Open AccessTransplanted human multipotent stromal cells reduce acute tongue fibrosis in rats
Author(s) -
VahabzadehHagh Andrew M.,
Goel Alexander N.,
Frederick John W.,
Berke Gerald S.,
Long Jennifer L.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-8038
DOI - 10.1002/lio2.202
Subject(s) - medicine , fibrosis , tongue , stromal cell , mesenchymal stem cell , pathology , surgery , bone marrow
Background Tongue fibrosis resulting from head and neck cancer, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination thereof devastates one's quality of life. Therapeutic options are limited. Here we investigate human bone marrow–derived multipotent stromal cells (MSC) as a novel injectable treatment for post‐injury tongue fibrosis. Methods MSCs were grown in culture. Eighteen athymic rats underwent unilateral partial glossectomy. After two weeks for scar formation, a single injection was performed in the tongue scar. Three treatment groups were studied: low and high concentration MSC, and control media injection. Tongues were harvested for evaluation at three weeks post‐treatment. Results Dense fibrosis was achieved in control animals at five weeks. High concentration MSC reduced cross sectional scar burden ( P = .007) and pathologic score for inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusion This study establishes the feasibility of a novel rodent tongue fibrosis model, and begins to assess the utility of human MSCs to reduce scar burden. Level of Evidence N/a