Lihua Luo, Zhenjie Xing, Yao Li, Ben Wang, Na Dong, Jiayi Sun, Shuimiao Wang, Yidi Xu, Yan He, Lingli Li, Kaihui Nan, Qingsong Ye
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of GeLMA/bFGF hydrogel loaded with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on the repair and regeneration of traumatic optic nerve injury.
Materials and methods: GeLMA/bFGF hydrogel was photo-cross-linked by LED light. The physical-chemical properties and cytocompatibility of GeLMA/bFGF hydrogel after being squeezed (GeLMA/bFGF-SQ) were evaluated by SEM and degradation analyses, as well as live/dead and CCK-8 assays, respectively. The axon growth of PC12 cells was evaluated by MAP2 staining. The GeLMA/bFGF/DPSCs-SQ hydrogel was injected in situ into the lesion site to observe the repair of optic nerve injury. The number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was calculated by βIII-tubulin staining. The length of regenerated axons was observed by CTB staining. Tissue recovery and axon growth of the optic nerve were observed by HE and TEM analyses, respectively.
Results: GeLMA/bFGF-SQ hydrogel had a porous structure and great degradability, as well as good cytocompatibility. Meanwhile, DPSCs-conditioned medium (DPSCs-CM) could promote the axon growth of PC12 cells. Moreover, the number of RGCs and the regeneration of axons of the optic nerve were the highest in the GeLMA/bFGF/DPSCs-SQ group. HE and TEM data revealed abundant newly and orderly arrangement of optic nerve axons that was observed in the damaged area of the GeLMA/bFGF/DPSCs-SQ group.
Conclusion: Transplantation of GeLMA/bFGF/DPSCs-SQ in situ provided an appropriate microenvironment for the repair and regeneration of injured optic nerves. Moreover, DPSCs combined with bFGF protected the RGCs from apoptosis and promoted optic nerve regeneration by secreting a series of neurotrophic factors.
期刊介绍:
The translation of new discoveries in medicine to clinical routine has never been easy. During the second half of the last century, thanks to the progress in chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology, we have seen the development and the application of a large number of drugs and devices aimed at the treatment of symptoms, blocking unwanted pathways and, in the case of infectious diseases, fighting the micro-organisms responsible. However, we are facing, today, a dramatic change in the therapeutic approach to pathologies and diseases. Indeed, the challenge of the present and the next decade is to fully restore the physiological status of the diseased organism and to completely regenerate tissue and organs when they are so seriously affected that treatments cannot be limited to the repression of symptoms or to the repair of damage. This is being made possible thanks to the major developments made in basic cell and molecular biology, including stem cell science, growth factor delivery, gene isolation and transfection, the advances in bioengineering and nanotechnology, including development of new biomaterials, biofabrication technologies and use of bioreactors, and the big improvements in diagnostic tools and imaging of cells, tissues and organs.
In today`s world, an enhancement of communication between multidisciplinary experts, together with the promotion of joint projects and close collaborations among scientists, engineers, industry people, regulatory agencies and physicians are absolute requirements for the success of any attempt to develop and clinically apply a new biological therapy or an innovative device involving the collective use of biomaterials, cells and/or bioactive molecules. “Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology” aspires to be a forum for all people involved in the process by bridging the gap too often existing between a discovery in the basic sciences and its clinical application.