Evaluation in vivo of autologous cell derived vein grafts based on tissue engineering concept.

Objective: Aim of the study was to construct and evaluate of autologous cell derived vein grafts based on tissue engineering concept.

Methods: In this study, we constructed venous grafts (VGs) in 12 days based on tissue engineering concept. We draw out 8-12 mL of bone marrow from the intended recipient canines (N.=8) to culture and expand endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). After having been labeled with PKH26-GL, the cells were seeded onto the luminal surface of decellularized scaffolds (DSs) with single, rotative method for 4 hours. Following static culture for 24-72 hours, the hybrids were implanted to recipient canine inferior vena cava. Non-seeded DSs (N.=4) were performed as control.

Results: Angiography disclosed that patent number of test (control) group were 7/7 (2/4), 6/6 (2/2) and 4/4 (1/2) at postoperative 10 days, 4 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. At 12 weeks, confluenced endothelial cells which covered the whole inner luminal surface of the explants were detected. Meanwhile, fibroblasts and α-actin positive cells in the matrices were found. PKH26-GL labeled EPCs sustained on the luminal surface accompanied by newly formed endothelial cells. However, the explants in both groups showed partial stenosis.

Conclusions: These results indicate that such constructed VGs based on autologous bone marrow-derived EPCs and porcine DSs are promising and deserve to further improvement and testing.