Injectable self-expanding short-fiber scaffold reduces endometrial hyperplasia

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Gynecology

Background:

• Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a precursor to endometrial cancer, posing a significant health challenge.
• Current treatments using levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing systems are limited by rigid structures and poor adaptability.
• A need exists for improved therapeutic delivery systems for endometrial hyperplasia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel self-expanding, injectable intrauterine scaffold for endometrial hyperplasia treatment.
• To assess the scaffold's adaptability, drug delivery capabilities, biocompatibility, and therapeutic efficacy.
• To investigate the scaffold's mechanism of action in a preclinical model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D porous biomimetic scaffold using electrospinning of polylactic acid and gelatin.
• Optimization of scaffold structure for self-expansion and dynamic uterine fit.
• Loading of levonorgestrel (LNG) and in vivo evaluation in an endometrial hyperplasia rat model.

Main Results:

• The scaffold demonstrated rapid self-expansion and dynamic fit within the uterine cavity.
• Efficient loading and sustained release of LNG were observed, with excellent biocompatibility.
• Significant improvements in uterine morphology and reduction in pathological features were achieved in the EH rat model, approaching normal physiological values.

Conclusions:

• The developed intelligent scaffold overcomes limitations of conventional rigid intrauterine devices.
• Its injectability, self-expanding adaptability, and biomimetic therapeutic functions offer a promising new approach for effective endometrial hyperplasia treatment.
• This innovative scaffold holds potential to resolve clinical challenges in managing endometrial hyperplasia.