LOP29: Human Stem Cells and Hydrogel &bgr;-TCP/PCl versus Hydrogel &bgr;-TCP/PLGA Scaffolds in Human Thumb Regeneration

Introduction: Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium caused by a blockage or dysfunction of the lymphatic system. Despite both surgical and conservative treatment modalities clinical success is limited. In this study, the effects of implantation of differentiated embryonic stem cells (dESC) and differentiated bone marrowderived mesenchymal stem cells (dMSC) on lymphangiogenesis are investigated in a mouse lymphedema model. Material and Methods: Forty five Bulb-C mice were categorized into 5 groups. One week after establishment of secondary lymphedema on mice tail, dESC, dMSC, dESC medium, dMSC medium, and saline are given to groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Tail diameter measurement is performed daily. The development of lymphangiogenesis and lymphedema status on the tail were evaluated histologically H-E and immunohistochemically (VEGF, FGF-2, LYVE-1, and Prox markers). Results: Statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease are obtained in tail diameter in the groups given dESC and dMSC compared to the other groups. In histological and immunohistochemical evaluation, statistically significant lymphangiogenesis was determined in dESC and dMSC groups compared to the other groups. However, no statistically significant difference between dESC and dMSC is seen. Conclusion: The effects of dESC and dMSC implantation in lymphangiogenesis in a mouse lymphedema are examined. Clearly, additional investigations in larger animal species are warranted, but our present method may provide a novel strategy for therapeutic lymphangiogenesis for patients with severe lymphedema in the near future.