[Polypropylene synthetic mesh modifies growth of human cells in vitro. An experimental study].
BACKGROUND
The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of polypropylene meshes on the proliferation and apoptosis of human cell cultures in vitro.


METHODS
Human fibroblasts and HeLa cells were incubated in different densities (10(4), 3.10(4), 10(5) cells/well) together with polypropylene meshes (Prolene, 2 x 2 cm) in six-well culture dishes over a 48-h period. Cells without meshes served as controls. Cells were spun on slides and stained with the monoclonal antibody MIB-1. To calculate the proliferation indices, stained nuclei were counted. Apoptotic indices were determined by flow cytometric analysis, using FITC-conjugated Annexin-V and propidiumjodide for staining.


RESULTS
Fibroblasts showed only a slight reduction of the proliferation index (PI) from 64% (controls) to 60% (meshes). Increasing cell density leads to a decrease in the PI of both groups. The PI of HeLa cells was similar in mesh groups and controls and independent of cell density. The apoptotic index (AI) of fibroblasts was significantly higher in the mesh group (3.7%) in comparison with the controls (1.9%). The same was observed for HeLa cells (AI mesh group: 4.5%, AI controls: 1.2%). Furthermore, an increase of AI was found with increasing cell density in both cell lines.


CONCLUSIONS
Whereas meshes did not influence the proliferation of the cell lines examined, they seem to have a marked influence on apoptosis, as a significant increase of AI was observed in the mesh group in contrast to controls.
Duchrow
M
M
Chirurgisches Forschungslabor, Klinik für Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck. duchrow@medinf.mu-luebeck.de
Windhövel
U
U
Bethge
T
T
Schwandner
O
O
Markert
U
U
Bruch
H P
HP
Broll
R
R
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D002460:Cell Line; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008422:Materials Testing; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000633:toxicity*; D013526:Surgical Mesh
D011126:Polypropylenes