Objective  To explore the feasibility of preparing electrospun artificial vascular grafts using Wharton’s jelly (WJ) and polycaprolactone (PCL) for promoting vascular reconstruction. Methods  The WJ was separated from fresh umbilical cord voluntarily donated by healthy parturients and decellularized with parallel trypsinization. Then, the decellularized WJ was mixed with PCL and electrospun to prepare WJ/PCL electrospun artificial vascular grafts. PCL electrospun artificial vascular grafts were prepared using the same method as a control. Liquid displacement method was used to determine the porosity, static contact angle test was used to detect hydrophilicity, BCA protein assay kit was used to evaluate protein adsorption, and weighing method was used to determine in vitro degradation performance. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were co-cultured for 7 days, and cell viability was assessed by using live/dead cell staining and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8). Subcutaneous immune response assessment was conducted in rabbits (immunofluorescence staining for CD45 and CD163). Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used to prepare a 1-cm-length defect in the left carotid artery. PCL and WJ/PCL electrospun artificial vascular grafts were used for repair (n=5). At 1 month after operation, Doppler ultrasound and gross observation were performed to assess vessel lumen diameter and patency; biomechanical properties (ultimate tensile stress and fracture elongation) were evaluated; and histology (HE and Masson staining), as well as immunohistochemistry staining [(smooth muscle cells (SMCs), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and endothelial cells (CD31) ] were used for evaluating vascular structure. Results The experiment successfully prepared tubular PCL and WJ/PCL electrospun artificial vascular grafts. Compared to PCL electrospun artificial vascular grafts, the WJ/PCL electrospun artificial vascular grafts exhibited better hydrophilicity, protein adsorption, in vitro degradation rate, and cytocompatibility (P<0.05), with lower immune response (P<0.05). Animal experiments showed that, compared to the PCL group, the WJ/PCL group had higher carotid artery patency rate and larger lumen diameter (P<0.05) at 1 month after operation. Gross observation indicated minimal purulent secretion in the WJ/PCL group of repaired tissue. Biomechanical evaluation showed higher ultimate tensile stress and fracture elongation. There was no severe granulation tissue hyperplasia, and more homogeneous and mature fibrous connective tissue was observed in the WJ/PCL group of repaired tissue. The expressions of SMC, α-SMA, and CD31 were increased in the WJ/PCL group of repaired tissue. There were significant differences in above indicators between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion  The WJ/PCL electrospun artificial vascular grafts prepared based on WJ can be used for carotid artery repair in rabbits.

Copyright © the editorial department of Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery of West China Medical Publisher. All rights reserved