[Influence of resterilized polypropylen meshes on growth of human fibroblasts--an experimental in vitro study].
BACKGROUND
We investigated the influence of resterilized polypropylen meshes (Prolene(R)) on proliferation and apoptosis of human fibroblasts in an experimental in vitro study.


METHODS
Human fibroblasts were seeded into six-well culture dishes in a density of 3 x 10 (4) cells/well. After resterilization of meshes (steam autoclave, 121 degrees C, 20 min.) according to the manufacturer's recommendations (Ethicon, Norderstedt) square sheets of 2 x 2 cm were incubated with fibroblasts over a period of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 h. Preparations of fibroblasts with non-resterilized meshes and without meshes served as controls. Proliferation index and apoptotic index were estimated by flow cytometry after cell staining with an FITC-conjugated antibody against the Ki-67 antigen or with FITC-conjugated Annexin-V and propidium jodide, respectively.


RESULTS
A significant reduction of the proliferation index from 86 % to 42 % was found after 48 h incubation of cells with resterilized meshes, whereas only a slight decrease was found in the group with non-resterilized meshes (75 %) and in controls without meshes (80 %). Apoptotic index increased significantly from 2 % to 48 % after 48 h incubation with resterilized meshes in comparison to both control groups, where only a slight increase could be observed: non-resterilized meshes to 19 % and without meshes to 10 %.


CONCLUSIONS
Resterilized meshes inhibit growth of human fibroblats in vitro significantly, demonstrated by a reduced proliferative activity and an increased apoptotic index. This could be caused by a release of toxic substances from the meshes, which have a negative influence on cell growth. Therefore, resterilization cannot be recommended.
Chirurgisches Forschungslabor, Universitätsklinikum Lübeck. broll@medinf.mu-luebeck.de
R
R
Broll
T
T
Bethge
U
U
Windhövel
O
O
Schwandner
U
U
Markert
H P
HP
Bruch
M
M
Duchrow
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D002460:Cell Line; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008033:Limulus Test; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000633:toxicity*; D013242:Sterilization; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*
D011126:Polypropylenes