Recellularization of well-preserved decellularized kidney scaffold using adipose tissue-derived stem cells.

To establish a recellularization kidney model by using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as seeding cells and to investigate the growth and differentiation of ADSCs in decellularized kidney scaffolds. ADSCs were isolated using a modified method and then identified using flow cytometry analysis. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis differentiation were performed. Rat kidneys were decellularized using 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and scanning electron microscope were conducted to examine the scaffold microstructure. The decellularized kidney scaffold was seeded with ADSCs antegrade through the artery or retrograde through the ureter and cultured for 5-10 days. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were applied to assess growth and differentiation of seeding cells within the scaffold. ADSCs populated within the glomerular, vascular, and tubular area of kidney scaffolds. Cells differentiated toward endothelial or tubular cells. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 promoted cell attachment in the scaffold. These findings suggest that ADSCs can be used as an additional new source of seeding cells within decellularized kidney scaffold. This combination may offer an alternative to donor kidney transplant. In this way, autologous ADSCs can be utilized as seeding cells in cell-scaffold kidney regeneration for further clinical transplantation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 805-814, 2018.

Construction of engineered corpus cavernosum with primary mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.

Various methods have been used to reconstruct the penis. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of constructing engineered corpus cavernosum with primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a rabbit model in vitro. Acellular corporal matrices (ACMs) were obtained from adult rabbit penile tissues through an established decellularization procedure. MSCs were separated, purified, and then seeded on ACMs to construct engineered corpus cavernosum. The seeded ACMs were subsequently cultured in an incubator for 14 days. Histological analyses showed that MSCs seeded on the ACMs had proliferated and were well distributed. Detection of CD31, vWF, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and myosin protein as well as vWF and myosin mRNA revealed that the MSCs had differentiated into endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. In addition, cell morphology of the engineered corpus cavernosum was directly observed by transmission electron microscopy. This study demonstrated that engineered corpus cavernosum could be successfully constructed using primary MSCs in vitro. This technology represents another step towards developing engineered corpus cavernosum in vitro.

A creative therapy in treating cavernous hemangioma of penis with copper wire.

INTRODUCTION: Cavernous hemangiomas of penis are rare benign lesions infrequently described in the literature. No completely satisfactory treatment has been found to correct the cosmetic deformities especially the extensive hemangiomas of corpus penis. AIM: In light of the promising application of copper wire/needle in vascular malformations, we began a clinical study to investigate the safety, feasibility, and cosmetic effect of copper wire therapy in treating cavernous hemangioma of penis. METHODS: Seven patients ranging in age from 12 to 32 years with penile cavernous hemangiomas entered our study from 2005 to 2011. All patients received treatments with percutaneous copper wires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perioperative data including mean operation time, estimated blood loss, length of copper wire retention, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. All possible complications were noted, and cosmetic result was evaluated. Patients were followed up after discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: All operations were successful, and no obvious complications were observed. The patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 5 years. Recurrence was discovered in a patient with the largest lesion of corpus penis 2 months after the treatment. Secondary procedure was carried out with the same technique, and no lesions were found later. CONCLUSIONS: The shortage of studies on this topic prevented us from defining a therapeutic reference standard. The results of our study confirmed that copper wire therapy was a simple, safe, and useful option for penile cavernous hemangioma.

A magnetic chitosan hydrogel for sustained and prolonged delivery of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin in the treatment of bladder cancer.

The aim of this study was to develop a magnetic thermosensitive hydrogel as intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) delivery system, which was formulated with chitosan (CS), ß-glycerophosphate (GP) and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4-MNP). The gelation time and magnetic response of the gel system were investigated. The morphology of the gel was displayed by scanning electron microscope. Frozen section examination was creatively employed for exhibiting the structure of the gel and determining its intravesical residence time. The antitumor effect and local immune activity of BCG loaded magnetic gel were evaluated. The flowing solution of CS/GP under room temperature could gelate rapidly at body temperature both in vitro and in vivo. The magnetic injectable hydrogels significantly prolonged intravesical BCG residence time under an applied magnetic field. In comparison to traditional BCG therapy for superficial bladder tumor, BCG delivered by the gel system induced a stronger Th1 immune response and revealed higher antitumor efficacy.