Can platelet-rich plasma coating improve polypropylene mesh integration? An immunohistochemical analysis in rabbits

ABSTRACT Purpose: Despite high success rates in the treatment of urinary incontinence, complications related to the use of polypropylene (PP) meshes are still a concern, especially in vaginal prolapses surgeries. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) coating on the integration of PP meshes implanted in the vaginal submucosa of rabbits. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (n=15): PP, implanted with conventional PP meshes; and PRP, implanted with autologous PRP coated PP meshes. Animals in both groups (n=5) were euthanized at 7, 30 and 90 days postoperatively, the vaginas extracted and sent to immunohistochemical analysis for the assessment of the pro-inflammatory agent TNF-α, anti-inflammatory agents TGF-β and IL-13, collagen metabolism marker MMP-2, and angiogenesis marker CD-31. AxioVision™ image analysis was used for the calculation of the immunoreactive area and density. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p <0.05). Results: Animals in the PRP group showed significantly increased expression of the angiogenesis agent CD-31 at all experimental times when compared to the PP group (p <0.0001). However, no differences concerning the expression of the other markers were observed between the groups. Conclusion: The addition of autologous PRP gel to PP meshes can be simply and safely achieved and seems to have a positive effect on implantation site angiogenesis. Further investigations are required to ascertain PPR coated meshes clinical efficacy in prolapses and stress urinary incontinence surgeries.

New strategies to improve results of mesh surgeries for vaginal prolapses repair – an update

ABSTRACTThe use of meshes has become the first option for the treatment of soft tissue disorders as hernias and stress urinary incontinence and widely used in vaginal prolapse's treatment. However, complications related to mesh issues cannot be neglected. Various strategies have been used to improve tissue integration of prosthetic meshes and reduce related complications. The aim of this review is to present the state of art of mesh innovations, presenting the whole arsenal which has been studied worldwide since composite meshes, coated meshes, collagen's derived meshes and tissue engineered prostheses, with focus on its biocompatibility and technical innovations, especially for vaginal prolapse surgery.

Effects of immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil on renal histology and function in single kidney rats submitted to ischemia and reperfusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate renal histological changes and renal function in single kidney rats submitted to renal ischemia-reperfusion and to immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate-mofetil. METHODS: Experimental study with 80 Wistar rats distributed into control, Sham and six other groups treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Animals undergoing surgery, right nephrectomy and left renal clamping, killed on the 14th day and analyzed for renal histology, urea and creatinine. RESULTS: The group receiving tacrolimus at higher doses (T3) showed renal histological lesions indicative of early nephrotoxicity, and significant increase in urea and creatinine. The group M (mycophenolate-mofetil alone) and the group M2 (mycophenolate-mofetil combined with half the usual dose of tacrolimus) presented a slight rise in serum urea. The groups using mycophenolate-mofetil alone or combined with tacrolimus showed creatinine levels similar to that of the group T3. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, the association of injury by ischemia-reperfusion with the use of tacrolimus or mycophenolate-mofetil alone demonstrated a higher rate of renal changes typical of early nephrotoxicity. In laboratory, the combination of injury by ischemia-reperfusion with tacrolimus at higher doses proved to be nephrotoxic. .