Comparing the Endoscopic Sub Ureteral Injection of Lyophilized/Micronized Decellular Prepuce with Urodex: Histological Findings

Abstract

Objectives: In the present study, a new engineered bulking agent called lyophilized micronized prepuce was examined as a natural scaffold to compare its safety and efficacy with the Urodex®. Methods: For an in vivo study, 12 rabbits were divided into two groups. In the first group (n = 6), 0.2 cc of lyophilized and micronized prepuce, and in the second group, 0.2 cc of Urodex® was injected into the seromuscular wall of the bladder. The biopsy was provided from all animals for histological evaluation in 3 and 6 months’ post-surgery and for each timeline 12 animals were assigned. The biopsies were stained with H&E and trichrome Masson. IHC staining was also performed with anti-LCA+, anti-CD34+, and anti-CD68+ antibodies. Resluts: Microscopic examination of acellular prepuce compared with normal tissue demonstrated the success of this process, and ECM and collagen fibers were preserved with no evidence of cellular remnants in the acellular tissue, Immunohistochemistry staining with CD68 and LCA revealed a higher inflammation grade in Urodex as compared with Prepuce. However, no significant difference was detected in CD34 staining between Prepuce and Urodex experimental groups SEM analysis detected the micronized particle size varying between 2-5 µm. MTT assay revealed that cell proliferation was similar in the presence of control group and acellular prepuce. Conclusion: The results of this study disclosed that lyophilized and micronized prepuce could be an operative alternative to Urodex® as a natural and non-synthetic bulking agent in the treatment of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).