Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Graupp, M.
Establishment of a novel in-vitro model for vocal fold scarring
Doktoratsstudium der Medizinischen Wissenschaft; Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2016. pp.
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Friedrich Gerhard
- Gugatschka Markus
- Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- INTRODUCTION: Scarring of the vocal folds (VF) remains one of the main challenges in modern laryngology. Development of novel therapeutic strategies is hampered by the complexity of trials in animal models and the lack of an appropriate in-vitro model. So the aim of this work was to establish an in-vitro fibrogenesis model for vocal fold scarring to enable proper testing of potential therapeutic agents. MATERIALS & METHODS: Inert macromolecules were used to generate “crowded” conditions and enhance deposition of extracellular matrix in-vitro. Moreover transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) was administered in cell culture to ensure fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and Botox were tested for antifibrotic properties within this model. Trials were conducted using primary vocal fold fibroblasts of rats and an immortalized human vocal fold fibroblast cell line. Experiments were analysed for the biosynthesis of collagen, fibronectin, as well as a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA). RESULTS: „Crowding” markedly promoted the in-vitro synthesis of extracellular matrix components like collagen and fibronectin. Related effects could be seen for TGF-ß1, also inducing the expression of a-SMA. Combining both treatments potentiated the findings. The antifibrotic properties of HGF could be confirmed in our model. CONCLUSION: The described model could be of great value by accelerating research in the field of vocal fold scarring, allowing for rapid and standardized testing of potential therapeutic approaches, moreover reducing the number of animal experiments.