Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Collagen—Hyaluronic Acid Gel Composite Scaffolds for Vocal Fold Regeneration

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to characterize the changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the lamina propria following the implantation of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in composite scaffolds in a rabbit vocal fold wound model. Methods: The ADSCs were co-cultured with collagen or hyaluronic acid gel. Each vocal fold was injured by localized resection and injected with ADSC complexes, ADSCs, or scaffolds or left untreated. From 15 days to 12 months, the vocal fold shape and the characteristics of the ECM components were analyzed. Results: With implantation of the ADSC complexes, the collagen content was significantly increased and had a disorderly distribution at 3 months. Subsequently, it began to decrease and reached close to normal by 12 months. The hyaluronic acid content was increased at 40 days, but it was reduced to normal levels and was limited to the superficial and middle layers of the lamina propria over the following 12 months. Fibronectin continued to be scattered in the lamina propria, at peak levels at 40 days, and then decreased over the following 12 months to reach near-normal levels. At 12 months, the vocal folds had a normal surface. Conclusions: ADSC complexes can play a facilitatory role in vocal fold regeneration, regulating the generation and orderly distribution of ECM.