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Updated: Sep 21, 2025
Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: November 21, 2019
Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Utilizing Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Porcine Model
Brian Zilberman1, Keshav Kooragayala1, Johanna Lou1
1Department of Surgery, Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey.
Introduction:
The current treatment paradigm of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) focuses on observing patients until their disease reaches certain thresholds for intervention, with no preceding treatment available. There is an opportunity to develop novel therapies to prevent further aneurysmal growth and decrease the risk of a highly morbid rupture. We used a porcine model of aortic dilation to assess the ability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to attenuate aortic dilation.
Materials And Methods:
Twelve Yorkshire pigs received periadventitial injections (collagenase and elastase) into a 4-cm segment of infrarenal aorta. Animals were treated with either 1 × 106 MSCs placed onto Gelfoam or treated with media as a control. Aortic diameters were measured at the time of surgery and monitored at postoperative day (POD) 7 and 14 with ultrasound. Animals were sacrificed on POD 21. Aortic tissue was harvested for histopathological analyses and immunohistochemistry. Groups were compared with paired t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests.
Results:
All animals survived until POD 21. The mean aortic diameter was reduced in the aortic dilation + MSC treatment group compared to aortic dilation control animals (1.10 ± 0.126 versus 1.48 cm ± 0.151, P < 0.001). Aortic media thickness was reduced in the aortic dilation group compared to the aortic dilation + MSC group (609.14 IQR 445.21-692.93 μm versus 643.55 IQR 560.91-733.88 μm, P = 0.0048). There was a significant decrease in the content of collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin and elastin perturbation in the aortic dilation group as compared to the aortic dilation + MSC group. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increased level of vascular endothelial growth factor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 3 expression in the aorta of aortic dilation + MSC animals.
Conclusions:
Stem cell therapy suppressed the aortic dilation in a porcine model. Animals from the aortic dilation group showed more diseased gross features, histologic changes, and biochemical properties of the aorta compared to that of the aortic dilation + MSC treated animals. This novel finding should prompt further investigation into translatable drug and cell therapies for aneurysmal disease.
Insights
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduced aortic dilation in a porcine model. This finding suggests MSCs may offer a novel therapeutic approach for preventing abdominal aortic aneurysm growth and rupture.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
- Stem Cell Therapy
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) lack effective treatments beyond monitoring and surgical intervention.
- There is a critical need for therapies to prevent aneurysm progression and rupture.
- A porcine model of aortic dilation was utilized to explore novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in attenuating aortic dilation.
- To assess the impact of MSC therapy on aortic tissue characteristics in a disease model.
Main Methods:
- Yorkshire pigs underwent induced aortic dilation via periadventitial injection of collagenase and elastase.
- Animals received either MSCs on Gelfoam or a control medium.
- Aortic diameters were monitored via ultrasound, and tissues were analyzed histopathologically and via immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- MSC treatment significantly reduced aortic diameter compared to controls (1.10 cm vs. 1.48 cm, P < 0.001).
- Aortic media thickness was reduced in the MSC group (P = 0.0048).
- MSC treatment preserved collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and elastin, and increased VEGF and TIMP expression.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy effectively suppressed aortic dilation in a porcine model.
- MSC-treated aortas exhibited improved histological and biochemical properties compared to controls.
- These findings support further research into cell-based therapies for aneurysmal disease.
