Past, current and future concepts in atherosclerotic biobanking

Biobanking: Objectives, Requirements, and Future Challenges-Experiences from the Munich Vascular Biobank

Collecting biological tissue samples in a biobank grants a unique opportunity to validate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for translational and clinical research. In the present work, we provide our long-standing experience in establishing and maintaining a biobank of vascular tissue samples, including the evaluation of tissue quality, especially in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens (FFPE). Our Munich Vascular Biobank includes, thus far, vascular biomaterial from patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis (n = 1567), peripheral arterial disease (n = 703), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 481) from our Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (January 2004–December 2018). Vascular tissue samples are continuously processed and characterized to assess tissue morphology, histological quality, cellular composition, inflammation, calcification, neovascularization, and the content of elastin and collagen fibers. Atherosclerotic plaques are further classified in accordance with the American Heart Association (AHA), and plaque stability is determined. In order to assess the quality of RNA from FFPE tissue samples over time (2009–2018), RNA integrity number (RIN) and the extent of RNA fragmentation were evaluated. Expression analysis was performed with two housekeeping genes—glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and beta-actin (ACTB)—using TaqMan-based quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT)-PCR. FFPE biospecimens demonstrated unaltered RNA stability over time for up to 10 years. Furthermore, we provide a protocol for processing tissue samples in our Munich Vascular Biobank. In this work, we demonstrate that biobanking is an important tool not only for scientific research but also for clinical usage and personalized medicine.

Vascular Biomaterial Banking in Academia

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To establish a high-quality vascular biomaterial bank to serve vascular research teams and act as a basis for translational medicine. The aim was to collect and store material so that investigation into the pathogenesis of vascular disease would be possible employing methods based on histopathology and/or molecular biology.

METHODS

The Vascular Biomaterialbank Heidelberg (VBBH) evolved as part of an established, partly accredited biobank complex at the University of Heidelberg (BioMaterialBank Heidelberg - BMBH). The BMBH provided infrastructure regarding legal and quality issues as well as safety, protocols for specimen collection, data management, and publication of results. Protocols were modified where necessary to accommodate specific needs of vascular tissue research. Correct identification of vascular biomaterial is controlled by certified vascular surgeons and pathologists at biobank entry and exit. Pseudonymized clinical data are attached to every specimen.

RESULTS

The VBBH provides standardized operating procedures (SOP) regulating the request, processing, and delivery of material to researchers, as well as project tracking. Tissue samples for a research project are requested by filling out an online application form. Within 3-5 working days, a scientific board, including a member of the VBBH and a member of the BMBH, decide upon acceptance or rejection of the research project. Criteria determining acceptance include whether enough samples are available for the particular investigation and whether planned methods are judged adequate to successfully complete the research project. Through tracking of all ongoing studies involving specimens from the VBBH, methods for tissue conservation are continually being optimized. The VBBH platform has supported numerous high-ranking publications involving diverse medical departments and reflects a gain in translational medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

SOPs and controls by certified specialists ensure the high quality of specimens obtained through the VBBH. Research performed by vascular surgeons can be facilitated by using the VBBH.

Biobanking in atherosclerotic disease, opportunities and pitfalls

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Western countries and current research is still focusing on optimizing therapeutic approaches in the battle against this multifactorial disease. Concepts regarding the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases originate from observations of human atherosclerotic tissue obtained from autopsies or during vascular surgery. These observations have helped us to disentangle the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. However, identifying vulnerable patients, those prone to developing cardiovascular complications, remains difficult. The search for predictive cardiovascular biomarkers continues and large, well organized biobanks are needed to discover or validate novel biomarkers. Biobanks are an extremely valuable resource that enables us to study the influence of both genetic and environmental factors on the development of multifactorial diseases such as atherosclerosis. This review will focus on the advantages and pitfalls in atherosclerotic biobanking.