title: Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Regeneration of Vocal Folds: A Study on a Chronic Vocal Fold Scar.
abstract: Background. The aim of the study was to assess the histological effects of autologous infusion of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) on a chronic vocal fold scar in a rabbit model as compared to an untreated scar as well as in injection of hyaluronic acid. Study Design. Animal experiment. Method. We used 74 New Zealand rabbits. Sixteen of them were used as control/normal group. We created a bilateral vocal fold wound in the remaining 58 rabbits. After 18 months we separated our population into three groups. The first group served as control/scarred group. The second one was injected with hyaluronic acid in the vocal folds, and the third received an autologous adipose-derived stem cell infusion in the scarred vocal folds (ADSC group). We measured the variation of thickness of the lamina propria of the vocal folds and analyzed histopathologic changes in each group after three months. Results. The thickness of the lamina propria was significantly reduced in the group that received the ADSC injection, as compared to the normal/scarred group. The collagen deposition, the hyaluronic acid, the elastin levels, and the organization of elastic fibers tend to return to normal after the injection of ADSC. Conclusions. Autologous injection of adipose-derived stem cells on a vocal fold chronic scar enhanced the healing of the vocal folds and the reduction of the scar tissue, even when compared to other treatments.
authors.affiliation: Phoniatrics and Applied Otorhinolaryngology Center, Amalias Avenue 42, 10542 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Angelou
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8378-0596
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valerie
authors.affiliation: Department of Flow Cytometry-Research & Regenerative Medicine, IASO Maternity Hospital, Kifissias Avenue 37-39, Maroussi, 15123 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Kalodimou
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vassiliki
authors.affiliation: Pathology Department, IASO Maternity Hospital, Kifissias Avenue 37-39, Maroussi, 15123 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Messini
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Irini
authors.affiliation: Experimental & Research Center, ELPEN, 95 Marathonos Avenue, Pikermi, Attica, 190 09 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Psychalakis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nikolaos
authors.affiliation: Experimental & Research Center, ELPEN, 95 Marathonos Avenue, Pikermi, Attica, 190 09 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Eleftheria
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karampela
authors.affiliation: Experimental & Research Center, ELPEN, 95 Marathonos Avenue, Pikermi, Attica, 190 09 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Papalois
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Apostolos