Basic Science PaperImprovement of mesh recolonization in abdominal wall reconstruction with adipose vs. bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a rodent model

BackgroundReconstruction of muscle defects remains a challenge. Our work assessed the potential of an engineered construct made of a human acellular collagen matrix (HACM) seeded with porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to reconstruct abdominal wall muscle defects in a rodent model.MethodsThis study compared 2 sources of MSCs (bone-marrow, BMSCs, and adipose, ASCs) in vitro and in vivo for parietal defect reconstruction. Cellular viability and growth factor release (VEGF, FGF-Beta, HGF, IGF-1, TGF-Beta) were investigated under normoxic/hypoxic culture conditions. Processed and recellularized HACMs were mechanically assessed. The construct was tested in vivo in full thickness abdominal wall defect treated with HACM alone vs. HACM + ASCs or BMSCs (n = 14). Tissue remodeling was studied at day 30 for neo-angiogenesis and muscular reconstruction.ResultsA significantly lower secretion of IGF was observed with ASCs vs. BMSCs under hypoxic conditions (− 97.6%, p < 0.005) whereas significantly higher VEGF/FGF secretions were found with ASCs (+ 92%, p < 0.001 and + 72%, p < 0.05, respectively). Processing and recellularization did not impair the mechanical properties of the HACM. In vivo, angiogenesis and muscle healing were significantly improved by the HACM + ASCs in comparison to BMSCs (p < 0.05) at day 30.ConclusionA composite graft made of an HACM seeded with ASCs can improve muscle repair by specific growth factor release in hypoxic conditions and by in vivo remodeling (neo-angiogenesis/graft integration) while maintaining mechanical properties.