Transplantation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on a bladder acellular matrix for bladder regeneration in a canine model

Tissue engineering brings new hope for the reconstruction of injured bladders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) combined with a bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for bladder regeneration. A BAM or BAM loaded with hADSCs (BAM/hADSCs) was used to repair partial cystectomy of the bladder in a canine model. 6 months after implantation, calculi and urine leakage were not found in either the BAM or BAM/hADSCs group by cystography. And compared to the BAM group, a significant increase of maximum bladder volume and bladder compliance was observed in the BAM/hADSCs group by urodynamics evaluation. Moreover, histological analysis showed that the BAM/hADSCs group could more effectively promote the regeneration of bladder smooth muscle and vascularization than the BAM group. These results demonstrated that a BAM/hADSCs could be an effective approach to promote bladder reconstruction with potential clinical applications.