Decellularized omentum as novel biologic scaffold for reconstructive surgery and regenerative medicine

Efficacy and Safety of Cell-Assisted Acellular Adipose Matrix Transfer for Volume Retention and Regeneration Compared to Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection

BACKGROUND

Cell-assisted acellular adipose matrix (AAM) transfer is a novel technique for soft tissue volume restoration, where AAM acts as a scaffold for tissue proliferation and promotes host cell migration, vascularization, and adipogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of in vivo cell-assisted AAM transfer compared to hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection.

METHODS

Human adipose tissue was used to manufacture AAM, and murine adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were prepared. Nude mice were divided into four groups: AAM transfer (AT), ASC-assisted AAM transfer (CAT), HA filler injection (HI), and ASC-assisted HA filler injection (CHI). Eight weeks post-transfer, in vivo graft volume/weight, histology, and gene expression were analyzed to assess efficacy and safety.

RESULTS

The AAM retained its three-dimensional scaffold structure without cellular components. AT/CAT showed lower volume retention than HA/CHA; however, CAT maintained a similar volume to HA. Histologically, adipogenesis and collagen formation were increased in AT/CAT compared to HA/CHA, with CAT showing the highest levels. CAT also demonstrated superior angiogenesis, adipogenesis, and gene expression (Vegf and Pparg), along with lower Il-6 expression, higher Il-10 expression, and reduced capsule formation, indicating better biocompatibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Cell-assisted AAM transfer is a promising technique for volume retention and tissue regeneration, offering a safe and effective alternative to HA filler injections.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Application of Decellularized Adipose Matrix as a Bioscaffold in Different Tissue Engineering

With the development of tissue engineering, the application of decellularized adipose matrix as scaffold material in tissue engineering has been intensively explored due to its wide source and excellent potential in tissue regeneration. Decellularized adipose matrix is a promising candidate for adipose tissue regeneration, while modification of decellularized adipose matrix scaffold can also allow it to transcend the limitations of adipose tissue source properties and applied to other tissue engineering fields, including cartilage and bone tissue engineering, neural tissue engineering, and skin tissue engineering. In this review, we summarized the development of the applications of decellularized adipose matrix in different tissue engineering and present future perspectives.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Ultrasound standing wave spatial patterning of human umbilical vein endothelial cells for 3D micro-vascular networks formation

Generating functional and perfusable micro-vascular networks is an important goal for the fabrication of large and three-dimensional tissues. Up to now, the fabrication of micro-vascular networks is a complicated multitask involving several different factors such as time consuming, cells survival, micro-diameter vasculature and strict alignment. Here, we propose a technique combining multi-material extrusion and ultrasound standing wave forces to create a network structure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells within a mixture of calcium alginate and decellularized extracellular matrix. The functionality of the matured microvasculature networks was demonstrated through the enhancement of cell-cell adhesion, angiogenesis process, and perfusion tests with microparticles, FITC-dextran, and whole mouse blood. Moreover, animal experiments exhibited the implantability including that the pre-existing blood vessels of the host sprout towards the preformed vessels of the scaffold over time and the microvessels inside the implanted scaffold matured from empty tubular structures to functional blood-carrying microvessels in two weeks.

Combining Allograft Adipose and Fascia Matrix as an Off-the-Shelf Scaffold for Adipose Tissue Engineering Stimulates Angiogenic Responses and Activates a Proregenerative Macrophage Profile in a Rodent Model

OBJECTIVE

Bioscaffolds for treating soft tissue defects have limitations. As a bioscaffold, allograft adipose matrix (AAM) is a promising approach to treat soft tissue defects. Previously, we revealed that combining superficial adipose fascia matrix with AAM, components of the hypodermis layer of adipose tissue, improved volume retention, adipogenesis, and angiogenesis in rats 8 weeks after it was implanted compared with AAM alone. Here, we modified the fascia matrix and AAM preparation, examined the tissue over 18 weeks, and conducted a deeper molecular investigation. We hypothesized that the combined matrices created a better scaffold by triggering angiogenesis and proregenerative signals.

METHODS

Human AAM and fascia matrix were implanted (4 [1 mL] implants/animal) into the dorsum of male Fischer rats (6-8 weeks old; ~140 g) randomly as follows: AAM, fascia, 75/25 (AAM/fascia), 50/50, and 50/50 + hyaluronic acid (HA; to improve extrudability) (n = 4/group/time point). After 72 hours, as well as 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 weeks, graft retention was assessed by a gas pycnometer. Adipogenesis (HE), angiogenesis (CD31), and macrophage infiltration (CD80 and CD163) were evaluated histologically at all time points. The adipose area and M1/M2 macrophage ratio were determined using ImageJ. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics were conducted to evaluate pathway enrichments.

RESULTS

By 18 weeks, the adipose area was 2365% greater for 50/50 HA (281.6 ± 21.6) than AAM (11.4 ± 0.9) (P < 0.001). The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was significantly lower for 50/50 HA (0.8 ± 0.1) than AAM (0.9 ± 0.1) at 6 weeks (16%; P < 0.05). This inversely correlated with adipose area (r = -0.6; P > 0.05). The RNA-seq data revealed that upregulated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and macrophage-induced tissue regeneration genes were temporally different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining the fascia matrix with AAM creates a bioscaffold with an improved retention volume that supports M2 macrophage-mediated angiogenesis and adipogenesis. This bioscaffold is worthy of further investigation.

Preclinical and clinical orthotopic transplantation of decellularized/engineered tracheal scaffolds: A systematic literature review

Severe tracheal injuries that cannot be managed by mobilization and end-to-end anastomosis represent an unmet clinical need and an urgent challenge to face in surgical practice; within this scenario, decellularized scaffolds (eventually bioengineered) are currently a tempting option among tissue engineered substitutes. The success of a decellularized trachea is expression of a balanced approach in cells removal while preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture/mechanical properties. Revising the literature, many Authors report about different methods for acellular tracheal ECMs development; however, only few of them verified the devices effectiveness by an orthotopic implant in animal models of disease. To support translational medicine in this field, here we provide a systematic review on studies recurring to decellularized/bioengineered tracheas implantation. After describing the specific methodological aspects, orthotopic implant results are verified. Furtherly, the only three clinical cases of compassionate use of tissue engineered tracheas are reported with a focus on outcomes.

Deconstructing Allograft Adipose and Fascia Matrix: Fascia Matrix Improves Angiogenesis, Volume Retention, and Adipogenesis in a Rodent Model

BACKGROUND

Autologous fat grafting is commonly used for soft-tissue repair (approximately 90,000 cases per year in the United States), but outcomes are limited by volume loss (20% to 80%) over time. Human allograft adipose matrix (AAM) stimulates de novo adipogenesis in vivo, but retention requires optimization. The extracellular matrix derived from superficial fascia, interstitial within the adipose layer, is typically removed during AAM processing. Thus, fascia, which contains numerous important proteins, might cooperate with AAM to stimulate de novo adipogenesis, improving long-term retention compared to AAM alone.

METHODS

Human AAM and fascia matrix proteins (back and upper leg regions) were identified by mass spectrometry and annotated by gene ontology. A three-dimensional in vitro angiogenesis assay was performed. Finally, AAM and/or fascia (1 mL) was implanted into 6- to 8-week-old male Fischer rats. After 8 weeks, the authors assessed graft retention by gas pycnometry and angiogenesis (CD31) and adipocyte counts (hematoxylin and eosin) histologically.

RESULTS

Gene ontology annotation revealed an angiogenic enrichment pattern unique to the fascia, including lactadherin, collagen alpha-3(V) chain, and tenascin-C. In vitro, AAM stimulated 1.0 ± 0.17 angiogenic sprouts per bead. The addition of fascia matrix increased sprouting by 88% (2.0 ± 0.12; P < 0.001). A similar angiogenic response (CD31) was observed in vivo. Graft retention volume was 25% (0.25 ± 0.13) for AAM, significantly increasing to 60% (0.60 ± 0.14) for AAM/fascia ( P < 0.05). De novo adipogenesis was 12% (12.4 ± 7.4) for AAM, significantly increasing to 51% (51.2 ± 8.0) for AAM/fascia ( P < 0.001) by means of adipocyte quantification.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining fascia matrix with AAM improves angiogenesis and adipogenesis compared to AAM alone in rats. These preliminary in vitro and pilot animal studies should be further validated before definitive clinical adoption.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

When producing an off-the-shelf adipose inducing product by adding a connective tissue fascial component (that is normally discarded) to the mix of adipose matrix, vasculogenesis is increased and, thus, adipogenesis and graft survival is improved. This is a significant advance in this line of product.

Decellularization of Articular Cartilage: A Hydrochloric Acid-Based Strategy

Removing cellular material from a tissue, a process called decellularization, reduces the risk of adverse host reactions, allows for efficient decontamination, and extends the shelf-life of the matrix. It facilitates the use of cartilage tissue as human-derived allograft, thus providing the field of cartilage regeneration with a biomaterial unmatched in its similarity to native cartilage in terms of structure, composition, and mechanical properties.The dense extracellular matrix of articular cartilage requires a particularly thorough process to achieve the removal of cells, cell debris, and reagents used in the process. In our studies (Nürnberger et al., EBioMedicine 64:103196, 2021; Schneider et al., Tissue Eng Part C Methods 22(12):1095-1107, 2016), we have successfully developed a protocol for achieving decellularization via physical, chemical, and enzymatic steps. Combining freeze-thaw cycles for devitalization, hydrochloric acid as decellularization agent and the enzymatic removal of glycosaminoglycans, results in an acellular scaffold that is fully biocompatible and promotes cellular attachment. The structure and sophisticated architecture of collagen type II is left intact.This chapter provides a comprehensive guide to the steps and reagents needed to decellularize articular cartilage. In addition to the standard decell-deGAG protocol, a fast option is given which is suitable for thin specimen. Histological evaluation is presented to illustrate treatment success.

Quality Comparison of Decellularized Omentum Prepared by Different Protocols for Tissue Engineering Applications

Objective

Decellularized greater omentum (GOM) is a good extracellular matrix (ECM) source for regenerative medicine applications. The aim of the current study was to compare the efficiency of three protocols for sheep GOM decellularization based on sufficient DNA depletion and ECM content retention for tissue engineering application.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, in the first protocol, low concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS 1%), hexane, acetone, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and ethanol were used. In the second one, a high concentration of SDS (4%) and ethanol, and in the last one sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES 1%) were used to decellularize the GOM. To evaluate the quality of scaffold prepared with various protocols, histochemical staining, DNA, and glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) quantification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman confocal microscopy, Bradford assay, and ELISA were performed.

Results

A comparison of DNA content showed that SDS-based protocols omitted DNA more efficiently than the SLESbased protocol. Histochemical staining showed that all protocols preserved the neutral carbohydrates, collagen, and elastic fibers; however, the SLES-based protocol removed the lipid droplets better than the SDS-based protocols. Although SEM images showed that all protocols preserved the ECM architecture, Raman microscopy, GAGs quantification, total protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) assessments revealed that SDS 1% preserved ECM more efficiently than the others.

Conclusion

The SDS 1% can be considered a superior protocol for decellularizing GOM in tissue engineering applications.

Preclinical Development of Bioengineered Allografts Derived from Decellularized Human Diaphragm

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the traumatic/surgical loss of skeletal muscle, causing aesthetic damage and functional impairment. Suboptimal current surgical treatments are driving research towards the development of optimised regenerative therapies. The grafting of bioengineered scaffolds derived from decellularized skeletal muscle may be a valid option to promote structural and functional healing. In this work, a cellular human diaphragm was considered as a scaffold material for VML treatment. Decellularization occurred through four detergent-enzymatic protocols involving (1) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), (2) SDS + Tergitol^TM, (3) sodium deoxycholate, and (4) Tergitol^TM. After decellularization, cells, DNA (≤50 ng/mg of tissue), and muscle fibres were efficiently removed, with the preservation of collagen/elastin and 60%–70% of the glycosaminoglycan component. The detergent-enzymatic treatments did not affect the expression of specific extracellular matrix markers (Collagen I and IV, Laminin), while causing the loss of HLA-DR expression to produce non-immunogenic grafts. Adipose-derived stem cells grown by indirect co-culture with decellularized samples maintained 80%–90% viability, demonstrating the biosafety of the scaffolds. Overall, the tested protocols were quite equivalent, with the patches treated by SDS + Tergitol^TM showing better collagen preservation. After subcutaneous implant in Balb/c mice, these acellular diaphragmatic grafts did not elicit a severe immune reaction, integrating with the host tissue.

Contributions of supercritical fluid technology for advancing decellularization and postprocessing of viable biological materials

The demand for tissue and organ transplantation worldwide has led to an increased interest in the development of new therapies to restore normal tissue function through transplantation of injured tissue with biomedically engineered matrices. Among these developments is decellularization, a process that focuses on the removal of immunogenic cellular material from a tissue or organ. However, decellularization is a complex and often harsh process that frequently employs techniques that can negatively impact the properties of the materials subjected to it. The need for a more benign alternative has driven research on supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) assisted decellularization. scCO₂ can achieve its critical point at relatively low temperature and pressure conditions, and for its high transfer rate and permeability. These properties make scCO₂ an appealing methodology that can replace or diminish the exposure of harsh chemicals to sensitive materials, which in turn could lead to better preservation of their biochemical and mechanical properties. The presented review covers relevant literature over the last years where scCO₂-assisted decellularization is employed, as well as discussing major topics such as the mechanism of action behind scCO₂-assisted decellularization, CO₂ and cosolvents' solvent properties, effect of the operational parameters on decellularization efficacy and on the material's properties.

Decellularization for the retention of tissue niches

Decellularization of natural tissues to produce extracellular matrix is a promising method for three-dimensional scaffolding and for understanding microenvironment of the tissue of interest. Due to the lack of a universal standard protocol for tissue decellularization, recent investigations seek to develop novel methods for whole or partial organ decellularization capable of supporting cell differentiation and implantation towards appropriate tissue regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive and updated perspective on the most recent advances in decellularization strategies for a variety of organs and tissues, highlighting techniques of chemical, physical, biological, enzymatic, or combinative-based methods to remove cellular contents from tissues. In addition, the review presents modernized approaches for improving standard decellularization protocols for numerous organ types.

The application of the "omental wrapping" technique with autologous onlay flap/graft ureteroplasty for the management of long ureteral strictures

Background

To present our experience with the "omental wrapping" technique in laparoscopic and robotic ureteroplasty using onlay flaps or grafts for the management of long proximal or middle ureteral strictures.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 25 patients with long proximal or middle ureteral strictures who underwent laparoscopic and robotic onlay flaps or grafts ureteroplasty using an omental flap to reinforce an anastomosis site between August 2018 and November 2019. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected.

Results

Sixteen laparoscopic procedures and nine robotic procedures were performed successfully. Sixteen patients underwent ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal graft (LMG), and nine patients with appendiceal onlay flap (AOF). The median stricture length was 4 cm (range, 2-6 cm). The mean operative time (OT) was 220.5±50.6 min, the estimated blood loss (EBL) was 66.0±38.9 mL, and the length of hospital stay (LHS) was 8.0±3.6 days. In the LMG group, four patients had tongue numbing and one had an oral ulcer, which relieved itself gradually without intervention. Two patients in the LMG group and four patients in the AOF group experienced urinary tract infection, and all responded well to antibiotic treatment. There were no complications attributed to "omental wrapping". The mean follow-up was 16.3±4.8 months. According to the standards regarding improvement in clinical symptoms, relief of obstruction radiologically and a stable estimate glomerular filtration rate, our surgical success rate was 100%.

Conclusions

The "omental wrapping" technique in laparoscopic and robotic onlay flaps or grafts ureteroplasty for long proximal or middle ureteral strictures is an efficient, safe, reproducible and simple technique.

Quality and Quantity-Cultured Human Mononuclear Cells Improve Human Fat Graft Vascularization and Survival in an In Vivo Murine Experimental Model

BACKGROUND

Fat graft ischemia impedes us from having satisfying long-term results. The quality and quantity culture is a 1-week cell culture that increases the vasculogenic potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC). This in vivo murine model investigates whether enrichment with quality and quantity-cultured human mononuclear cells (MNC-QQ) improves the vascularization in the human fat graft and whether this decreases the tissue loss.

METHODS

Human adipose tissue, PBMNC, MNC-QQ, and stromal vascular fraction were prepared. First, PBMNC, MNC-QQ, and stromal vascular fraction were compared in vitro for vasculogenic potential by endothelial progenitor cell colony-forming and culture assays. Second, 0.25-g fat grafts were created with 1 × 106 PBMNC (n = 16), 1 × 106 MNC-QQ (n = 16), 1 × 106 stromal vascular fraction (n = 16), or phosphate-buffered saline as control (n = 16) before grafting in BALB/c nude mice. Grafts were analyzed for weight persistence, vessel formation by CD31 immunohistochemistry, and angiogenic markers by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

MNC-QQ develop more definitive endothelial progenitor cell colonies and more functional endothelial progenitor cells compared to PBMNC and stromal vascular fraction. Weight persistence after 7 weeks was significantly higher in grafts with MNC-QQ (89.8 ± 3.5 percent) or stromal vascular fraction (90.1 ± 4.2 percent) compared with control (70.4 ± 6.3 percent; p < 0.05). MNC-QQ-enriched grafts had the highest vessel density (96.6 ± 6.5 vessels/mm2; control, 70.4 ± 5.6 vessels/mm2; p < 0.05). MNC-QQ exerted a direct vasculogenic effect through vascular integration and a potential paracrine vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated effect.

CONCLUSION

Quality and quantity-cultured human mononuclear cells containing endothelial progenitor cells stimulate fat graft vascularization and enhance graft survival in a rodent recipient.

Engineering Vascularized Composite Allografts Using Natural Scaffolds: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation refers to the transplantation of multiple tissues as a functional unit from a deceased donor to a recipient with a severe injury. These grafts serve as potential replacements for traumatic tissue losses. The main problems are the consequences of the long immunosuppressive drugs medications and the lake of compatible donor. To avoid these limitations, decellularization/recellularization constitute an attractive approach. The aim of decellularization/recellularization technology is to develop immunogenic free biological substitutes that will restore, maintain, or improve tissue and organ's function.

METHODS

A PubMed search was performed for articles on decellularization and recellularization of composite tissue allografts between March and February 2021, with no restrictions in publication year. The selected reports were evaluated in terms of decellularization protocols, assessment of decellularized grafts, and evaluation of their biocompatibility and repopulation with cells both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The search resulted in a total of 88 articles. Each article was reviewed, 77 were excluded and the remaining 11 articles reported decellularization of 12 different vascular composite allografts in humans (four), large animals (three), and small animals (rodents) (five). The decellularization protocol for vascularized composite allotransplantation varies slightly between studies, but majority of the reports employ 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate as the main reagent for decellularization. The immunological response of the decellularized scaffolds remains poorly evaluated. Few authors have been able to attempt the recellularization and transplantation of these scaffolds. Successful transplantation seems to require prior recellularization.

CONCLUSION

Decellularization/recellularization is a promising, growing, emerging developing research field in vascular composite allotransplantation.

Co-culture with peritoneum mesothelial stem cells supports the in vitro growth of mouse ovarian follicles

The important roles played by the ovarian microenvironment and cell interactions in folliculogenesis suggest promising approaches for in vivo growth of ovarian follicles using appropriate scaffolds containing suitable cell sources. In this study, we have investigated the growth of early preantral follicles in the presence of decellularized mesenteric peritoneal membrane (MPM), peritoneum mesothelial stem cells (PMSCs), and conditioned medium (CM) of PMSCs. MPM of mouse was first decellularized; PMSCs were isolated from MPM and cultured and their conditioned medium (CM) was collected. Mouse follicles were separated into four groups: (1) culture in base medium (control), (2) culture in decellularized MPM (DMPM), (3) co-culture with PMSCs (Co-PMSCs), and (4) culture in CM of PMSCs (CM-PMSCs). Qualitative and quantitative assessments were performed to evaluate intact mesenteric peritoneal membrane (IMPM) as well as decellularized ones. After culturing the ovarian follicles, follicular and oocyte diameter, viability, eccentric oocyte percentage, and estradiol hormone amounts were evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations confirmed removal of cells and retention of the essential fibers in MPM after the decellularization process. Follicular parameters showed that Co-PMSCs better support in vitro growth and development of ovarian follicles than the other groups. The eccentric rate and estradiol production were statistically higher for the Co-PMSCs group than for the CM-PMSCs and control groups. Although the culture of early preantral follicles on DMPM and CM-PMSCs could improve in vitro follicular growth, co-culture of follicles with PMSCs showed even greater improvements in terms of follicular growth and diameter.

The Future of Fat Grafting

One of the earliest reported cases of autologous fat grafting (AFG) was by Neuber in 1893 and consisted of the transfer of small lobules of fat from the upper arm for cicatrical depression of the face. He advocated the use of smaller grafts, noting that pieces larger than the size of a bean would form cysts. In 1895, Czerny excised a lumbar lipoma and transplanted it to the chest for breast reconstruction. Since these early reports, the knowledge base around AFG has expanded exponentially, as illustrated by the other papers within this special topic. As we embark on the next phase of AFG in the clinical setting, there are several directions which are near-clinical translation. This paper discusses future directions in fat grafting that build on optimization of our current techniques as clinical indications expand, such as supplementing purified lipoaspirate and the associated regulatory burden, or deconstructing adipose tissue to selectively use adipose graft components for a variety of regenerative indications.

Comparative evaluation of decellularized bovine omentum alone and in combination with mitomycin-C in the management of corneal injuries in dogs

Background and Aim:

Ulcerative corneal lesions are common ocular affections encountered in veterinary ophthalmology, having a higher incidence in dogs with brachycephalic conformation. Prompt and effective diagnosis and repair are necessary to avoid corneal perforation and restore vision. Corneal wound healing is a complex phenomenon often resulting in vision impairment as a consequence of corneal fibrosis and pigmentation. The present study investigated the efficacy of decellularized and gamma-irradiated bovine omentum as an extracellular matrix scaffold in the reconstruction of extensive and full-thickness corneal defects, and the cytotoxic effects of mitomycin-C (MMC) to prevent corneal fibrosis and pigmentation.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve injured corneas of eleven dogs irrespective of breed, age, and sex were randomly divided into Groups I and II, consisting of six corneas each. Under general anesthesia, corneal grafting with decellularized and gamma-irradiated bovine omentum was carried out in Group I, whereas Group II corneas underwent single time intra-operative application of topical MMC for 2 min before corneal grafting with the same material. Epithelialization of cornea and observations including corneal edema, neovascularization, the extent of pigmentation, corneal clarity, and scarring was recorded on days 7, 14, 21, and 60 postoperatively.

Results:

All corneas in Group I showed early epithelialization by day 7 compared to Group II where the MMC delayed epithelialization in 50% of the corneas. Visual function scores improved greatly from 0.17±0.17 in Group II on the day of presentation to 1.0±00 by the end of the observation period compared to Group I (from 0.33±0.15 to 0.88±0.11). Although epithelialization and corneal healing were delayed, 50% of the corneas recovered with undetectable corneal scar and melanosis at the end of the observation period in Group II due to the anti-fibrotic effect of MMC.

Conclusion:

From the present study, it was concluded that re-epithelialization of the cornea was enhanced by corneal grafting with decellularized bovine omentum, and application of MMC was effective in delaying corneal fibrosis and pigmentation.

Decellularized Scaffolds for Skin Repair and Regeneration

The skin is the largest organ in the body, fulfilling a variety of functions and acting as a barrier for internal organs against external insults. As for extensive or irreversible damage, skin autografts are often considered the gold standard, however inherent limitations highlight the need for alternative strategies. Engineering of human-compatible tissues is an interdisciplinary and active field of research, leading to the production of scaffolds and skin substitutes to guide repair and regeneration. However, faithful reproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture and bioactive content capable of cell-instructive and cell-responsive properties remains challenging. ECM is a heterogeneous, connective network composed of collagens, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and small molecules. It is highly coordinated to provide the physical scaffolding, mechanical stability, and biochemical cues necessary for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. Decellularization processes have made it possible to isolate the ECM in its native and three-dimensional form from a cell-populated tissue for use in skin regeneration. In this review, we present recent knowledge about these decellularized biomaterials with the potential to be used as dermal or skin substitutes in clinical applications. We detail tissue sources and clinical indications with success rates and report the most effective decellularization methods compatible with clinical use.

Advanced glycation end-products regulate extracellular matrix-adipocyte metabolic crosstalk in diabetes

The adipose tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates adipocyte cellular metabolism and is altered in obesity and type 2 diabetes, but mechanisms underlying ECM-adipocyte metabolic crosstalk are poorly defined. Advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation is increased in diabetes. AGE alter tissue function via direct effects on ECM and by binding scavenger receptors on multiple cell types and signaling through Rho GTPases. Our goal was to determine the role and underlying mechanisms of AGE in regulating human ECM-adipocyte metabolic crosstalk. Visceral adipocytes from diabetic and non-diabetic humans with obesity were studied in 2D and 3D-ECM culture systems. AGE is increased in adipose tissue from diabetic compared to non-diabetic subjects. Glycated collagen 1 and AGE-modified ECM regulate adipocyte glucose uptake and expression of AGE scavenger receptors and Rho signaling mediators, including the DIAPH1 gene, which encodes the human Diaphanous 1 protein (hDia1). Notably, inhibition of hDia1, but not scavenger receptors RAGE or CD36, attenuated AGE-ECM inhibition of adipocyte glucose uptake. These data demonstrate that AGE-modification of ECM contributes to adipocyte insulin resistance in human diabetes, and implicate hDia1 as a potential mediator of AGE-ECM-adipocyte metabolic crosstalk.

Generation of a large-scale vascular bed for the in vitro creation of three-dimensional cardiac tissue

Introduction

The definitive treatment for severe heart failure is transplantation. However, only a small number of heart transplants are performed each year due to donor shortages. Therefore, novel treatment approaches based on artificial organs or regenerative therapy are being developed as alternatives. We have developed a technology known as cell sheet-based tissue engineering that enables the fabrication of functional three-dimensional (3D) tissue. Here, we report a new technique for engineering human cardiac tissue with perfusable blood vessels. Our method involved the layering of cardiac cell sheets derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) on a vascular bed derived from porcine small intestinal tissue.

Methods

For the vascular bed, a segment of porcine small intestine was harvested together with a branch of the superior mesenteric artery and a branch of the superior mesenteric vein. The small intestinal tissue was incised longitudinally, and the mucosa was resected. Human cardiomyocytes derived from hiPSCs were co-cultured with endothelial cells and fibroblasts on a temperature-responsive dish and harvested as a cardiac cell sheet. A triple-layer of cardiac cell sheets was placed onto the vascular bed, and the resulting construct was subjected to perfusion culture in a bioreactor system.

Results

The cardiac tissue on the vascular bed pulsated spontaneously and synchronously after one day of perfusion culture. Electrophysiological recordings revealed regular action potentials and a beating rate of 105 ± 13/min (n = 8). Furthermore, immunostaining experiments detected partial connection of the blood vessels between the vascular bed and cardiac cell sheets.

Conclusions

We succeeded in engineering spontaneously beating 3D cardiac tissue in vitro using human cardiac cell sheets and a vascular bed derived from porcine small intestine. Further development of this method might allow the fabrication of functional cardiac tissue that could be used in the treatment of severe heart failure.

Methods to generate tissue-derived constructs for regenerative medicine applications

The shortage of donor organs for transplantation remains a continued problem for patients with irreversible end-stage organ failure. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine aims to develop therapies to provide viable solutions for these patients. Use of decellularized tissue scaffolds has emerged as an attractive approach to generate tissue constructs that mimic native tissue architecture and vascular networks. The process of decellularization which involves the removal of resident cellular components from donor tissues has been successfully translated to the clinic for applications in patients. However, transplantation of bioengineered solid organs using this approach remains a challenge as the process requires repopulating target cells to achieve functioning organs. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the methods used to achieve decellularization, the types of decellularizing agents, and the potential cell sources that could be used to achieve tissue function. Understanding the mechanism of action of the decellularizing agent and the processing methods will provide the optimal results for applications.

Recent Trends in Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Bioinks for 3D Printing: An Updated Review

The promise of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering is founded on the ability to regenerate diseased or damaged tissues and organs into functional tissues and organs or the creation of new tissues and organs altogether. In theory, damaged and diseased tissues and organs can be regenerated or created using different configurations and combinations of extracellular matrix (ECM), cells, and inductive biomolecules. Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering can allow the improvement of patients' quality of life through availing novel treatment options. The coupling of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering with 3D printing, big data, and computational algorithms is revolutionizing the treatment of patients in a huge way. 3D bioprinting allows the proper placement of cells and ECMs, allowing the recapitulation of native microenvironments of tissues and organs. 3D bioprinting utilizes different bioinks made up of different formulations of ECM/biomaterials, biomolecules, and even cells. The choice of the bioink used during 3D bioprinting is very important as properties such as printability, compatibility, and physical strength influence the final construct printed. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides both physical and mechanical microenvironment needed by cells to survive and proliferate. Decellularized ECM bioink contains biochemical cues from the original native ECM and also the right proportions of ECM proteins. Different techniques and characterization methods are used to derive bioinks from several tissues and organs and to evaluate their quality. This review discusses the uses of decellularized ECM bioinks and argues that they represent the most biomimetic bioinks available. In addition, we briefly discuss some polymer-based bioinks utilized in 3D bioprinting.

Relationship between lipid droplets size and integrated optical density

Lipid accumulation is largely investigated due to its role in many human diseases. The attention is mainly focused on the lipid droplets (LDs), spherical cytoplasmic organelles which are devoted to the storage of the lipids. The amount of lipid content is often evaluated by measuring LDs size and/or the integrated optical density (IOD) in cultured cells. Both evaluations are directly associated to the lipid content and therefore they are correlated to each other, but a lack of theoretical relationship between size and IOD was observed in literature. Here we investigated the size-IOD relationship of LDs observed in microscopical images of cultured cells. The experimental data were obtained from immature and differentiated 3T3-L1 murine cells, which have been extensively used in studies on adipogenesis. A simple model based on the spherical shape of the LDs and the Lambert-Beer law, which describes the light absorption by an optical thick material, leads to a mathematical relationship. Despite only light rays’ absorption was considered in the model, neglecting their scattering, a very good agreement between the theoretical curve and the experimental data was found. Moreover, a computational simulation corroborates the model indicating the validity of the mathematically theoretical relationship between size and IOD. The theoretical model could be used to calculate the absorption coefficient in the LDs population and it could be applied to seek for morphologically and functionally LDs subpopulations. The identification of LDs dynamic by measuring size and IOD could be related to different pathophysiological conditions and useful for understand cellular lipid-associated diseases.

Tissue-Engineered Grafts from Human Decellularized Extracellular Matrices: A Systematic Review and Future Perspectives

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine involve many different artificial and biologic materials, frequently integrated in composite scaffolds, which can be repopulated with various cell types. One of the most promising scaffolds is decellularized allogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM) then recellularized by autologous or stem cells, in order to develop fully personalized clinical approaches. Decellularization protocols have to efficiently remove immunogenic cellular materials, maintaining the nonimmunogenic ECM, which is endowed with specific inductive/differentiating actions due to its architecture and bioactive factors. In the present paper, we review the available literature about the development of grafts from decellularized human tissues/organs. Human tissues may be obtained not only from surgery but also from cadavers, suggesting possible development of Human Tissue BioBanks from body donation programs. Many human tissues/organs have been decellularized for tissue engineering purposes, such as cartilage, bone, skeletal muscle, tendons, adipose tissue, heart, vessels, lung, dental pulp, intestine, liver, pancreas, kidney, gonads, uterus, childbirth products, cornea, and peripheral nerves. In vitro recellularizations have been reported with various cell types and procedures (seeding, injection, and perfusion). Conversely, studies about in vivo behaviour are poorly represented. Actually, the future challenge will be the development of human grafts to be implanted fully restored in all their structural/functional aspects.

Tissue-Engineered Neo-Urinary Conduit from Decellularized Trachea

Decellularized tissues have been increasingly popular for constructing scaffolds for tissue engineering applications due to their beneficial biological compositions and mechanical properties. It is therefore natural to consider decellularized trachea for construction of tissue-engineered trachea, as well as other tubular organs. A Neo-Urinary Conduit (NUC) is such a tubular organ that works as a passage for urine removal in bladder cancer patients who need a urinary diversion after their diseased bladder is removed. In this study, we report our findings on the feasibility of using a decellularized trachea for NUC applications. As a NUC scaffold, decellularized trachea provides benefits of having not only naturally occurring biological components but also having sufficient mechanical properties and structural integrity. We, therefore, decellularized rabbit trachea, evaluated its mechanical performance, and investigated its ability to support in vitro growth of human smooth muscle cells (hSMCs) and human urothelial cells (hUCs). The decellularized trachea had appropriate biomechanical properties with ultimate tensile strength of ∼0.34 MPa in longitudinal direction and ∼1.0 MPa in circumferential direction and resisted a radial burst pressure of >155 mm Hg. Cell morphology study by scanning electron microscopy further showed that hUCs grown on decellularized trachea adopted a typical flatten and interconnected network structure in the lumen of the scaffold, while they formed a round spherical shape and did not spread on the outer surfaces. SMCs, on the other hand, spread well throughout the scaffold. The gene expression analysis by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence studies further confirmed scaffold's ability to support long-term growth of hSMCs. Since uroepithelium has been shown to regenerate itself over time in vivo, these findings suggest that it is possible to construct a NUC from decellularized trachea without any preseeding of UCs. In future, we plan to translate decellularized trachea in a preclinical animal model and evaluate its biological performance.

Analysis of the effect of subcutaneous injection of omental-derived cells on the healing of third degree burns in rats: a preliminary study

Burn injury is considered a global health issue. Third degree burn wounds do not heal spontaneously and require skin grafts. Some factors could contribute to wound healing. In this study we assessed the effect of non-fatty omental cells in burn wound healing. Similar third degree burn wounds were induced on the back of 192 rats. Forty-eight of these rats were put in a control group that did not receive any treatment. The rest of the rats were put in 3 groups, each receiving a different treatment regime. Rats in group 2 had a daily application of silver sulfadiazine; group 3 rats were injected with omental cells, and group 4 rats were injected with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) once, followed by daily application of Vaseline to the burned region. Parameters such as open epidermis length, number of epidermal cell layers, granulation tissue thickness (GTT) and neutrophil density were evaluated in each group. The average open epidermis length in the omental cell group was less than in the other groups on days 10 and 20 (P<0.05). The thickness of epidermal cell layers in the group receiving cells was greater than in the other groups on all days. On the 20th day, there was a significant difference in GTT between the four groups (P<0.05). The injection of non-fatty omental cells has a positive effect on third degree burn wounds in rats.

What happens to an acellular dermal matrix after implantation in the human body? A histological and electron microscopic study

Acellular matrices are used for various purposes and they have been studied extensively for their potential roles in regenerating tissues or organs. The acellular matrix generates physiological cues that mimic the native tissue microenvironment. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is a soft connective tissue graft generated by a decellularization process that preserves the intact extracellular skin matrix. Upon implantation, this structure serves as a scaffold for donor-side cells to facilitate subsequent incorporation and revascularization. In breast reconstruction, ADM is used mainly for lower pole coverage and the shaping of a new breast. It helps control the positioning of the implant in the inframammary fold, and prevents the formation of contractile pseudocapsule around the breast implant. In this study, we provide a comprehensive histological description of ADM used for human breast reconstruction over the course of several months following implementation. Using immunohistochemical methods (a panel of 12 antibodies) coupled with optical and transmission electron microscopy, we confirmed that the original acellular dermal matrix became recolonized by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and also by various other free cells of the connective tissue (lymphocytes, macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, granulocytes, mast cells) after implantation into the patient’s body. Within the implanted ADM, there was a relatively rapid ingrowth of blood vessels. Lymphatic vessels were only detected in one case 9 months after the implantation of the ADM. These results suggest that lymphangiogenesis is a longer process than angiogenesis.

The effects of activated omental extract on nuclear and cytoplasmic in vitro maturation of rat oocytes

Objective:

The role of growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor of activated omentum on mitosis is clearly known, though not on all the aspects of in vitro oocyte maturation. This study was designed to assess the effect of activated-omental extract (AOE) on in vitro maturation (IVM) of rat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, the COCs were incubated in Ham’s F-10 supplemented with either 20% AOE, 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or serum-free media. Post-culture COCs were studied according to the cumulus cells (CCs) expansion, nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation. Cumuli expansion was evaluated by inverted microscope without staining; nuclear maturation was assessed by aceto-orcein staining (light microscope) and cytoplasmic maturation was also observed by TEM.

Results:

Expansion of CCs and nuclear maturation of the oocytes in in vitro for 24 hr was significantly higher in AOE- and FBS-supplemented groups (P=0.000 and 0.013) and (P=0.004 and 0.014), respectively, compared to serum-free group. At ultra-structural level, after 24 hr, both FBS and AOE-supplemented media showed uniformly wide perivitelline space (PVS). After 12 hr, the cortical granules were found in the oocytes cultured in FBS and AOE-supplemented media. Within 24 hr, both granules and mitochondria were large without any detectable topographic tendency across the ooplasm. In AOE and FBS-supplemented oocytes, the number and size of microvilli were more than those in serum-free one.

Conclusion:

Although AOE supplementation induced a higher rate of the CCs expansion, and resuming meiosis, it was not as potent as FBS to provide cytoplasmic maturation of rat oocytes.

Bioengineering a Human Face Graft: The Matrix of Identity

OBJECTIVE

During the last decade, face allotransplantation has been shown to be a revolutionary reconstructive procedure for severe disfigurements. However, offer to patients remains limited due to lifelong immunosuppression. To move forward in the field, a new pathway in tissue engineering is proposed.

BACKGROUND

Our previously reported technique of matrix production of a porcine auricular subunit graft has been translated to a human face model.

METHODS

5 partial and 1 total face grafts were procured from human fresh cadavers. After arterial cannulation, the specimens were perfused using a combined detergent/polar solvent decellularization protocol. Preservation of vascular patency was assessed by imaging, cell and antigen removal by DNA quantification and histology. The main extracellular matrix proteins and associated cytokines were evaluated. Lip scaffolds were cultivated with dermal, muscle progenitor and endothelial cells, either on discs or in a bioreactor.

RESULTS

Decellularization was successful in all facial grafts within 12 days revealing acellular scaffolds with full preservation of innate morphology. Imaging demonstrated a preservation of the entire vascular tree patency. Removal of cells and antigens was confirmed by reduction of DNA and antigen markers negativation. Microscopic evaluation revealed preservation of tissue structures as well as of major proteins. Seeded cells were viable and well distributed within all scaffolds.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex acellular facial scaffolds were obtained, preserving simultaneously a cell-friendly extracellular matrix and a perfusable vascular tree. This step will enable further engineering of postmortem facial grafts, thereby offering new perspectives in composite tissue allotransplantation.

Diabetes-Specific Regulation of Adipocyte Metabolism by the Adipose Tissue Extracellular Matrix

CONTEXT

The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in regulating adipocyte metabolism in the context of metabolic disease is poorly defined.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to define the metabolic phenotype of adipocytes associated with human diabetes (DM) and the role of the ECM in regulating adipocyte metabolism.

DESIGN

Adipose tissues from obese patients were studied in standard 2-dimensional (2D) cell culture and an in vitro model of decellularized adipose tissue ECM repopulated with human adipocytes, and results were correlated with DM status.

SETTING

This study was conducted at the Academic University Medical Center and Veteran's Administration Hospital.

PATIENTS

Seventy patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery were included in the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were collected at the time of bariatric surgery.

OUTCOME MEASURES

This study used metabolic assays for glucose uptake, lipolysis, and lipogenesis in adipocytes in 2D cell culture and 3-dimensional ECM culture.

RESULTS

Adipocytes from subjects with DM manifest decreased glucose uptake and decreased lipolysis in 2D culture. ECM supports differentiation of mature adipocytes and recapitulates DM-specific differences in adipocyte metabolism observed in 2D culture. ECM from subjects without DM partially rescues glucose uptake and lipolytic defects in adipocytes from subjects with DM, whereas ECM from subjects with DM impairs glucose uptake in adipocytes from subjects without DM.

CONCLUSIONS

DM is associated with adipocyte metabolic dysfunction. The ECM regulates adipocyte metabolism. Nondiabetic ECM rescues metabolic dysfunction in DM adipocytes, whereas DM ECM imparts features of metabolic dysfunction to nondiabetic adipocytes. These findings suggest the ECM as a target for manipulating adipose tissue metabolism.

Peritoneum and omentum are natural reservoirs for chondrocytes of osteochondral autografts: A comparative animal study

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the omentum, peritoneum, paratenon and skeletal muscle on the proliferation of the cartilage tissue using rabbit model as an in vivo culture medium.

Methods

6 months old forty-five New Zealand rabbits were randomized into omentum, peritoneum, muscle, and Achilles paratenon groups. Standard sized osteochondral grafts were harvested from right knees and immediately placed into the specified tissues. Control group was fresh cartilage at the end of follow-up. After five months, samples were collected and evaluated macroscopically by measuring their dimensions (vertical = D1, horizontal = D2, and depth = D3) and volumes, and histologically by counting the chondrocyte number using camera lucida method.

Results

Macroscopically, increase in mean values for D1 and D2 dimensions of specimens from paratenon and omentum compared to pretransplant dimensions was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Although, volume measurements were higher in omentum and peritoneum group compared to pretransplant dimensions, increase was not significant (p > 0.05). Histologically, mean chondrocyte count was 14.0 ± 0.6 in fresh articular cartilage. Mean chondrocyte counts were 14.4 ± 0.9 in omentum group, 15.4 ± 1.0 in peritoneum group, 9.7 ± 1.3 in muscle group and 9.2 ± 0.4 in Achilles paratenon group respectively. However, mean chondrocyte counts were higher in samples of omentum and peritoneum group compared to fresh articular cartilage, increase was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Discussion

Transplantation of the cartilage grafts into mesothelium enhanced the chondrocyte counts and volumes compared with the pretransplant measurements. Mesothelium may have the potential to be used as an in vivo culture medium for osteochondral tissue growth.

Effect of Urea and Thiourea on Generation of Xenogeneic Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Effective solubilization of proteins by chaotropes in proteomic applications motivates their use in solubilization-based antigen removal/decellularization strategies. A high urea concentration has previously been reported to significantly reduce lipophilic antigen content of bovine pericardium (BP); however, structure and function of the resultant extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold were compromised. It has been recently demonstrated that in vivo ECM scaffold fate is determined by two primary outcome measures as follows: (1) sufficient reduction in antigen content to avoid graft-specific adaptive immune responses and (2) maintenance of native ECM structural proteins to avoid graft-specific innate responses. In this work, we assessed residual antigenicity, ECM architecture, ECM content, thermal stability, and tensile properties of BP subjected to a gradient of urea concentrations to determine whether an intermediate concentration exists at which both antigenicity and structure-function primary outcome measures for successful in vivo scaffold outcome can simultaneously be achieved. Alteration in tissue structure-function properties at various urea concentrations with decreased effectiveness for antigen removal makes use of urea-mediated antigen removal unlikely to be suitable for functional scaffold generation.

Preparation, Characterization, and Clinical Implications of Human Decellularized Adipose Tissue Extracellular Matrix (hDAM): A Comprehensive Review

Fat grafting is commonly employed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons to address contour abnormalities and soft-tissue defects; however, because retention rates and thus volume filling effects are unpredictable, there is a search for new and innovative approaches. Initial studies on the use of human decellularized adipose tissue extracellular matrix (hDAM) show promise for its use not only in tissue engineering, but also in fat grafting. In this review, we examine and analyze the literature for the preparation, characterization, and use of hDAM and its derivatives in tissue engineering and plastic surgery applications. All studies reviewed involve physical, chemical, and/or biological treatment stages for the preparation of hDAM; however a distinction should be made between detergent and nondetergent-based processing, the latter of which appears to preserve the native integrity of the hDAM while most-efficiently achieving complete decellularization. Methods of hDAM characterization vary among groups and included simple and immunohistochemical staining, biochemical assays, 3-dimensional (3D) imaging, and mechano-stress testing, all of which are necessary to achieve a comprehensive description of this novel tissue. Finally, we examine the various preclinical models utilized to optimize hDAM performance, which primarily include the addition of adipose-derived stem cells or cross-linking agents. Overall, hDAM appears to be a promising adjunct in fat-grafting applications or even possibly as a stand-alone soft-tissue filler with off-the-shelf potential for commercial applications.

Histochemistry in biology and medicine: a message from the citing journals

Especially in recent years, biomedical research has taken advantage of the progress in several disciplines, among which microscopy and histochemistry. To assess the influence of histochemistry in the biomedical field, the articles published during the period 2011-2015 have been selected from different databases and grouped by subject categories: as expected, biological and biomedical studies where histochemistry has been used as a major experimental approach include a wide of basic and applied researches on both humans and other animal or plant organisms. To better understand the impact of histochemical publications onto the different biological and medical disciplines, it was useful to look at the journals where the articles published in a multidisciplinary journal of histochemistry have been cited: it was observed that, in the five-years period considered, 20% only of the citations were in histochemical periodicals, the remaining ones being in journals of Cell &amp; Tissue biology,  general and experimental Medicine, Oncology, Biochemistry &amp; Molecular biology, Neurobiology, Anatomy &amp; Morphology, Pharmacology &amp; Toxicology, Reproductive biology, Veterinary sciences, Physiology, Endocrinology, Tissue engineering &amp; Biomaterials,  as well as in multidisciplinary journals.It is easy to foresee that also in the future the histochemical journals will be an attended forum for basic and applied scientists in the biomedical field. It will be crucial that these journals be open to an audience as varied as possible, publishing articles on the application of refined techniques to very different experimental models: this will stimulate non-histochemist scientists to approach histochemistry whose application horizon could expand to novel and possibly exclusive subjects.

Decellularized Human Skeletal Muscle as Biologic Scaffold for Reconstructive Surgery

Engineered skeletal muscle tissues have been proposed as potential solutions for volumetric muscle losses, and biologic scaffolds have been obtained by decellularization of animal skeletal muscles. The aim of the present work was to analyse the characteristics of a biologic scaffold obtained by decellularization of human skeletal muscles (also through comparison with rats and rabbits) and to evaluate its integration capability in a rabbit model with an abdominal wall defect. Rat, rabbit and human muscle samples were alternatively decellularized with two protocols: n.1, involving sodium deoxycholate and DNase I; n.2, trypsin-EDTA and Triton X-NH₄OH. Protocol 2 proved more effective, removing all cellular material and maintaining the three-dimensional networks of collagen and elastic fibers. Ultrastructural analyses with transmission and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the preservation of collagen, elastic fibres, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. Implantation of human scaffolds in rabbits gave good results in terms of integration, although recellularization by muscle cells was not completely achieved. In conclusion, human skeletal muscles may be effectively decellularized to obtain scaffolds preserving the architecture of the extracellular matrix and showing mechanical properties suitable for implantation/integration. Further analyses will be necessary to verify the suitability of these scaffolds for in vitro recolonization by autologous cells before in vivo implantation.

Impact of Histochemistry on biomedical research: looking through the articles published in a long-established histochemical journal

Histochemistry provides the unique opportunity to detect single molecules in the very place where they exert their structural roles or functional activities: this makes it possible to correlate structural organization and function, and may be fruitfully exploited in countless biomedical research topics. Aiming to estimate the impact of histochemical articles in the biomedical field, the last few years citations of articles published in a long-established histochemical journal have been considered. This brief survey suggests that histochemical journals, especially the ones open to a large spectrum of research subjects, do represent an irreplaceable source of information not only for cell biologists, microscopists or anatomists, but also for biochemists, molecular biologists and biotechnologists.

Histochemistry as an irreplaceable approach for investigating functional cytology and histology

In agreement with the evolution of histochemistry over the last fifty years and thanks to the impressive advancements in microscopy sciences, the application of cytochemical techniques to light and electron microscopy is more and more addressed to elucidate the functional characteristics of cells and tissue under different physiological, pathological or experimental conditions. Simultaneously, the mere description of composition and morphological features has become increasingly sporadic in the histochemical literature. Since basic research on cell functional organization is essential for understanding the mechanisms responsible for major biological processes such as differentiation or growth control in normal and tumor tissues, histochemical Journals will continue to play a pivotal role in the field of cell and tissue biology in all its structural and functional aspects.

Lipid droplets characterization in adipocyte differentiated 3T3-L1 cells: size and optical density distribution

The 3T3-L1 cell line, derived from 3T3 cells, is widely used in biological research on adipose tissue. 3T3-L1 cells have a fibroblast-like morphology, but, under appropriate conditions, they differentiate into an adipocyte-like phenotype. During the differentiation process, 3T3-L1 cells increase the synthesis of triglycerides and acquire the behavior of adipose cells. In particular, triglycerides accumulate in lipid droplets (LDs) embedded in the cytoplasm. The number and the size distribution of the LDs is often correlated with obesity and many other pathologies linked with fat accumulation. The integrated optical density (IOD) of the LDs is related with the amount of triglycerides in the droplets. The aim of this study is the attempt to characterize the size distribution and the IOD of the LDs in 3T3-L1 differentiated cells. The cells were differentiated into adipocytes for 5 days with a standard procedure, stained with Oil Red O and observed with an optical microscope. The diameter, area, optical density of the LDs were measured. We found an asymmetry of the kernel density distribution of the maximum Feret's diameter of the LDs with a tail due to very large LDs. More information regarding the birth of the LDs could help in finding the best mathematical model in order to analyze fat accumulation in adipocytes.