Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 25, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Nov 18;25(22):12361. doi: 10.3390/ijms252212361.
This study evaluates the effects of two decellularization protocols, enzyme-detergent (ED) and detergent-detergent (DD), on the structural and biomechanical properties of human urethral tissue. Urethral samples from 18 individuals were divided into ED ( = 7) and DD ( = 11) groups, with native samples ( = 3) serving as controls. Histological and ultrastructural analyses confirmed that both protocols effectively removed cellular content while preserving essential extracellular matrix (ECM) elements, such as collagen and elastic fibers. Immunohistochemical staining for collagen IV and fibronectin revealed no significant differences between decellularized and native tissues, indicating intact ECM structure. Biomechanical testing demonstrated that DD-treated tissues had significantly lower Cauchy stress (1494.8 ± 518.4 kPa) when compared to native tissues (2439.7 ± 578.7 kPa, = 0.013), while ED-treated tissues were similar to both groups. Both decellularized groups exhibited reduced stretch at failure and elastic modulus compared to native tissues. Cytotoxicity assays using adipose-derived stem cells demonstrated no signs of toxicity in either protocol. Overall, both ED and DD protocols effectively preserved the urethral ECM structure and mechanical properties, making them suitable for potential use in tissue-engineered grafts and for biobanking purposes. Further research is needed to refine and optimize decellularization methods to improve scaffold recellularization and ensure clinical safety and efficacy.
本研究评估了两种脱细胞方案,酶-去污剂(ED)和去污剂-去污剂(DD),对人尿道组织的结构和生物力学性能的影响。18 名个体的尿道样本被分为 ED( = 7)和 DD( = 11)组,天然样本( = 3)作为对照。组织学和超微结构分析证实,两种方案均能有效去除细胞内容物,同时保留重要的细胞外基质(ECM)成分,如胶原蛋白和弹性纤维。胶原蛋白 IV 和纤维连接蛋白的免疫组织化学染色显示,脱细胞组织与天然组织之间没有明显差异,表明 ECM 结构完整。生物力学测试表明,与天然组织(2439.7 ± 578.7 kPa, = 0.013)相比,DD 处理的组织的 Cauchy 应力(1494.8 ± 518.4 kPa)显著降低,而 ED 处理的组织与两组相似。与天然组织相比,两种脱细胞组织在失效时的拉伸和弹性模量均降低。脂肪源性干细胞的细胞毒性试验表明,两种方案均无毒性迹象。总体而言,ED 和 DD 两种方案均能有效地保留尿道 ECM 结构和机械性能,使其适合于组织工程移植物和生物库的潜在用途。需要进一步研究来优化脱细胞方法,以提高支架再细胞化能力,并确保临床安全性和疗效。