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An estradiol releasing, proangiogenic hydrogel as a candidate material for use in soft tissue interposition
Author(s) -
Mangır Naşide,
Eke Gozde,
Hasirci Nesrin,
Chapple Christopher R.,
Hasirci Vasif,
MacNeil Sheila
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.23971
Subject(s) - self healing hydrogels , angiogenesis , wound healing , extracellular matrix , gelatin , hyaluronic acid , biomedical engineering , medicine , chorioallantoic membrane , soft tissue , andrology , tissue engineering , neovascularization , surgery , chemistry , anatomy , biochemistry , polymer chemistry
and Objectives Soft tissue interposition (STI) using local and/or regional flaps is often necessary in urogenital reconstruction to stimulate wound healing and prevent recurrence. Harvesting STI flaps can cause donor site morbidity and may not be available in some patients. In this study, we designed estradiol (E2) releasing hydrogel that could be used as an alternative to a STI flap and to investigate its ability to stimulate tissue production and angiogenesis. Materials and Methods A hydrogel was constructed by crosslinking a solution of estradiol, methacrylated gelatin (15%, w/v), and methacrylated hyaluronic acid (1%, w/v). The release of estradiol was measured using a UV‐spectrophotometer (λ max = 220 nm). Angiogenesis was evaluated by an ex ovo chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Results Estradiol was gradually released from the hydrogel over 21 days. The hydrogels could be easily manipulated with surgical forceps without any deformation. The hydrogels significantly increased collagen production of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Scanning electron microscopic examination demonstrated that HDFs produced significantly more extracellular matrix (ECM) on estradiol releasing hydrogels compared with the controls. Estradiol releasing hydrogels doubled the number of blood vessels growing toward the hydrogel compared with the controls (vasculogenic index, 59.6 [±6.4] and 25.6 [±4.0], respectively; [ P < 0.05]). Conclusion We present a proangiogenic, degradable hydrogel that can be used as an off‐the‐shelf available substitute to traditional STI flaps. This is achieved by using estradiol as a potent stimulator of new tissue production and new blood vessel formation.