摘要:
The present invention provides methods and constructs for selectively expressing an Apoptosis-Inducing Gene (AIG) in a population of cells that overexpress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to induce apoptosis in the cell. To achieve this goal a chimeric gene construct is used that comprises a cyclooxygenase-2 promoter (COX-2 promoter) that is operably linked to at least one AIG such that the COX-2 promoter is activated in cells that overexpress COX-2, thereby resulting in transcription and translation of the AIG, which in turn activates apoptosis in the cell. Thus, apoptosis is selectively induced in only those cells capable of overexpressing COX-2.
摘要:
Provided herein are isolated populations of kidney cells harvested from differentiated cells of the kidney, wherein cells have been expanded in vitro. The kidney cells may include peritubular interstitial cells of the kidney, and preferably produce erythropoietin (EPO). The kidney cells may also be selected based upon EPO production. Methods of producing an isolated population of EPO producing cells are also provided, and methods of treating a kidney disease resulting in decreased EPO production in a patient in need thereof are provided, including administering the population to the patient, whereby the cells produce EPO in vivo.
摘要:
The invention is directed to methods for producing a decellularized organ or part of an organ. A decellularized organ is produced using an isolated organ mechanically agitated to remove cellular membranes surrounding the isolated organ without destroying the interstitial structure of the organ. After the cellular membrane is removed, the isolated organ is exposed to a solubilizing fluid that extracts cellular material without dissolving the interstitial structure of the organ. A washing fluid is used to remove the solubilized components, leaving behind a decellularized organ.
摘要:
The present invention provides a tissue engineered testicular prosthesis for implanting within a patient having a scaffold with a biodegradable polymer scaffold having a substantially elliptical body in longitudinal cross-section replicating the shape of a testicle and a substantially circular cross-section in transverse cross-section, the biodegradable scaffold defining an interior and an exterior of the prosthesis, and the scaffold being seeded with disassociated chondrocytes or Leydig cells, or both chondrocytes and Leydig cells. The interior of the prosthesis can be at least partially filled with testosterone.
摘要:
The invention is directed to methods and devices for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of laminarily organized luminal organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The device comprises a biocompatible synthetic or natural polymeric matrix shaped to conform to at least a part of the luminal organ or tissue structure with a first cell population on or in a first area and a second cell population such as a smooth muscle cell population in a second area of the polymeric matrix. The method involves grafting the device to an area in a patient in need of treatment. The polymeric matrix comprises a biocompatible and biodegradable material.
摘要:
A method of treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, incontinence and other defects is described wherein chondrocytes are mixed with a liquid biodegradable polymeric material to form a suspension. The suspension is injected into the area where the defect is located and can be corrected by the presence of a bulking agent, in an amount effective to yield cartilage.
摘要:
Methods and artificial matrices for the growth and implantation of urological structures and surfaces are disclosed in which urothelial cells are grown in culture on biodegradable, biocompatible, fibrous matrices formed of polymers, such as polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, or other polymers which degrade over time. The cells can be cultured in vitro until an adequate cell volume and density has developed for the cells to survive and proliferate in vivo. Alternatively, when adequate cell numbers for implantation are available, the cells can be attached to the matrix and implanted directly, without proliferation in vitro. The implants approximate the desired urological structure to be replaced or repaired, such as the kidney, urether, bladder, urethra, and the like. Implantation is followed by remodeling through cell growth and proliferation in vivo. In another aspect of the invention, techniques are disclosed for selectively extracting or harvesting urothelial cells either from excised urological tissue in vitro or from intact urological tissue in vivo by treating the tissue with a digestive enzyme, such as collagenase.
摘要:
Methods and compositions are described herein for reconstruction or augmentation of breast tissue. Dissociated cells, preferably muscle cells, are implanted in combination with a suitable biodegradable, polymeric matrix to form new tissue. There are two forms of matrices which can be used: a polymeric hydrogel formed of a material such as alginate having cells suspended therein, and a fibrous matrix having an interstitial spacing between about 100 and 300 microns. Preferred polymeric materials are those degrading over about one to two months, such as polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers. The matrices can be seeded prior to implantation or implanted, allowed to vascularize, then seeded with cells. In a preferred embodiment, the cell-matrix structures are implanted in combination with tissue expander devices. As cell-matrix is implanted, or cells proliferate and form new tissue, the expander size is decreased, until it can be removed and the desired reconstruction or augmentation is obtained. The preferred cell types are muscle cells, although other types of mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes can be used. Cells obtained from tissue such as the labia can be used for specialized applications such as formation of a nipple type tissue. Other materials, such as bioactive molecules that enhance vascularization of the implanted tissue and/or which inhibit ingrowth of fibrotic tissue, can be implanted with the matrix to enhance development of more normal tissue.
摘要:
A method of treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, incontinence and other defects is described wherein bladder muscle cells are mixed with a liquid polymeric material to form a suspension. This is injected into the area of the defect, in an amount effective to yield a muscle area that provides the required control over the passage of urine or otherwise corrects the defect.
摘要:
Provided herein are implantable or insertable biomedical devices comprising a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in said substrate, and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments, the device is a urethral, ureteral, or nephroureteral catheter or stent. Kits comprising the same are also provided.