Fresh muscle fiber fragments on a scaffold in rats–a new concept in urogynecology?

Objective To investigate if a synthetic, biodegradable scaffold with either autologous in vitro cultured muscle-derived cells or autologous fresh muscle fiber fragments could be used for tissue repair. Study Design Twenty scaffolds with muscle-derived cells and 20 scaffolds with muscle fiber fragments were implanted subcutaneously on the abdomen of rats, 2 in each rat, and examined after 3 weeks (10 of each preparation) and 8 weeks (10 of each preparation). Immonohistochemistry and histopathology was undertaken for assessment of growth pattern and biocompatibility, respectively. Results At 3 weeks, both muscle-derived cells and muscle fiber fragments could be identified. At 8 weeks, the muscle fiber fragments generated fragmented, striated muscle tissue in 6 of 10 explants, whereas the muscle-derived cells and all scaffolds had vanished. Conclusion Autologous fresh muscle fiber fragments on a biodegradable scaffold seem useful for tissue repair. This study introduces a promising new concept with possible implications for the surgical reconstruction of pelvic organ prolapse.