Differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells promotes regeneration of smooth muscle for ureteral tissue engineering.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background The purpose of the present study was to assess the differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their potential for promoting regeneration of smooth muscle for ureteral tissue engineering. Methods ASCs were isolated, proliferated, and identified in vitro. SMC differentiation was induced using SMC induction medium. Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Vessel extracellular matrix was obtained by a decellularization process. The induced cells were seeded onto vessel extracellular matrix for ureter reconstitution. Grafts were obtained for evolutionary histologic studies. Renal function and ureteral patency was evaluated by intravenous urography at 16 wk. Results Flow cytometry demonstrated that the ASCs expressed CD90, but did not express CD45 or CD34. After 6 wk of induction, upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting in the induced cells. Vessel extracellular matrix exhibited a nontoxic and bioactive effect on the induced cells. Histologically, stratified urothelium and organized muscle bundles were observed in the grafts at 16 wk. Intravenous urography demonstrated no uret

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.