transplantation of monolayered mesenchymal stem cells on SIS (SIS+MSC group, n=4). Histological and endoscopic analyses were performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Prussian blue staining and endoscopy.
Results:
Tracheal stenosis in the SIS+MSC group was minimal, compared to the untreated group and SIS group. Specimens obtained from the untreated and SIS groups showed severe infiltration of inflammatory cells and granulation tissue formation into the trachea. In the SIS+MSC group, however, minimal infiltration of the inflammatory cells and granulation tissue formation were observed. Twelve weeks following the operation, regeneration of pseudostratified columnar epithelium was confirmed by H&E staining with minimal inflammatory cell infiltration in the SIS+MSC group. Moreover, Prussian blue staining clearly demonstrated the presence of labeled MSCs in the regenerated tissue of SIS+MSC group.
Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that tracheal reconstruction by MSCs with SIS is effective in rabbits with tracheal defects with minimal mortality and morbidity, which appears to be a promising strategy in the treatment of tracheal defects.

