Tissue response to a new type of biomaterial implanted subcutaneously in rats.
OBJECTIVE
A new type of resorbable biomaterial intended for pelvic reconstruction was tested with respect to tissue regeneration and biocompatibility in rats. The biomaterial consisted of methoxypolyethyleneglycol-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (MPEG-PLGA). Implants were pure, enriched with extra-cellular matrix (ECM) or estrogen.


METHODS
Ten implants of each type were tested for 3 and 8 weeks, respectively. Histological assessment of connective tissue organization, inflammation, vascularization, and thickness of regenerated tissue was undertaken.


RESULTS
All implants had a high degree of biocompatibility. ECM-enriched implants had significantly higher inflammatory scores compared to pure implants at 3 weeks. At 8 weeks, neither of the parameters differed significantly. No trace of the implants remained.


CONCLUSIONS
The MPEG-PLGA is highly biocompatible, degrades quickly, and seems inert in the process of tissue regeneration. Thus, it is hardly a candidate per se in reinforcement of pelvic reconstruction, but it could have a future role as carrier for stem cells.
Boennelycke
Marie
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. mabn@heh.regionh.dk
Christensen
Lise
L
Nielsen
Lene Feldskov
LF
Everland
Hanne
H
Lose
Gunnar
G
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix; D005260:Female; D008422:Materials Testing; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012038:Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004967:Estrogens; D011091:Polyesters; C558447:methoxypolyethyleneglycol-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); D011092:Polyethylene Glycols