Study on the Effects of Estradiol in Staphylococcus epidermidis Device-Related Capsule Formation.

BACKGROUND

Capsular contracture, mainly caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) biofilm formation, is a complex problem for breast cancer patients who undergo surgical prosthetic breast reconstruction. Estradiol has been reported to be involved in the formation of bacterial biofilms. Thus, the underlying mechanism of estradiol in capsular contracture needs to be investigated.

METHODS

Biofilm-related gene expressions were measured by qRT-PCR after sterilizing the silicone with bacterial suspension and E2 treatment in vitro. Rat models were established with bilateral ovariectomy operations and estradiol subcutaneous injections. The effects of estradiol on capsular contracture were detected by monitoring serum estradiol levels, bacterial infection rate in organs, biofilm formation and capsular contracture in vivo; inflammatory factors in vivo were examined as well. Biofilm on the silicone implants was observed under a scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

Both positive regulatory genes and negative regulatory genes were increased by the high concentration of estradiol, suggesting that estradiol can promote the formation of biofilm by not only positive but also negative regulations. High estradiol levels increased bacterial infection rate in organs, biofilm formation and capsular contracture. Further, high estradiol caused a large number of inflammatory cells to infiltrate and caused serious inflammatory reactions that aggravate the immune imbalances of the host.

CONCLUSION

High estradiol levels contribute to increasing capsular contracture caused by S. epidermidis biofilm formation.

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