Characteristics of Rabbit and Rat Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Growth and Attachment to Mesh Used in Hernia Repair

Abstract

The goal of this project is to create an optimal environment for healing at an incision site in the abdominal fascia. Long cycles of recurring hernias are one of the major complications that patients can endure following surgery. This research project will compare various mesh material embedded with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC's) to find the optimal environment to enhance hernia repair. The four mesh materials that will be used in this study are Bard Colla Mend, Vicryl Knitted Mesh, Gore-Tex Soft Tissue Patch, and Bard Mesh. Mesh supports have been used in the treatment of hernia repair and MSC's have been used to treat cartilage and cutaneous tissue repair. Since MSC's attach to a collagen matrix, we predict that the MSC's will adhere to the mesh materials. We also predict that MSC's once attached to the mesh materials, will increase the amount of collagen and elastin production at the incision site. The Cell Titer 96 Cell Proliferation Assay will be used to measure the number of MSC's that adhere to the mesh and stains will be used to measure collagen and elastin production. Future studies will examine how MSC's along with mesh supports can be used to strengthen hernia repair sites. Hopefully, this will diminish or eliminate the vicious cycle of hernia reappearance.