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Computational Modeling of Mouse Colorectum Capturing Longitudinal and Through-thickness Biomechanical Heterogeneity.
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|October 30, 2020
Summary
This study models the biomechanics of the colorectum, revealing how its structural variations influence visceral pain signaling. The developed framework aids in understanding mechanotransduction and designing medical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gastroenterology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Visceral pain, particularly in the colorectum, is significantly influenced by mechanotransduction, the process by which mechanical stimuli are converted into neural signals.
- The colorectum exhibits complex structural heterogeneity along its length and through its thickness, impacting how sensory nerve endings function.
- Understanding the biomechanical properties of different colorectal layers is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of visceral pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical framework for simulating the biomechanics of the distal colorectum, accounting for its structural heterogeneity.
- To determine constitutive models and parameters for individual colorectal layers based on experimental data.
- To validate a computational model against experimental mechanical testing of colorectal tissues.
Main Methods:
- Biaxial extension tests were performed on layer-separated mouse colorectal tissues from three longitudinal locations.
- Constitutive models and parameters were determined using nonlinear optimization, and layer thicknesses and residual stretches were quantified.
- Two-layered, 3-D finite element models were created in FEBio, incorporating experimental data and validated against independent biaxial and pressure-diameter tests.
Main Results:
- Constitutive models and parameters were established for individual colorectal layers across different longitudinal regions.
- A validated computational framework was developed to simulate colorectal biomechanics, including longitudinal and through-thickness heterogeneity.
- The model successfully predicted experimental results from both biaxial extension and pressure-diameter tests.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first theoretical framework to simulate distal colorectum biomechanics, incorporating its inherent structural heterogeneity.
- The developed constitutive models and computational framework provide a basis for analyzing the impact of biomechanics on visceral mechanotransduction.
- This framework has potential applications in understanding structure-function relationships, disease progression, device design, and surgical planning.
