Impact of Repeat Dosing and Mesh Exposure Chronicity on Exosome-Induced Vaginal Tissue Regeneration in a Porcine Mesh Exposure Model

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare vaginal wound healing after exosome injection in a porcine mesh exposure model with (1) single versus multiple dose regimens and (2) acute versus subacute exposure.

Methods

Six 80-kg Yorkshire-crossed swine each had 2 polypropylene meshes implanted to create the vaginal mesh exposure model. Animals were divided into 3 groups based on number and timing of exosome injection: (1) single purified exosome product (PEP) injection (acute-single), (2) weekly PEP injections (acute-weekly, 4 total injections), and (3) delayed single injection (subacute-single). Acute and subacute injections occurred 1 and 8 weeks after mesh implantation, respectively. EdU, a thymidine analog, was given twice weekly after the first injection to track tissue regeneration. Euthanasia and tissue analysis occurred 4 weeks after the first injection. ImageJ was used to quantify epithelial thickness, cellular proliferation, and capillary density. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test.

Results

Acute-single PEP injection tissues mirrored pilot study results, validating replication of protocol. Within the acute groups, weekly dosing resulted in 1.5× higher epithelial thickness (nonsignificant), 1.8× higher epithelial proliferation (P

Source: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery - February 23, 2021 Category: OBGYN Tags: AUGS Special Issue Submission Source Type: research