IADR Abstract Archives
Laminin-1 Peptide Conjugated Fibrin Hydrogels Promote Salivary Gland Regeneration
Objectives: Hyposalivation contributes to dental caries, periodontitis, and microbial infections. Additionally, it impairs activities of daily living (e.g., speaking, chewing, and swallowing). Current treatments for hyposalivation are limited to medications such as the muscarinic receptor agonists, pilocarpine and cevimeline. However, these therapies only provide temporary relief. Therefore, the development of alternative treatments to restore gland function is essential. Previous studies demonstrated that Laminin-1 is critical for intact salivary gland cell cluster formation and organization. However, Laminin-1 protein is not suitable for clinical applications as each protein domain may contribute to unwanted side-effects such as degradation, tumorigenesis and immune responses. Conversely, the use of synthetic Laminin-1 peptides makes it possible to minimize the immune reactivity or pathogen transfer. In addition, it is relatively simple and inexpensive as compared to animal-derived proteins. Therefore, the goal of this study was to demonstrate whether Laminin-1 peptides conjugated fibrin hydrogels (L1p-FH) promote tissue regeneration in a submandibular gland (SMG) wound healing mouse model.
Methods: Surgical wounds were made in the SMG, followed by and application of L1p-FH. After 20 days, glands were removed, sectioned, and stained for histopathological analysis as well as detection of salivary gland differentiation markers. Furthermore, quantity and quality of saliva as well as body weight changes were determined.
Results: L1p-FH applied to wounded SMG produced the following effects: a) formed new glandular tissue (as indicated by the presence of well-differentiated acinar and ductal structures), b) improved saliva secretion rates and quality of salivary protein patterns to a level comparable to healthy controls and c) enhanced body weight to levels comparable to healthy controls. In contrast, these changes were not observed in untreated or fibrin hydrogel alone-treated mice.
Conclusions: L1p-FH can be applied to damaged salivary glands to promote formation of new glandular tissue and recovery of lost secretory function.
Methods: Surgical wounds were made in the SMG, followed by and application of L1p-FH. After 20 days, glands were removed, sectioned, and stained for histopathological analysis as well as detection of salivary gland differentiation markers. Furthermore, quantity and quality of saliva as well as body weight changes were determined.
Results: L1p-FH applied to wounded SMG produced the following effects: a) formed new glandular tissue (as indicated by the presence of well-differentiated acinar and ductal structures), b) improved saliva secretion rates and quality of salivary protein patterns to a level comparable to healthy controls and c) enhanced body weight to levels comparable to healthy controls. In contrast, these changes were not observed in untreated or fibrin hydrogel alone-treated mice.
Conclusions: L1p-FH can be applied to damaged salivary glands to promote formation of new glandular tissue and recovery of lost secretory function.
