Liver-derived extracellular matrix as a biologic scaffold for acute vocal fold repair in a canine model.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to evaluate a naturally derived liver extracellular matrix (L-ECM) scaffold for repair of an acute injury to the vocal fold lamina propria in a canine model.


METHODS
The vocal fold lamina propria was removed bilaterally in four dogs. One vocal fold in each dog was repaired with a porcine L-ECM scaffold, which was chosen because it contains hepatocyte growth factor, an antifibrotic growth factor that aids the healing of vocal folds. The other vocal fold was left untreated. At 3 months after surgery, morphologic and histologic analysis was performed to assess the vocal fold shape, collagen density, collagen composition, elastic fiber content, and glycosaminoglycan content.


RESULTS
The L-ECM-treated vocal fold showed increased collagen density in the superficial aspect of the vocal fold (P < .05). The L-ECM-treated vocal fold also showed an increased collagen III/I ratio as compared to the nontreated group (P < .05). However, the elastic fiber content was found to be increased in both groups, and the glycosaminoglycan content was decreased in both groups as compared to the normal vocal fold (P < .05) with no differences detected between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The L-ECM scaffold did not restore the biochemical composition or histologic appearance of the injured vocal fold as compared to normal. However, the increased ratio of collagen III/I and elastic fiber content suggests that L-ECM leads to formation of connective tissue that may be more pliable as compared to no treatment. Additional investigation, including functional assessment, is warranted.
Gilbert
Thomas W
TW
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, USA. gilberttw@upmc.edu
Agrawal
Vineet
V
Gilbert
Mark R
MR
Povirk
Katherine M
KM
Badylak
Stephen F
SF
Rosen
Clark A
CA
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005109:Extracellular Matrix; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000601:surgery; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor