Experimental study on the repair of ear cartilage defects by adipose mesenchymal stem cells combined with injectable platelet-rich fibrin

HUANG Yanling; DONG Yue; HOU Tuanjie; LI Pingsong

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-7040.2024.11.009

Abstract：Objective To investigate the feasible method of repairing rabbit ear cartilage defects by injectable platelet-rich fibrin(i-PRF)combined with adipose mesenchymal stem cells(ADMSCs).Methods From June2023 to August 2023,adipose mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from the adipose tissue of patients with the tummy tuck for in vitro passaging culture.The cells were identified by flow cytometry and trilineage differentiation.Eight New Zealand Large White rabbits were selected,all of which were designed with a full-layer cartilage defect with a diameter of 0.9 cm at the symmetrical place of both ears,and the four auricles of every two rabbits were used as Group A(control group):0.5 ml saline;Group B(i-PRF group):0.5 ml i-PRF;Group C(ADMSCs group):5×106 ADMSCs;Group D(i-PRF combined with ADMSCs group):0.5 ml i-PRF+5×106 ADMSCs,each group was treated correspondingly.28 days later,the ear carti-lage defects were analyzed morphologically and histopathologically.Results In group A,the cartilage defect was filled with granulation-like tissue,in groups B and C,smooth contour-like new cartilage tissue was seen around the defect,and in group D,smooth new cartilage tissue was seen to fill almost the entire defect area.Histopathological analysis showed that in group A,the cartilage defect area had clear cartilage tissue boundaries,no new cartilage tissue was formed,a large amount of fibrous tissue could be seen to fill the defect area,and a certain num-ber of chondrocytes could be seen wrapped in the cartilage matrix in groups B and C,and the number of new chondrocytes in group C was more than that in group B.In group D,the largest area of new chondrocytes could be seen in the area of cartilage defect,and it was arranged continuously with the stumps of the autologous cartilage.Dense chondrocytes surrounded by cartilage matrix were seen within the newborn cartilage tissue.Conclusion i-PRF combined with adipose stem cells can be used to repair cartilage defects in rabbit ears.