Perifascial areolar tissue graft promotes angiogenesis and wound healing in an exposed ischemic component rabbit model.

Multiple studies have reported the use of perifascial areolar tissue (PAT) grafts to treat wounds involving exposed ischemic tissues, avascular structures, and defective membrane structures. Our objective was to assess the quantitative effects of PAT grafts and their suitability for wounds with ischemic tissue exposure and to qualitatively determine the factors through which PAT promotes wound healing and repair. We conducted histological, immunohistochemical, and mass spectrometric analyses of the PAT grafts. PAT grafts contain numerous CD34+ progenitor/stem cells, extracellular matrix, growth factors, and cytokines that promote wound healing and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we established a male rabbit model to compare the efficacy of PAT grafting with that of an occlusive dressing treatment (control) for wounds with cartilage exposure. PAT grafts could cover ischemic components with granulation tissue and promote angiogenesis. Macroscopic and histological observations of the PAT graft on postoperative day seven revealed capillaries bridging the ischemic tissue (vascular bridging). Additionally, the PAT graft suppressed wound contraction and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) levels and promoted epithelialization. These findings suggested that PAT can serve as a platform to enhance wound healing and promote angiogenesis. This is the first study to quantify the therapeutic efficacy of PAT grafts, revealing their high value for the treatment of wounds involving exposed ischemic structures. The effectiveness of PAT grafts can be attributed to two primary factors: vascular bridging and the provision of three essential elements (progenitor/stem cells, extracellular matrix molecules, and growth factors/cytokines). Moreover, PAT grafts may be used as transplant materials to mitigate excessive wound contraction and the development of hypertrophic scarring.

Patient experience of negative pressure wound therapy: A qualitative study.

AIM: This study aimed to clarify the treatment experience of patients undergoing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). DESIGN: This study used a qualitative design. METHODS: Seventeen inpatients were semi-structured interviewed about their experiences of treatment with negative pressure wound therapy. RESULTS: Inpatients' answers were categorized into seven themes: pain and discomfort associated with treatment, physical limitations owing to attached device, mental burden owing to the odour and noises of the attached device, social limitations owing to the attached device, advances in medical care and science, device personification and mixed feelings towards medical staff. The patients were able to tolerate the aforementioned limitations while feeling attachment and gratitude towards the device created through advances in medical care and science, and towards medical staff who helped them heal. In the future, we plan to develop an NPWT care guide.

Angiogenesis after administration of basic fibroblast growth factor induces proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in elastic perichondrium in an in vivo model: mini review of three sequential republication-abridged reports.

To date, studies on mesenchymal tissue stem cells (MSCs) in the perichondrium have focused on in vitro analysis, and the dynamics of cartilage regeneration from the perichondrium in vivo remain largely unknown. We have attempted to apply cell and tissue engineering methodology for ear reconstruction using cultured chondrocytes. We hypothesized that by inducing angiogenesis with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), MSCs or cartilage precursor cells would proliferate and differentiate into cartilage in vivo and that the regenerated cartilage would maintain its morphology over an extended period. As a result of a single administration of bFGF to the perichondrium, cartilage tissue formed and proliferated while maintaining its morphology for at least 3 months. By day 3 post bFGF treatment, inflammatory cells, primarily comprising mononuclear cells, migrated to the perichondrial region, and the proliferation of matrix metalloproteinase 1 positive cells peaked. During week 1, the perichondrium thickened and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells was noted, along with an increase in the number of CD44-positive and CD90-positive cartilage MSCs/progenitor cells. Neocartilage was formed after 2 weeks, and hypertrophied mature cartilage was formed and maintained after 3 months. Proliferation of the perichondrium and cartilage was bFGF concentration-dependent and was inhibited by neutralizing antibodies. Angiogenesis induction by bFGF was blocked by the administration of an angiogenesis inhibitor, preventing perichondrium proliferation and neocartilage formation. These results suggested that angiogenesis may be important for the induction and differentiation of MSCs/cartilage precursor cells in vivo, and that morphological changes, once occurring, are maintained.