Kidney-Derived ECM Hydrogels as Cell Delivery Devices.

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)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health challenge, as emphasized by its increasing prevalence and limited treatment options. Stem cell-based therapies are promising alternatives for CKD treatment. In particular, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have emerged as an attractive candidate cell source. However, challenges in optimizing stem cell delivery and survival upon implantation persist. The inclusion of stem cells in hydrogels addresses these challenges by providing mechanical support coupled to bioactive cues essential for kidney regeneration. In particular, hydrogels derived from a decellularized kidney extracellular matrix (dKECM) offer a biomimetic platform rich in native and important renal components. Herein, we investigate the performance of dKECM hydrogels with respect to the differentiation of ASCs toward kidney-specific phenotypes. First, dKECM hydrogels were characterized and compared with commercially available collagen I hydrogels, which are typically used for this therapeutic application. Subsequently, we evaluated the performance of encapsulated human ASCs and proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cell line), elucidating the impact of these hydrogels on their viability, metabolic activity, proliferation, morphology, and renal phenotype. Our findings highlight the superior potential of dKECM hydrogels in promoting a sustained cellu

Evidence level

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

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