Project description:ImportancePatients with scarred vocal folds, whether congenitally or after phonosurgery, often exhibit dysphonia that negatively affects daily life and is difficult to treat. The autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) is a readily accessible source of cells with angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties.ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of local injections of autologous ADSVF in patients with scarred vocal folds.Design, setting, and participantsCELLCORDES (Innovative Treatment for Scarred Vocal Cords by Local Injection of Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction) is a prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-center, nonrandomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up and patient enrollment from April 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017. Eight patients with severe dysphonia attributable to vocal fold scarring associated with a congenital malformation or resulting from microsurgical sequelae (voice handicap index score >60 of 120) completed the study. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2018, to January 1, 2019.InterventionsInjection of ADSVF into 1 or 2 vocal folds.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcomes were feasibility and the number and severity of adverse events associated with ADSVF-based therapy. The secondary outcomes were changes in vocal assessment, videolaryngostroboscopy, self-evaluation of dysphonia, and quality of life at 1, 6, and 12 months after cell therapy.ResultsSeven women and 1 man (mean [SD] age, 44.6 [10.4] years) were enrolled in this study. Adverse events associated with liposuction and ADSVF injection occurred; most of them resolved spontaneously. One patient received minor treatment to drain local bruising, and another experienced a minor contour defect at the liposuction site. At 12 months, the voice handicap index score was improved in all patients, with a mean (SD) improvement from baseline of 40.1 (21.5) points. Seven patients (88%) were considered to be responders, defined as improvement by 18 points or more in the voice handicap index score (the minimum clinically important difference).Conclusions and relevanceThe findings suggest that autologous ADSVF injection in scarred vocal folds is feasible and tolerable. The findings require confirmation in a randomized clinical trial with a larger population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02622464.
Project description:The goal of this study was to characterize the vocal folds microstructure and elasticity using nonlinear laser scanning microscopy and atomic force microscopy-based indentation, respectively. As a pilot study, the vocal folds of fourteen rats were unilaterally injured by full removal of lamina propria; the uninjured folds of the same animals served as controls. The area fraction of collagen fibrils was found to be greater in scarred tissues two months after injury than the uninjured controls. A novel mathematical model was also proposed to relate collagen concentration and tissue bulk modulus. This work presents a first step towards systematic investigation of microstructural and mechanical characteristics in scarred vocal fold tissue.
Project description:Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for perianal Crohn's fistulas refractory to conventional therapy, which are an extremely morbid complication and a true therapeutic challenge. Autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) is an easily accessible source of cells with angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties. Here, we describe a case involving a patient with severe perianal Crohn's fistulas refractory to the best medical and surgical practices who received local treatment with ADSVF and microfat. This patient was first examined under anesthesia with drainage via seton placement; 1 week later, on a single day, he underwent adipose tissue extraction, ADSVF and microfat preparation, and the local injection of 14 ml of microfat and approximately 20 million viable ADSVF cells into the soft tissue around the fistulas. No serious adverse events were observed. At the first endpoint at 12 weeks, the fistula had clinically healed with complete re-epithelialization of all external openings; no fistula tract was detected on magnetic resonance imaging, confirming this finding. This good clinical outcome was sustained at 48 weeks and was associated with a reduction in the severity of perianal disease and an improvement in quality of life. The current case highlights the therapeutic potential of a new cellular treatment for Crohn's patients with refractory perianal fistulas based on the innovative hypothesis that the combined action of ADSVF in association with the trophic characteristics of a microfat graft could be beneficial for this condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION:EudraCT number 201325, NCT02520843 . Registered on 5 August 2015.
Project description:Following injury, pathologically activated vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs) can engage in disordered extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, leading to VF fibrosis and impaired voice function. Given the importance of scar VFFs to phenotypically appropriate in vitro modeling of VF fibrosis, we pursued detailed characterization of scar VFFs obtained from surgically injured rat VF mucosae, compared with those obtained from experimentally naïve, age-matched tissue. Scar VFFs initially exhibited a myofibroblast phenotype characterized by increased proliferation, increased Col1a1 transcription and collagen, type I synthesis, increased Acta2 transcription and α-smooth muscle actin synthesis, and enhanced contractile function. These features were most distinct at passage 1 (P1); we observed a coalescence of the scar and naïve VFF phenotypes at later passages. An empirical Bayes statistical analysis of the P1 cell transcriptome identified 421 genes that were differentially expressed by scar, compared with naïve, VFFs. These genes were primarily associated with the wound response, ECM regulation, and cell proliferation. Follow-up comparison of P1 scar VFFs and their in vivo tissue source showed substantial transcriptomic differences. Finally, P1 scar VFFs responded to treatment with hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor-β3, two biologics with reported therapeutic value. Despite the practical limitations inherent to working with early passage cells, this experimental model is easily implemented in any suitably equipped laboratory and has the potential to improve the applicability of preclinical VF fibrosis research.
Project description:BackgroundAdipose derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) contains a heterogeneous population of mononuclear cells, progenitor cells and about 1-10% are mesenchymal stromal cells. These cells are an ideal candidate for regenerative medicine for peripheral neuropathy. Leprosy is a disabling disorder with neuropathy, usually with consequences of permanent disability of the extremities. We conducted a preliminary study to evaluate the cell yield, its characteristics and clinical outcomes after SVF injections in four leprosy patients.MethodsFour post leprosy patients were recruited and evaluated for sensory testing (warm detection, cold detection, vibration, pain and sensation) on the ulnar area of the hand. Liposuction was done and adipose tissue was processed into SVF with a closed system and injected to the ulnar area of the hand at the dorsal and palmar side. Evaluation of sensory testing was done after 3 days, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months following SVF injection. SVF was also characterized using flow cytometry, cell counting, sterility and presence of mycobacteria.ResultsThe results showed that leprosy patients had a low count of mesenchymal cells and a high amount of CD34/CD45 positive cells. One patient was positive for mycobacteria from his adipose tissue and SVF. Sensory examination after SVF injection showed an improvement in temperature and pain sensation in the palmar and superficial branch. Meanwhile, touch sensation improved on the dorsal branch, and there was no improvement for vibration in all patients.ConclusionsThe results showed that SVF had a potential to improve sensory loss in leprosy patients.
Project description:Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the gradual decline and irreversible loss of cognitive functions and CNS structures. As therapeutic recourse stagnates, neurodegenerative diseases will cost over a trillion dollars by 2050. A dearth of preventive and regenerative measures to hinder regression and enhance recovery has forced patients to settle for traditional therapeutics designed to manage symptoms, leaving little hope for a cure. In the last decade, pre-clinical animal models and clinical investigations in humans have demonstrated the safety and promise of an emerging cellular product from subcutaneous fat. The adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is an early intervention and late-stage novel 'at point' of care cellular treatment, demonstrating improvements in clinical applications for Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. SVF is a heterogeneous fraction of cells forming a robust cellular ecosystem and serving as a novel and valuable source of point-of-care autologous cell therapy, providing an easy-to-access population that we hypothesize can mediate repair through 'bi-directional' communication in response to pathological cues. We provide the first comprehensive review of all pre-clinical and clinical findings available to date and highlight major challenges and future directions. There is a greater medical and economic urgency to innovate and develop novel cellular therapy solutions that enable the repair and regeneration of neuronal tissue that has undergone irreversible and permanent damage.
Project description:: In patients undergoing maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) for dental implant placement, bone substitutes are currently evaluated as alternatives for autologous bone. However, bone substitutes have only osteoconductive properties and lack osteoinductive potential. Therefore, this phase I study evaluated the potential additive effect on bone regeneration by the addition of freshly isolated, autologous but heterologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which is highly enriched with adipose stromal/stem cells when compared with native adipose tissue. From 10 patients, SVF was procured using automatic processing, seeded on either β-tricalcium phosphate (n = 5) or biphasic calcium phosphate carriers (n = 5), and used for MSFE in a one-step surgical procedure. Primary objectives were feasibility and safety. The secondary objective was efficacy, evaluated by using biopsies of the augmented area taken 6 months postoperatively, concomitant with dental implant placement. Biopsies were assessed for bone, graft, and osteoid volumes. No adverse effects were reported during the procedure or follow-up (≥3 years). Bone and osteoid percentages were higher in study biopsies (SVF supplemented) than in control biopsies (ceramic only on contralateral side), in particular in β-tricalcium phosphate-treated patients. Paired analysis on the six bilaterally treated patients revealed markedly higher bone and osteoid volumes using microcomputed tomography or histomorphometric evaluations, demonstrating an additive effect of SVF supplementation, independent of the bone substitute. This study demonstrated for the first time the feasibility, safety, and potential efficacy of SVF seeded on bone substitutes for MSFE, providing the first step toward a novel treatment concept that might offer broad potential for SVF-based regenerative medicine applications.SignificanceThis is the first-in-human study using freshly isolated, autologous adipose stem cell preparations (the stromal vascular fraction [SVF] of adipose tissue) applied in a one-step surgical procedure with calcium phosphate ceramics (CaP) to increase maxillary bone height for dental implantations. All 10 patients received CaP plus SVF on one side, whereas bilaterally treated patients (6 of 10) received CaP only on the opposite side. This allowed intrapatient evaluation of the potential added value of SVF supplementation, assessed in biopsies obtained after 6 months. Feasibility, safety, and potential efficacy of SVF for bone regeneration were demonstrated, showing high potential for this novel concept.
Project description:Microarray studies were performed to identify expression patterns by cryopreserved adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) preparations that were prepared by three different veterinary stem cell companies from the same source of canine adipose tissue. [Samples 1 - 3] Three equal samples of approximately 20 grams of adipose tissue were shipped on ice to 3 different companies which specialize in adipose-derived veterinary stem cell therapy. All 3 SVF preparations were cryopreserved at their respective facilities. Approximately one month later, cryopreserved samples were retrieved from all companies and transported frozen to the University of Kentucky for gene profiling and viability analysis. [Samples 4 - 11] Groups of cells (samples 5, 7, 9, 11) were treated by the stem cell company with photo-activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) according to their proprietary procedures in order to enhance regenerative properties of the adipose stem cells. These PRP-treated cells were incubated in the investigator's lab for 6 hours at 37 degrees Celsius to allow for expression of genes that were induced by PRP treatment.
Project description:BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent non-traumatic neurological debilitating disease among young adults with no cure. Over recent decades, efforts to treat neurodegenerative diseases have shifted to regenerative cell therapy. Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) comprises a heterogeneous cell population, considered an easily accessible source of MSCs with therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess the regenerative capacity of low-level laser-activated SVF in an MS cat model.MethodsFifteen adult Persian cats were used in this study: Group I (control negative group, normal cats), Group II (EB-treated group, induced for MS by ethidium bromide (EB) intrathecal injection), and Group III (SVF co-treated group, induced for MS then treated with SVF on day 14 post-induction). The SVF was obtained after digesting the adipose tissue with collagenase type I and injecting it intrathecal through the foramen magnum.ResultsThe results showed that the pelvic limb's weight-bearing locomotion activity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) recovered in Group III, and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores of hindlimb locomotion were significantly higher in Group III (14 ± 0.44) than Group II (4 ± 0.31). The lesion's extent and intensity were reduced in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Group III. Besides, the same group showed a significant increase in the expression of neurotrophic factors: BDNF, SDF and NGF (0.61 ± 0.01, 0.51 ± 0.01 and 0.67 ± 0.01, respectively) compared with Group II (0.33 ± 0.01, 0.36 ± 0.006 and 0.2 ± 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, SVF co-treated group revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in oligodendrocyte transcription factor (Olig2) and myelin basic protein (4 ± 0.35 and 6 ± 0.45, respectively) that was decreased in group II (1.8 ± 0.22 and 2.9 ± 0.20, respectively). Moreover, group III showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in Bax and glial fibrillary acidic protein (4 ± 0.53 and 3.8 ± 0.52, respectively) as compared with group II (10.7 ± 0.49 and 8.7 ± 0.78, respectively). The transmission electron microscopy demonstrated regular more compact, and markedly (P ≤ 0.05) thicker myelin sheaths (mm) in Group III (0.3 ± 0.006) as compared with group II (0.1 ± 0.004). Based on our results, the SVF co-treated group revealed remyelination and regeneration capacity with a reduction in apoptosis and axonal degeneration.ConclusionSVF is considered an easy, valuable, and promising therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injuries, particularly MS.
Project description:Large bone defects requiring invasive surgical procedures have long been a problem for orthopedic surgeons. Despite the use of autologous bone grafting, satisfactory results are often not achieved due to associated limitations. Biomaterials are viable alternatives and have lately been used in association with Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF), stem cells, and signaling factors for bone tissue engineering (BTE). The objective of the current study was to assess the biocompatibility of Silicon Hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) and to improve osteogenic potential by using autologous adipose-derived SVF with Si-HA in a rabbit bone defect model. Si-HA granules synthesized using a wet precipitation method were used. They were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A hemolysis assay was used to assess the hemolytic effects of Si-HA, while cell viability was assessed through Alamar Blue assay using MC3T3 mouse osteoblasts. The osteogenic potential of Si-HA both alone and with enzymatically/non-enzymatically-derived SVF (modified) was performed by implantation in a rabbit tibia model followed by histomorphometric analysis and SEM of dissected bone after six weeks. The results showed that Si-HA granules were microporous and phase pure and that the addition of Silicon did not influence Si-HA phase composition. Si-HA granules were found to be non-hemolytic on the hemolysis assay and non-toxic to MC3T3 mouse osteoblasts on the Alamar Blue assay. Six weeks following implantation Si-HA showed high biocompatibility, with increased bone formation in all groups compared to control. Histologically more mature bone was formed in the Si-HA implanted along with non-enzymatically-derived modified SVF. Bone formation was observed on and around Si-HA, reflecting osseointegration. In conclusion, Si-HA is osteoconductive and promotes osteogenesis, and its use with SVF enhances osteogenesis.