1
|
Peters MC, Kruithof BPT, Bouten CVC, Voets IK, van den Bogaerdt A, Goumans MJ, van Wijk A. Preservation of human heart valves for replacement in children with heart valve disease: past, present and future. Cell Tissue Bank 2024; 25:67-85. [PMID: 36725733 PMCID: PMC10902036 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-023-10076-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Valvular heart disease affects 30% of the new-borns with congenital heart disease. Valve replacement of semilunar valves by mechanical, bioprosthetic or donor allograft valves is the main treatment approach. However, none of the replacements provides a viable valve that can grow and/or adapt with the growth of the child leading to re-operation throughout life. In this study, we review the impact of donor valve preservation on moving towards a more viable valve alternative for valve replacements in children or young adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Peters
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Cardiovascular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - B P T Kruithof
- Department of Cardiovascular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - I K Voets
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - A van den Bogaerdt
- Heart Valve Department, ETB-BISLIFE Multi Tissue Center, 2333 BD, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - M J Goumans
- Department of Cardiovascular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A van Wijk
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Natural Polymers in Heart Valve Tissue Engineering: Strategies, Advances and Challenges. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051095. [PMID: 35625830 PMCID: PMC9139175 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In the history of biomedicine and biomedical devices, heart valve manufacturing techniques have undergone a spectacular evolution. However, important limitations in the development and use of these devices are known and heart valve tissue engineering has proven to be the solution to the problems faced by mechanical and prosthetic valves. The new generation of heart valves developed by tissue engineering has the ability to repair, reshape and regenerate cardiac tissue. Achieving a sustainable and functional tissue-engineered heart valve (TEHV) requires deep understanding of the complex interactions that occur among valve cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the mechanical environment. Starting from this idea, the review presents a comprehensive overview related not only to the structural components of the heart valve, such as cells sources, potential materials and scaffolds fabrication, but also to the advances in the development of heart valve replacements. The focus of the review is on the recent achievements concerning the utilization of natural polymers (polysaccharides and proteins) in TEHV; thus, their extensive presentation is provided. In addition, the technological progresses in heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) are shown, with several inherent challenges and limitations. The available strategies to design, validate and remodel heart valves are discussed in depth by a comparative analysis of in vitro, in vivo (pre-clinical models) and in situ (clinical translation) tissue engineering studies.
Collapse
|
3
|
Kubota K, Diller GP, Kempny A, Hoschtitzky A, Imai Y, Kawada M, Shore D, Gatzoulis MA. Surgical pulmonary valve replacement at a tertiary adult congenital heart centre in the current era. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcchd.2022.100394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
4
|
Pereira AR, Trivanović D, Stahlhut P, Rudert M, Groll J, Herrmann M. Preservation of the naïve features of mesenchymal stromal cells in vitro: Comparison of cell- and bone-derived decellularized extracellular matrix. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221074453. [PMID: 35154631 PMCID: PMC8829705 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221074453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The fate and behavior of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSC) is bidirectionally influenced by their microenvironment, the stem cell niche, where a magnitude of biochemical and physical cues communicate in an extremely orchestrated way. It is known that simplified 2D in vitro systems for BM-MSC culture do not represent their naïve physiological environment. Here, we developed four different 2D cell-based decellularized matrices (dECM) and a 3D decellularized human trabecular-bone scaffold (dBone) to evaluate BM-MSC behavior. The obtained cell-derived matrices provided a reliable tool for cell shape-based analyses of typical features associated with osteogenic differentiation at high-throughput level. On the other hand, exploratory proteomics analysis identified native bone-specific proteins selectively expressed in dBone but not in dECM models. Together with its architectural complexity, the physico-chemical properties of dBone triggered the upregulation of stemness associated genes and niche-related protein expression, proving in vitro conservation of the naïve features of BM-MSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Pereira
- IZKF Group Tissue Regeneration in Musculoskeletal Diseases, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Bernhard-Heine-Centrum for Locomotion Research, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Drenka Trivanović
- IZKF Group Tissue Regeneration in Musculoskeletal Diseases, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Bernhard-Heine-Centrum for Locomotion Research, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Chair for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Rudert
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Koenig-Ludwig-Haus, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Chair for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marietta Herrmann
- IZKF Group Tissue Regeneration in Musculoskeletal Diseases, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Bernhard-Heine-Centrum for Locomotion Research, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Morticelli L, Magdei M, Tschalaki N, Petersen B, Haverich A, Hilfiker A. Generation of glycans depleted decellularized porcine pericardium, using digestive enzymatic supplements and enzymatic mixtures for food industry. Xenotransplantation 2021; 28:e12705. [PMID: 34227157 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenogeneic pericardium has been used largely for various applications in cardiovascular surgery. Nevertheless, xenogeneic pericardial patches fail mainly due to their antigenic components. The xenoantigens identified as playing a major role in recipient immune response are the Galα1-3Gal (α-Gal) epitope, the non-human sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), and the porcine SDa antigen, associated with both proteins and lipids. The reduction in glycans from porcine pericardium might hinder or reduce the immunogenicity of xenogeneic scaffolds. METHODS Decellularized porcine pericardia were further treated at different time points and dilutions with digestive enzymatic supplements and enzymatic mixtures applied for food industry, for the removal of potentially immunogenic carbohydrates. Carbohydrates removal was investigated using up to 8 different lectin stains for the identification of N- and O-glycosylations, as well as glycolipids. Histoarchitectural changes in the ECM were assessed using Elastica van Gieson stain, whereas changes in mechanical properties were investigated via uniaxial tensile test and burst pressure test. RESULTS Tissues after enzymatic treatments showed a dramatic decrease in lectin stainings in comparison to tissues which were only decellularized. Histological assessment revealed cell-nuclei removal after decellularization. Some of the enzymatic treatments induced elastic lamellae disruption. Tissue strength decreased after enzymatic treatment; however, treated tissues showed values of burst pressure higher than physiological transvalvular pressures. CONCLUSIONS The application of these enzymatic treatments for tissue deglycosylation is totally novel, low cost, and appears to be very efficient for glycan removal. The immunogenic potential of treated tissues will be further investigated in subsequent studies, in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Morticelli
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mikhail Magdei
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Negin Tschalaki
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Björn Petersen
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Mariensee, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Axel Haverich
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andres Hilfiker
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Badria AF, Koutsoukos PG, Mavrilas D. Decellularized tissue-engineered heart valves calcification: what do animal and clinical studies tell us? JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2020; 31:132. [PMID: 33278023 PMCID: PMC7719105 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-020-06462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of death worldwide. Among different heart malfunctions, heart valve failure due to calcification is still a challenging problem. While drug-dependent treatment for the early stage calcification could slow down its progression, heart valve replacement is inevitable in the late stages. Currently, heart valve replacements involve mainly two types of substitutes: mechanical and biological heart valves. Despite their significant advantages in restoring the cardiac function, both types of valves suffered from serious drawbacks in the long term. On the one hand, the mechanical one showed non-physiological hemodynamics and the need for the chronic anticoagulation therapy. On the other hand, the biological one showed stenosis and/or regurgitation due to calcification. Nowadays, new promising heart valve substitutes have emerged, known as decellularized tissue-engineered heart valves (dTEHV). Decellularized tissues of different types have been widely tested in bioprosthetic and tissue-engineered valves because of their superior biomechanics, biocompatibility, and biomimetic material composition. Such advantages allow successful cell attachment, growth and function leading finally to a living regenerative valvular tissue in vivo. Yet, there are no comprehensive studies that are covering the performance of dTEHV scaffolds in terms of their efficiency for the calcification problem. In this review article, we sought to answer the question of whether decellularized heart valves calcify or not. Also, which factors make them calcify and which ones lower and/or prevent their calcification. In addition, the review discussed the possible mechanisms for dTEHV calcification in comparison to the calcification in the native and bioprosthetic heart valves. For this purpose, we did a retrospective study for all the published work of decellularized heart valves. Only animal and clinical studies were included in this review. Those animal and clinical studies were further subcategorized into 4 categories for each depending on the effect of decellularization on calcification. Due to the complex nature of calcification in heart valves, other in vitro and in silico studies were not included. Finally, we compared the different results and summed up all the solid findings of whether decellularized heart valves calcify or not. Based on our review, the selection of the proper heart valve tissue sources (no immunological provoking residues), decellularization technique (no damaged exposed residues of the decellularized tissues, no remnants of dead cells, no remnants of decellularizing agents) and implantation techniques (avoiding suturing during the surgical implantation) could provide a perfect anticalcification potential even without in vitro cell seeding or additional scaffold treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adel F Badria
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, Division of Coating Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Division of Applied Mechanics, Technology of Materials and Biomechanics, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
| | - Petros G Koutsoukos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Patras University Campus, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Mavrilas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Division of Applied Mechanics, Technology of Materials and Biomechanics, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Staphylococcus aureus adheres avidly to decellularised cardiac homograft tissue in vitro in the fibrinogen-dependent manner. Cardiol Young 2020; 30:1783-1787. [PMID: 32951625 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951120002772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infective endocarditis remains a severe complication associated with a high morbidity and mortality in patients after heart valve replacement. Exploration of the pathogenesis is of high demand and we, therefore, present a competent model that allows studying bacterial adherence and the role of plasma fibrinogen in this process using a new in-house designed low-volume flow chamber. Three cardiac graft tissues used for pulmonary valve replacement have been tested under shear conditions to investigate the impact of surface composition on the adhesion events. METHODS Tissue pieces of cryopreserved homograft (non-decellularised), decellularised homograft and bovine pericardium patch were investigated for fibrinogen binding. Adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to these graft tissues was studied quantitatively under flow conditions in our newly fabricated chamber based on a parallel plates' modality. The method of counting colony-forming units was reliable and reproducible to assess the propensity of different graft materials for bacterial attachment under shear. RESULTS Bacterial perfusions over all plasma-precoated tissues identified cryopreserved homograft with the lowest affinity for S. aureus compared to decellularised homograft presenting a significantly higher bacterial adhesion (p < 0.05), which was linked to a more avid fibrinogen binding (p < 0.01). Bovine pericardial patch, as a reference tissue in this study, was confirmed to be the most susceptible tissue graft for the bacterial adhesion, which was in line with our previous work. CONCLUSION The two studied homograft tissues showed different levels of bacterial attachment, which might be postulated by the involvement of fibrinogen in the adhesion mechanism(s) shown previously for bovine tissues.
Collapse
|
8
|
Findeisen K, Morticelli L, Goecke T, Kolbeck L, Ramm R, Höffler HK, Brandes G, Korossis S, Haverich A, Hilfiker A. Toward acellular xenogeneic heart valve prostheses: Histological and biomechanical characterization of decellularized and enzymatically deglycosylated porcine pulmonary heart valve matrices. Xenotransplantation 2020; 27:e12617. [PMID: 32557876 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The use of decellularized xenogeneic heart valves might offer a solution to overcome the issue of human valve shortage. The aim of this study was to revise decellularization protocols in combination with enzymatic deglycosylation, in order to reduce the immunogenicity of porcine pulmonary heart valves, in means of cells, carbohydrates, and, primarily, Galα1-3Gal (α-Gal) epitope removal. In particular, the valves were decellularized with sodium dodecylsulfate/sodium deoxycholate (SDS/SD), Triton X-100 + SDS (Tx + SDS), or Trypsin + Triton X-100 (Tryp + Tx) followed by enzymatic digestion with PNGaseF, Endoglycosidase H, or O-glycosidase combined with Neuraminidase. Results showed that decellularization alone reduced carbohydrate structures only to a limited extent, and it did not result in an α-Gal free scaffold. Nevertheless, decellularization with Tryp + Tx represented the most effective decellularization protocol in means of carbohydrates reduction. Overall, carbohydrates and α-Gal removal could strongly be improved by applying PNGaseF, in particular in combination with Tryp + Tx treatment, contrary to Endoglycosidase H and O-glycosidase treatments. Furthermore, decellularization with PNGaseF did not affect biomechanical stability, in comparison with decellularization alone, as shown by burst pressure and uniaxial tensile tests. In conclusion, valves decellularized with Tryp + Tx and PNGaseF resulted in prostheses with potentially reduced immunogenicity and maintained mechanical stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Findeisen
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lucrezia Morticelli
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Goecke
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Louisa Kolbeck
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Ramm
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans-Klaus Höffler
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gudrun Brandes
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sotirios Korossis
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Haverich
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andres Hilfiker
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Development of a Novel Human Cell-Derived Tissue-Engineered Heart Valve for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: an In Vitro and In Vivo Feasibility Study. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2018; 11:470-482. [PMID: 30105605 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-018-9821-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is being extended to younger patients. However, TAVR-compatible bioprostheses are based on xenogeneic materials with limited durability. Off-the-shelf tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) with remodeling capacity may overcome the shortcomings of current TAVR devices. Here, we develop for the first time a TEHV for TAVR, based on human cell-derived extracellular matrix and integrated into a state-of-the-art stent for TAVR. The TEHVs, characterized by a dense acellular collagenous matrix, demonstrated in vitro functionality under aortic pressure conditions (n = 4). Next, transapical TAVR feasibility and in vivo TEHV functionality were assessed in acute studies (n = 5) in sheep. The valves successfully coped with the aortic environment, showing normal leaflet motion, free coronary flow, and absence of stenosis or paravalvular leak. At explantation, TEHVs presented full structural integrity and initial cell infiltration. Its long-term performance proven, such TEHV could fulfill the need for next-generation lifelong TAVR prostheses.
Collapse
|
10
|
Motta SE, Lintas V, Fioretta ES, Hoerstrup SP, Emmert MY. Off-the-shelf tissue engineered heart valves for in situ regeneration: current state, challenges and future directions. Expert Rev Med Devices 2017; 15:35-45. [PMID: 29257706 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2018.1419865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is continuously evolving and is expected to surpass surgical valve implantation in the near future. Combining durable valve substitutes with minimally invasive implantation techniques might increase the clinical relevance of this therapeutic option for younger patient populations. Tissue engineering offers the possibility to create tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) with regenerative and self-repair capacities which may overcome the pitfalls of current TAVR prostheses. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on off-the-shelf TEHVs which rely on a clinically-relevant in situ tissue engineering approach and which have already advanced into preclinical or first-in-human investigation. EXPERT COMMENTARY Among the off-the-shelf in situ TEHVs reported in literature, the vast majority covers pulmonary valve substitutes, and only few are combined with transcatheter implantation technologies. Hence, further innovations should include the development of transcatheter tissue engineered aortic valve substitutes, which would considerably increase the clinical relevance of such prostheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Motta
- a Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM) , University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Valentina Lintas
- a Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM) , University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Emanuela S Fioretta
- a Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM) , University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Simon P Hoerstrup
- a Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM) , University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland.,b Wyss Translational Center Zurich , University and ETH Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Y Emmert
- a Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM) , University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland.,b Wyss Translational Center Zurich , University and ETH Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland.,c Heart Center Zurich , University Hospital Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Theodoridis K, Tudorache I, Cebotari S, Calistru A, Meyer T, Sarikouch S, Bara C, Haverich A, Hilfiker A. Six-Year-Old Sheep as a Clinically Relevant Large Animal Model for Aortic Valve Replacement Using Tissue-Engineered Grafts Based on Decellularized Allogenic Matrix. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2017; 23:953-963. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Theodoridis
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Igor Tudorache
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Serghei Cebotari
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandru Calistru
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Meyer
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Samir Sarikouch
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph Bara
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Haverich
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andres Hilfiker
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wissing TB, Bonito V, Bouten CVC, Smits AIPM. Biomaterial-driven in situ cardiovascular tissue engineering-a multi-disciplinary perspective. NPJ Regen Med 2017; 2:18. [PMID: 29302354 PMCID: PMC5677971 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-017-0023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a persistent and growing clinical need for readily-available substitutes for heart valves and small-diameter blood vessels. In situ tissue engineering is emerging as a disruptive new technology, providing ready-to-use biodegradable, cell-free constructs which are designed to induce regeneration upon implantation, directly in the functional site. The induced regenerative process hinges around the host response to the implanted biomaterial and the interplay between immune cells, stem/progenitor cell and tissue cells in the microenvironment provided by the scaffold in the hemodynamic environment. Recapitulating the complex tissue microstructure and function of cardiovascular tissues is a highly challenging target. Therein the scaffold plays an instructive role, providing the microenvironment that attracts and harbors host cells, modulating the inflammatory response, and acting as a temporal roadmap for new tissue to be formed. Moreover, the biomechanical loads imposed by the hemodynamic environment play a pivotal role. Here, we provide a multidisciplinary view on in situ cardiovascular tissue engineering using synthetic scaffolds; starting from the state-of-the art, the principles of the biomaterial-driven host response and wound healing and the cellular players involved, toward the impact of the biomechanical, physical, and biochemical microenvironmental cues that are given by the scaffold design. To conclude, we pinpoint and further address the main current challenges for in situ cardiovascular regeneration, namely the achievement of tissue homeostasis, the development of predictive models for long-term performances of the implanted grafts, and the necessity for stratification for successful clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar B Wissing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Bonito
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anthal I P M Smits
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qiao WH, Liu P, Hu D, Al Shirbini M, Zhou XM, Dong NG. Sequential hydrophile and lipophile solubilization as an efficient method for decellularization of porcine aortic valve leaflets: Structure, mechanical property and biocompatibility study. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e828-e840. [PMID: 27957807 DOI: 10.1002/term.2388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Antigenicity of xenogeneic tissues is the major obstacle to increased use of these materials in clinical medicine. Residual xenoantigens in decellularized tissue elicit the immune response after implantation, causing graft failure. With this in mind, the potential use is proposed of three protein solubilization-based protocols for porcine aortic valve leaflets decellularization. It was demonstrated that hydrophile solubilization alone achieved incomplete decellularization; lipophile solubilization alone (LSA) completely removed all cells and two most critical xenoantigens - galactose-α(1,3)-galactose (α-Gal) and major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) - but caused severe alterations of the structure and mechanical properties; sequential hydrophile and lipophile solubilization (SHLS) resulted in a complete removal of cells, α-Gal and MHC I, and good preservation of the structure and mechanical properties. In contrast, a previously reported method using Triton X-100, sodium deoxycholate and IGEPAL CA-630 resulted in a complete removal of all cells and MHC I, but with remaining α-Gal epitope. LSA- and SHLS-treated leaflets showed significantly reduced leucocyte activation (polymorphonuclear elastase) upon interaction with human blood in vitro. When implanted subdermally in rats for 6 weeks, LSA- or SHLS-treated leaflets were presented with more biocompatible implants and all four decellularized leaflets were highly resistant to calcification. These findings illustrate that the SHLS protocol could be considered as a promising decellularization method for the decellularization of xenogeneic tissues in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hua Qiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Cardiovascular Disease Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mahmoud Al Shirbini
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xian-Ming Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nian-Guo Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Development and Characterization of a Porcine Mitral Valve Scaffold for Tissue Engineering. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2017; 10:374-390. [PMID: 28462436 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-017-9747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Decellularized scaffolds represent a promising alternative for mitral valve (MV) replacement. This work developed and characterized a protocol for the decellularization of whole MVs. Porcine MVs were decellularized with 0.5% (w/v) SDS and 0.5% (w/v) SD and sterilized with 0.1% (v/v) PAA. Decellularized samples were seeded with human foreskin fibroblasts and human adipose-derived stem cells to investigate cellular repopulation and infiltration, and with human colony-forming endothelial cells to investigate collagen IV formation. Histology revealed an acellular scaffold with a generally conserved histoarchitecture, but collagen IV loss. Following decellularization, no significant changes were observed in the hydroxyproline content, but there was a significant reduction in the glycosaminoglycan content. SEM/TEM analysis confirmed cellular removal and loss of some extracellular matrix components. Collagen and elastin were generally preserved. The endothelial cells produced newly formed collagen IV on the non-cytotoxic scaffold. The protocol produced acellular scaffolds with generally preserved histoarchitecture, biochemistry, and biomechanics.
Collapse
|
15
|
Emmert MY, Fioretta ES, Hoerstrup SP. Translational Challenges in Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2017; 10:139-149. [PMID: 28281240 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-017-9728-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Valvular heart disease and congenital heart defects represent a major cause of death around the globe. Although current therapy strategies have rapidly evolved over the decades and are nowadays safe, effective, and applicable to many affected patients, the currently used artificial prostheses are still suboptimal. They do not promote regeneration, physiological remodeling, or growth (particularly important aspects for children) as their native counterparts. This results in the continuous degeneration and subsequent failure of these prostheses which is often associated with an increased morbidity and mortality as well as the need for multiple re-interventions. To overcome this problem, the concept of tissue engineering (TE) has been repeatedly suggested as a potential technology to enable native-like cardiovascular replacements with regenerative and growth capacities, suitable for young adults and children. However, despite promising data from pre-clinical and first clinical pilot trials, the translation and clinical relevance of such TE technologies is still very limited. The reasons that currently limit broad clinical adoption are multifaceted and comprise of scientific, clinical, logistical, technical, and regulatory challenges which need to be overcome. The aim of this review is to provide an overview about the translational problems and challenges in current TE approaches. It further suggests directions and potential solutions on how these issues may be efficiently addressed in the future to accelerate clinical translation. In addition, a particular focus is put on the current regulatory guidelines and the associated challenges for these promising TE technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Y Emmert
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Moussonstrasse 13, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Translational Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela S Fioretta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Moussonstrasse 13, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon P Hoerstrup
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Moussonstrasse 13, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Wyss Translational Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xue Y, Sant V, Phillippi J, Sant S. Biodegradable and biomimetic elastomeric scaffolds for tissue-engineered heart valves. Acta Biomater 2017; 48:2-19. [PMID: 27780764 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Valvular heart diseases are the third leading cause of cardiovascular disease, resulting in more than 25,000 deaths annually in the United States. Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) has emerged as a putative treatment strategy such that the designed construct would ideally withstand native dynamic mechanical environment, guide regeneration of the diseased tissue and more importantly, have the ability to grow with the patient. These desired functions could be achieved by biomimetic design of tissue-engineered constructs that recapitulate in vivo heart valve microenvironment with biomimetic architecture, optimal mechanical properties and possess suitable biodegradability and biocompatibility. Synthetic biodegradable elastomers have gained interest in HVTE due to their excellent mechanical compliance, controllable chemical structure and tunable degradability. This review focuses on the state-of-art strategies to engineer biomimetic elastomeric scaffolds for HVTE. We first discuss the various types of biodegradable synthetic elastomers and their key properties. We then highlight tissue engineering approaches to recreate some of the features in the heart valve microenvironment such as anisotropic and hierarchical tri-layered architecture, mechanical anisotropy and biocompatibility. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) is of special significance to overcome the drawbacks of current valve replacements. Although biodegradable synthetic elastomers have emerged as promising materials for HVTE, a mature HVTE construct made from synthetic elastomers for clinical use remains to be developed. Hence, this review summarized various types of biodegradable synthetic elastomers and their key properties. The major focus that distinguishes this review from the current literature is the thorough discussion on the key features of native valve microenvironments and various up-and-coming approaches to engineer synthetic elastomers to recreate these features such as anisotropic tri-layered architecture, mechanical anisotropy, biodegradability and biocompatibility. This review is envisioned to inspire and instruct the design of functional HVTE constructs and facilitate their clinical translation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Theodoridis K, Müller J, Ramm R, Findeisen K, Andrée B, Korossis S, Haverich A, Hilfiker A. Effects of combined cryopreservation and decellularization on the biomechanical, structural and biochemical properties of porcine pulmonary heart valves. Acta Biomater 2016; 43:71-77. [PMID: 27422199 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Non-fixed, decellularized allogeneic heart valve scaffolds seem to be the best choice for heart valve replacement, their availability, however, is quite limited. Cryopreservation could prolong their shelf-life, allowing for their ideal match to a recipient. In this study, porcine pulmonary valves were decellularized using detergents, either prior or after cryopreservation, and analyzed. Mechanical integrity was analyzed by uniaxial tensile testing, histoarchitecture by histological staining, and composition by DNA, collagen (hydroxyproline) and GAG (chondroitin sulfate) quantification. Residual sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the scaffold was quantified by applying a methylene blue activation assay (MBAS). Cryopreserved decellularized scaffolds (DC) and scaffolds that were decellularized after cryopreservation (CD) were compared to fresh valves (F), cryopreserved native valves (C), and decellularized only scaffolds (D). The E-modulus and tensile strength of decellularized (D) tissue showed no significant difference compared to DC and CD. The decellularization resulted in an overall reduction of DNA and GAG, with DC containing the lowest amount of GAGs. The DNA content in the valvular wall of the CD group was higher than in the D and DC groups. CD valves showed slightly more residual SDS than DC valves, which might be harmful to recipient cells. In conclusion, cryopreservation after decellularization was shown to be preferable over cryopreservation before decellularization. However, in vivo testing would be necessary to determine whether these differences are significant in biocompatibility or immunogenicity of the scaffolds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Absence of adverse effects on biomechanical stability of acellular heart valve grafts by cryopreservation, neither before nor after decellularization, allows the identification of best matching patients in a less time pressure dictated process, and therefore to an optimized use of a very limited, but best-suited heart valve prosthesis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Decellularized GGTA1-KO pig heart valves do not bind preformed human xenoantibodies. Basic Res Cardiol 2016; 111:39. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-016-0560-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
19
|
Sarikouch S, Horke A, Tudorache I, Beerbaum P, Westhoff-Bleck M, Boethig D, Repin O, Maniuc L, Ciubotaru A, Haverich A, Cebotari S. Decellularized fresh homografts for pulmonary valve replacement: a decade of clinical experience. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2016; 50:281-90. [PMID: 27013071 PMCID: PMC4951634 DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezw050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Decellularized homografts have shown auspicious early results when used for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in congenital heart disease. The first clinical application in children was performed in 2002, initially using pre-seeding with endogenous progenitor cells. Since 2005, only non-seeded, fresh decellularized allografts have been implanted after spontaneous recellularization was observed by several groups. METHODS A matched comparison of decellularized fresh pulmonary homografts (DPHs) implanted for PVR with cryopreserved pulmonary homografts (CHs) and bovine jugular vein conduits (BJVs) was conducted. Patients' age at implantation, the type of congenital malformation, number of previous cardiac operations and number of previous PVRs were considered for matching purposes, using an updated contemporary registry of right ventricular outflow tract conduits (2300 included conduits, >12 000 patient-years). RESULTS A total of 131 DPHs were implanted for PVR in the period from January 2005 to September 2015. Of the 131, 38 were implanted within prospective trials on DPH from October 2014 onwards and were therefore not analysed within this study. A total of 93 DPH patients (58 males, 35 females) formed the study cohort and were matched to 93 CH and 93 BJV patients. The mean age at DPH implantation was 15.8 ± 10.21 years (CH 15.9 ± 10.4, BJV 15.6 ± 9.9) and the mean DPH diameter was 23.9 mm (CH 23.3 ± 3.6, BJV 19.9 ± 2.9). There was 100% follow-up for DPH, including 905 examinations with a mean follow-up of 4.59 ± 2.76 years (CH 7.4 ± 5.8, BJV 6.4 ± 3.8), amounting to 427.27 patient-years in total (CH 678.3, BJV 553.0). Tetralogy-of-Fallot was the most frequent malformation (DPH 50.5%, CH 54.8%, BJV 68.8%). At 10 years, the rate of freedom of explantation was 100% for DPH, 84.2% for CH (P = 0.01) and 84.3% for BJV (P= 0.01); the rate of freedom from explantation and peak trans-conduit gradient ≥50 mmHg was 86% for DPH, 64% for CH (n.s.) and 49% for BJV (P < 0.001); the rate of freedom from infective endocarditis (IE) was 100% for DPH, 97.3 ± 1.9% within the matched CH patients (P = 0.2) and 94.3 ± 2.8% for BJV patients (P = 0.06). DPH valve annulus diameters converged towards normal Z-values throughout the observation period, in contrast to other valve prostheses (BJV). CONCLUSIONS Mid-term results of DPH for PVR confirm earlier results of reduced re-operation rates compared with CH and BJV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Sarikouch
- Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Horke
- Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Igor Tudorache
- Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philipp Beerbaum
- Department for Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Dietmar Boethig
- Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany Department for Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oleg Repin
- Cardiac Surgery Center, State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Liviu Maniuc
- Cardiac Surgery Center, State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Anatol Ciubotaru
- Cardiac Surgery Center, State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Axel Haverich
- Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Serghei Cebotari
- Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Syedain Z, Reimer J, Schmidt J, Lahti M, Berry J, Bianco R, Tranquillo RT. 6-month aortic valve implantation of an off-the-shelf tissue-engineered valve in sheep. Biomaterials 2015; 73:175-84. [PMID: 26409002 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Diseased aortic valves often require replacement, with over 30% of the current aortic valve surgeries performed in patients who will outlive a bioprosthetic valve. While many promising tissue-engineered valves have been created in the lab using the cell-seeded polymeric scaffold paradigm, none have been successfully tested long-term in the aortic position of a pre-clinical model. The high pressure gradients and dynamic flow across the aortic valve leaflets require engineering a tissue that has the strength and compliance to withstand high mechanical demand without compromising normal hemodynamics. A long-term preclinical evaluation of an off-the-shelf tissue-engineered aortic valve in the sheep model is presented here. The valves were made from a tube of decellularized cell-produced matrix mounted on a frame. The engineered matrix is primarily composed of collagen, with strength and organization comparable to native valve leaflets. In vitro testing showed excellent hemodynamic performance with low regurgitation, low systolic pressure gradient, and large orifice area. The implanted valves showed large-scale leaflet motion and maintained effective orifice area throughout the duration of the 6-month implant, with no calcification. After 24 weeks implantation (over 17 million cycles), the valves showed no change in tensile mechanical properties. In addition, histology and DNA quantitation showed repopulation of the engineered matrix with interstitial-like cells and endothelialization. New extracellular matrix deposition, including elastin, further demonstrates positive tissue remodeling in addition to recellularization and valve function. Long-term implantation in the sheep model resulted in functionality, matrix remodeling, and recellularization, unprecedented results for a tissue-engineered aortic valve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Syedain
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Jay Reimer
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Jillian Schmidt
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Matthew Lahti
- Experimental Surgical Services, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - James Berry
- Experimental Surgical Services, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Richard Bianco
- Experimental Surgical Services, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Robert T Tranquillo
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering & Material Science, University of Minnesota, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Calcific aortic stenosis is the most frequent valve disorder in the western world. It is a degenerative and chronic progressive disease in the elderly with increasing prevalence due to the demographic development in the population. As there is no medical therapy, the only option in severe aortic stenosis is valve replacement. Echocardiography is the diagnostic tool to assess aortic stenosis severity and morphology of the valve. Aortic stenosis is severe if the valve area is <1.0 cm(2), valve index <0.6 cm(2)/m(2) body surface, mean gradient >40 mmHg, and peak velocity >4.0 m/s. The entity of low flow, low gradient aortic stenosis is complex, and diagnosis and therapy are still challenging. Asymptomatic patients have a good prognosis, but must be reevaluated on a regular basis for the onset of symptoms or signs of progression. If one of the classical symptoms dyspnea and fatigue, angina pectoris or syncope occurs prognosis worsens dramatically and valve replacement is indicated. Gold standard therapy for aortic stenosis is surgical valve replacement. For high-risk patients (older age and severe comorbidities), transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is established as standard therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Widder
- Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland,
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Avolio E, Caputo M, Madeddu P. Stem cell therapy and tissue engineering for correction of congenital heart disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2015; 3:39. [PMID: 26176009 PMCID: PMC4485350 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2015.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article reports on the new field of stem cell therapy and tissue engineering and its potential on the management of congenital heart disease. To date, stem cell therapy has mainly focused on treatment of ischemic heart disease and heart failure, with initial indication of safety and mild-to-moderate efficacy. Preclinical studies and initial clinical trials suggest that the approach could be uniquely suited for the correction of congenital defects of the heart. The basic concept is to create living material made by cellularized grafts that, once implanted into the heart, grows and remodels in parallel with the recipient organ. This would make a substantial improvement in current clinical management, which often requires repeated surgical corrections for failure of implanted grafts. Different types of stem cells have been considered and the identification of specific cardiac stem cells within the heterogeneous population of mesenchymal and stromal cells offers opportunities for de novo cardiomyogenesis. In addition, endothelial cells and vascular progenitors, including cells with pericyte characteristics, may be necessary to generate efficiently perfused grafts. The implementation of current surgical grafts by stem cell engineering could address the unmet clinical needs of patients with congenital heart defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Avolio
- Division of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol Bristol, UK
| | - Massimo Caputo
- Congenital Heart Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol Bristol, UK
| | - Paolo Madeddu
- Division of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|