Estrogen-loaded scaffolds promote thyrocyte proliferation and endogenous antioxidant expression while preserving...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endocrinology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Thyroid injury and radiotherapy cause loss of functional thyrocytes, a significant clinical problem.
• Systemic 17beta-estradiol (E2) delivery has limitations, including cytotoxicity and potential long-term effects.
• Localized hormone delivery strategies are needed to support thyroid cell survival and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for localized delivery of 17beta-estradiol (E2).
• To evaluate the impact of E2-loaded PCL scaffolds on thyroid epithelial cell survival, proliferation, and function.
• To assess the potential of these scaffolds for thyroid tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of electrospun PCL scaffolds with varying concentrations of E2.
• Characterization of scaffold properties (mechanical, physical, thermal).
• In vitro culture of thyroid epithelial cells on scaffolds with assessment of viability, proliferation, morphology, gene expression, and functional markers.

Main Results:

• E2 incorporation altered scaffold properties but preserved fiber morphology.
• Scaffold-mediated E2 delivery enhanced thyrocyte viability and proliferation compared to bolus delivery.
• Intermediate E2 concentrations yielded the most favorable biological response, promoting cell spreading and antioxidant gene expression.
• Thyroid-specific functional markers and differentiated phenotype were maintained; no BRAF mutations were detected.

Conclusions:

• Electrospun E2@PCL scaffolds provide a tunable microenvironment supporting thyroid cell survival, proliferation, and function.
• These scaffolds demonstrate potential for thyroid tissue engineering, especially for radiation-induced thyroid injury.
• Localized E2 delivery via biomaterials offers a safer and more effective approach than systemic administration.