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Balaphas A, Meyer J, Meier RPH, Liot E, Buchs NC, Roche B, Toso C, Bühler LH, Gonelle-Gispert C, Ris F. Cell Therapy for Anal Sphincter Incontinence: Where Do We Stand? Cells 2021; 10:2086. [PMID: 34440855 PMCID: PMC8394955 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anal sphincter incontinence is a chronic disease, which dramatically impairs quality of life and induces high costs for the society. Surgery, considered as the best curative option, shows a disappointing success rate. Stem/progenitor cell therapy is pledging, for anal sphincter incontinence, a substitute to surgery with higher efficacy. However, the published literature is disparate. Our aim was to perform a review on the development of cell therapy for anal sphincter incontinence with critical analyses of its pitfalls. Animal models for anal sphincter incontinence were varied and tried to reproduce distinct clinical situations (acute injury or healed injury with or without surgical reconstruction) but were limited by anatomical considerations. Cell preparations used for treatment, originated, in order of frequency, from skeletal muscle, bone marrow or fat tissue. The characterization of these preparations was often incomplete and stemness not always addressed. Despite a lack of understanding of sphincter healing processes and the exact mechanism of action of cell preparations, this treatment was evaluated in 83 incontinent patients, reporting encouraging results. However, further development is necessary to establish the correct indications, to determine the most-suited cell type, to standardize the cell preparation method and to validate the route and number of cell delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Balaphas
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.M.); (E.L.); (N.C.B.); (B.R.); (C.T.); (F.R.)
- Department of Surgery, Geneva Medical School, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Meyer
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.M.); (E.L.); (N.C.B.); (B.R.); (C.T.); (F.R.)
| | - Raphael P. H. Meier
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Emilie Liot
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.M.); (E.L.); (N.C.B.); (B.R.); (C.T.); (F.R.)
| | - Nicolas C. Buchs
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.M.); (E.L.); (N.C.B.); (B.R.); (C.T.); (F.R.)
| | - Bruno Roche
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.M.); (E.L.); (N.C.B.); (B.R.); (C.T.); (F.R.)
| | - Christian Toso
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.M.); (E.L.); (N.C.B.); (B.R.); (C.T.); (F.R.)
| | - Leo H. Bühler
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (L.H.B.); (C.G.-G.)
| | - Carmen Gonelle-Gispert
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (L.H.B.); (C.G.-G.)
| | - Frédéric Ris
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.M.); (E.L.); (N.C.B.); (B.R.); (C.T.); (F.R.)
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Dadhich P, Bitar KN. Functional restoration of ex vivo model of pylorus: Co-injection of neural progenitor cells and interstitial cells of Cajal. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:713-723. [PMID: 32181603 PMCID: PMC7214644 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of neural stem cells is a promising approach in treatment of intestinal dysfunctionality. The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are also critical in conditions such as pyloric dysfunctionality and gastroparesis. The objective of this study was to replenish neurons and ICCs in a dysfunctional pylorus as cell-based therapy to restore functionality. ICCs and enteric neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were isolated from rat duodenum and transduced with fluorescent proteins. Rat pylorus was harvested, and an ex-vivo neuromuscular dysfunctional model was developed by selective ablation of neurons and ICCs via chemical treatments. Cellular repopulation and restoration of motility were assessed by immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and functional analysis after delivery of fluorescently tagged cells. Chemical treatment of pylorus resulted in significant depletion of ICCs (67%, P = .0024; n = 3) and neural cells (83%, P = .0012; n = 3). Delivered ICCs and NPCs survived and integrated with host muscle layers. Co-injection of ICCs with NPCs exhibited 34.4% (P = .0004; n = 3) and 61.0% (P = .0003; n = 3) upregulation of ANO1 and βIII tubulin, respectively. This regeneration resulted in the restoration of agonist-induced excitatory contraction (82%) and neuron evoked relaxation (83%). The functional studies with specific neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase blocker confirmed that restoration of relaxation was NO mediated and neuronally derived. The simultaneous delivery of ICCs observed 35.7% higher neuronal differentiation and functional restoration compared with injection of NPCs alone. Injected NPCs and ICCs integrated into the dysfunctional ex vivo pylorus tissues and restored neuromuscular functionality. The co-transplantation of NPCs and ICCs can be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders of the pylorus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhash Dadhich
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth Carolina
- Program in Neuro‐Gastroenterology and Motility, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth Carolina
| | - Khalil N. Bitar
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth Carolina
- Program in Neuro‐Gastroenterology and Motility, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth Carolina
- Section on Gastroenterology, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth Carolina
- Virginia Tech‐Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth Carolina
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Vogt CD, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A. Tissue engineering of the gastroesophageal junction. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:855-868. [PMID: 32304170 DOI: 10.1002/term.3045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The gastroesophageal junction has been of clinical interest for some time due to its important role in preventing reflux of caustic stomach contents upward into the esophagus. Failure of this role has been identified as a key driver in gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer of the lower esophagus, and aspiration-induced lung complications. Due to the large population burden and significant morbidity and mortality related to reflux barrier dysfunction, there is a pressing need to develop tissue engineering solutions which can replace diseased junctions. While good progress has been made in engineering the bodies of the esophagus and stomach, little has been done for the junction between the two. In this review, we discuss pertinent topics which should be considered as tissue engineers begin to address this anatomical region. The embryological development and adult anatomy and histology are discussed to provide context about the native structures which must be replicated. The roles of smooth muscle structures in the esophagus and stomach, as well as the contribution of the diaphragm to normal anti-reflux function are then examined. Finally, engineering considerations including mechanics and current progress in the field of tissue engineering are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb D Vogt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Zakhem E, Raghavan S, Suhar RA, Bitar KN. Bioengineering and regeneration of gastrointestinal tissue: where are we now and what comes next? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 19:527-537. [PMID: 30880502 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1595579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been applied to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for a couple decades. Several achievements have been accomplished that provide promising tools for treating diseases of the GI tract. AREAS COVERED The work described in this review covers the traditional aspect of using cells and scaffolds to replace parts of the tract. Several studies investigated different types of biomaterials and different types of cells. A more recent approach involved the use of gut-derived organoid units that can differentiate into all gut cell layers. The most recent approach introduced the use of organ-on-a-chip concept to understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the GI system. EXPERT OPINION The different approaches tackle the diseases of the GI tract from different perspectives. While all these different approaches provide a promising and encouraging future for this field, the translational aspect is yet to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Zakhem
- a Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston Salem , NC , USA.,b Section on Gastroenterology , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston Salem , NC , USA
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- c Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Riley A Suhar
- d Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Stanford University , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Khalil N Bitar
- a Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston Salem , NC , USA.,b Section on Gastroenterology , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston Salem , NC , USA.,e Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering Sciences , Winston-Salem , NC , USA
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Abstract
Functions of the gastrointestinal tract include motility, digestion and absorption of nutrients. These functions are mediated by several specialized cell types including smooth muscle cells, neurons, interstitial cells and epithelial cells. In gastrointestinal diseases, some of the cells become degenerated or fail to accomplish their normal functions. Surgical resection of the diseased segments of the gastrointestinal tract is considered the gold-standard treatment in many cases, but patients might have surgical complications and quality of life can remain low. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine aim to restore, repair, or regenerate the function of the tissues. Gastrointestinal tissue engineering is a challenging process given the specific phenotype and alignment of each cell type that colonizes the tract - these properties are critical for proper functionality. In this Review, we summarize advances in the field of gastrointestinal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although the findings are promising, additional studies and optimizations are needed for translational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil N Bitar
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way NE, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27101, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.,Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, 391 Technology Way NE, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27101, USA
| | - Elie Zakhem
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way NE, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27101, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA
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Rego SL, Zakhem E, Orlando G, Bitar KN. Bioengineered Human Pyloric Sphincters Using Autologous Smooth Muscle and Neural Progenitor Cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2015; 22:151-60. [PMID: 26563426 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2015.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastroparesis leads to inadequate emptying of the stomach resulting in severe negative health impacts. Appropriate long-term treatments for these diseases may require pyloric sphincter tissue replacements that possess functional smooth muscle cell (SMC) and neural components. This study aims to bioengineer, for the first time, innervated human pylorus constructs utilizing autologous human pyloric sphincter SMCs and human neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Autologous SMCs and NPCs were cocultured in dual-layered hydrogels and formed concentrically aligned pylorus constructs. Innervated autologous human pylorus constructs were characterized through biochemical and physiologic assays to assess the phenotype and functionality of SMCs and neurons. SMCs within bioengineered human pylorus constructs displayed a tonic contractile phenotype and maintained circumferential alignment. Neural differentiation within bioengineered constructs was verified by positive expression of βIII-tubulin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Autologous bioengineered innervated human pylorus constructs generated a robust spontaneous basal tone and contracted in response to potassium chloride (KCl). Contraction in response to exogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), relaxation in response to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and electrical field stimulation (EFS) were also observed. Neural network integrity was demonstrated by inhibition of EFS-induced relaxation in the presence of a neurotoxin or nNOS inhibitors. Partial inhibition of ACh-induced contraction and VIP-induced relaxation following neurotoxin treatment was observed. These studies provide a proof of concept for bioengineering functional innervated autologous human pyloric sphincter constructs that generate a robust basal tone and contain circumferentially aligned SMCs, which display a tonic contractile phenotype and functional differentiated neurons. These autologous constructs have the potential to be used as (1) functional replacement organs and (2) physiologically relevant models to investigate human pyloric sphincter disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lee Rego
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Elie Zakhem
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Giuseppe Orlando
- 3 Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Khalil N Bitar
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,4 Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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