Biomedical subjects

Wafa M Elbjeirami

Publications and source records attributed to Wafa M Elbjeirami.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Angiogenesis-like activity of endothelial cells co-cultured with VEGF-producing smooth muscle cells.

A number of strategies have been investigated to improve therapeutic vascularization of ischemic and bioengineered tissues. In these studies, we genetically modified vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and formation of microvascular networks. VSMCs were virally transduced to produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which acts as a chemoattractant and mitogen of endothelial cells (EC). VSMCs transduced with VEGF(165) cDNA produced significant levels of the protein (2-4 ng/10(5) cell/day). The proliferation of ECs increased after exposure to VEGF-transfected SMCs or their conditioned media. The chemotactic response of ECs to the VEGF-producing cells was explored in two in vitro systems, the modified Boyden chamber assay and a 2-D fence-style migration assay, and both demonstrated increased migration of ECs in response to VEGF-transfected cells. Furthermore, endothelial cells seeded on top of the VEGF-transfected SMCs formed capillary-like structures. These results suggest that VSMCs genetically modified to produce VEGF could be a potential delivery mechanism to enhance endothelial cell migration and subsequent capillary formation, which in turn could improve vascularization of ischemic or regenerating tissue. Furthermore, this system could potentially be used as an in vitro test bed for evaluation of novel angiogenic and anti-angiogenic compounds.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Enhancing mechanical properties of tissue-engineered constructs via lysyl oxidase crosslinking activity.

A number of strategies have been investigated to enhance the mechanical stability of engineered tissues. In this study, we utilized lysyl oxidase (LO) to enzymatically crosslink extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, particularly collagen and elastin, to enhance the mechanical integrity of the ECM and thereby impart mechanical strength to the engineered tissue. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were liposomally transfected with the LO gene. Both Northern and Western analyses confirmed increased LO expression. Increased LO activity was demonstrated using a fluorescent enzyme substrate assay and by observation of the presence of increased levels of desmosine, a product of LO crosslinking, in the ECM. The mechanical effects of altered crosslink densities within tissue-engineered constructs were demonstrated in a VSMC-populated collagen gel model. When smooth muscle cells transfected with lysyl oxidase were seeded in collagen gels, the tensile strength and elastic modulus in these constructs increased by approximately two-fold compared to constructs seeded with mock-transfected VSMCs. Also, desmosine levels in the LO-populated collagen gels were higher than they were in mock-seeded gels, as demonstrated via immunohistochemical staining. Compositional analysis of the ECM deposited by the transformed cells showed similar collagen and elastin levels, and cell proliferation rates were similar as well, thus attributing increased mechanical properties to ECM crosslinking.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Tissue engineered small-diameter vascular grafts.

Arterial occlusive disease remains the leading cause of death in western countries and often requires vascular reconstructive surgery. The limited supply of suitable small-diameter vascular grafts has led to the development of tissue engineered blood vessel substitutes. Many different approaches have been examined, including natural scaffolds containing one or more ECM proteins and degradable polymeric scaffolds. For optimal graft development, many efforts have modified the culture environment to enhance ECM synthesis and organization using bioreactors under physiologic conditions and biochemical supplements. In the past couple of decades, a great deal of progress on TEVGs has been made. Many challenges remain and are being addressed, particularly with regard to the prevention of thrombosis and the improvement of graft mechanical properties. To develop a patent TEVG that grossly resembles native tissue, required culture times in most studies exceed 8 weeks. Even with further advances in the field, TEVGs will likely not be used in emergency situations because of the time necessary to allow for cell expansion, ECM production and organization, and attainment of desired mechanical strength. Furthermore, TEVGs will probably require the use of autologous tissue to prevent an immunogenic response, unless advances in immune acceptance render allogenic and xenogenic tissue use feasible. TEVGs have not yet been subjected to clinical trials, which will determine the efficacy of such grafts in the long term. Finally, off-the-shelf availability and cost will become the biggest hurdles in the development of a feasible TEVG product. Although many obstacles exist in the effort to develop a small-diameter TEVG, the potential benefits of such an achievement are exciting. In the near future, a nonthrombogenic TEVG with sufficient mechanical strength may be developed for clinical trials. Such a graft will have the minimum characteristics of biological tissue necessary to remain patent over a period comparable to current vein graft therapies. As science and technology advance, TEVGs may evolve into complex blood vessel substitutes. TEVGs may become living grafts, capable of growing, remodeling, and responding to mechanical and biochemical stimuli in the surrounding environment. These blood vessel substitutes will closely resemble native vessels in almost every way, including structure, composition, mechanical properties, and function. They will possess vasoactive properties and be able to dilate and constrict in response to stimuli. Close mimicry of native blood vessels may aid in the engineering of other tissues dependent upon vasculature to sustain function. With further understanding of the factors involved in cardiovascular development and function combined with the foundation of knowledge already in place, the development of TEVGs should one day lead to improved quality of life for those with vascular disease and other life-threatening conditions.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis↗