Alternative Biological Material for Tissue Engineering of the Vagina: Porcine-Derived Acellular Vaginal Matrix
10.1007/s13770-023-00604-2
- Author:
Yanpeng TIAN
1
;
Yibin LIU
;
Yanlai XIAO
;
Zhongkang LI
;
Mingle ZHANG
;
Liang CHEN
;
Zhen LI
;
Wangchao ZHANG
;
Zhiqiang ZHANG
;
Desheng KONG
;
Li MENG
;
Yanfang DU
;
Jingkun ZHANG
;
Jingui GAO
;
Xianghua HUANG
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
2024;21(2):277-290
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:EN
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a severe congenital disorder characterized by vaginal hypoplasia caused by dysplasia of the Müllerian duct. Patients with MRKH syndrome often require nonsurgical or surgical treatment to achieve satisfactory vaginal length and sexual outcomes. The extracellular matrix has been successfully used for vaginal reconstruction.
METHODS:In this study, we developed a new biological material derived from porcine vagina (acellular vaginal matrix, AVM) to reconstruct the vagina in Bama miniature pigs. The histological characteristics and efficacy of acellularization of AVM were evaluated, and AVM was subsequently transplanted into Bama miniature pigs to reconstruct the vaginas.
RESULTS:Macroscopic analysis showed that the neovaginas functioned well in all Bama miniature pigs with AVM implants. Histological analysis and electrophysiological evidence indicated that morphological and functional recovery was restored in normal vaginal tissues. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the neovaginas had mucosal folds characteristics of normal vagina. No significant differences were observed in the expression of CK14, HSP47, and a-actin between the neovaginas and normal vaginal tissues. However, the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) was significantly lower in the neovaginas than in normal vaginal tissues. In addition, AVM promoted the expression of b-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1. These results suggest that AVM might promotes vaginal regeneration by activating the b-catenin/cMyc/cyclin D1 pathway.
CONCLUSION:This study reveals that porcine-derived AVM has potential application for vaginal regeneration.
