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Cell-Based Outer Vocal Fold Replacement Both Treats and Prevents Vocal Fold Scarring in Rabbits
Rodell Santuray1, Patrick Schlegel1, Zhaoyan Zhang1
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|August 19, 2023
Summary
Cell-based outer vocal fold replacement (COVR) effectively restores vocal fold function in both acute and chronic scarring. This novel treatment promotes cell persistence, biomechanical restoration, and increased hyaluronic acid, offering hope for voice restoration.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative medicine
- Vocal fold biomechanics
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- Vocal fold (VF) scarring often impedes voice function.
- Treatments are less effective at remodeling mature scar tissue.
- Cell-based therapies show promise for scar prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if cell-based outer vocal fold replacement (COVR) can restore VF function in existing scar.
- To evaluate COVR efficacy in both acute and chronic injury models.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen rabbits underwent unilateral cordectomy.
- Groups included acute COVR, chronic COVR (2 months post-injury), and chronic scar (sham).
- Larynges were harvested for analysis 2 months after implantation/sham surgery.
Main Results:
- COVR implants showed human leukocyte antigen labeling, indicating cell persistence.
- COVR groups exhibited increased hyaluronic acid content compared to controls.
- Vocal fold stiffness in COVR groups was similar to unoperated contralateral VFs.
Conclusions:
- COVR implantation successfully restored vocal fold biomechanics in both acute and chronic scar models.
- The treatment promoted persistence of implanted cells and increased hyaluronic acid.
- COVR demonstrates potential for treating vocal fold scarring and restoring voice function.
