Polyisocyanides as a substrate to trigger vaginal fibroblast functioning in an in vitro model for prolapse repair

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of the bladder, uterus, and/or rectum into the vagina. POP is asso-ciated with altered vaginal fibroblast functionality and connective tissue composition in the vaginal wall. The results of surgical intervention are poor, which may be related to the lack of true restoration of the connective tissue. An innovative treatment addresses tissue repair after surgery by the introduction of a bioactive supple-ment that enhances the healing process through collagen and elastin deposition. As a novel strategy, we first studied the effects in an in vitro model. Here, we investigate how the presence of cell binding GRGDS (RGD) peptides on the highly biomimetic polyisocyanide (PIC) gel facilitates and promotes the function of primary vaginal fibroblasts isolated from a POP patient. Fibroblast function was analyzed in terms of morphology, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling. RGD modification of the gel facilitated cell spread and proliferation. Quantitative outcomes of the ECM content indicated increased production of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts on gels with the highest RGD density. The in vitro results suggest that PIC-RGD hydrogel application may translate into improved connective tissue healing in the pelvic floor, which is essential for its use as a regeneration promoting additive in surgery.

Automated summary

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition where the bladder, uterus, and/or rectum descend into the vagina. It is associated with changes in vaginal fibroblast functionality and connective tissue composition. Surgical intervention for POP has poor outcomes, possibly due to the lack of true connective tissue restoration. A novel treatment approach involves using a bioactive supplement to enhance tissue repair post-surgery. In this study, the effects of introducing cell binding peptides on a biomimetic gel were investigated using primary vaginal fibroblasts from a POP patient. The results showed that the modified gel promoted cell spread and proliferation, and led to increased production of collagen and elastin by the fibroblasts. These findings suggest that this gel application may improve connective tissue healing in the pelvic floor, which has important implications for regeneration in surgery.