Replacing damaged vessels by creating a "human textile" from collagen is the challenge launched by a team of Inserm researchers. This innovative idea, which will still have to pass several stages before being tested in humans, could respond to the serious public health problems of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the world.
The cardiovascular illnesses kill more than 17 million people worldwide annually, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). And if it was possible to replace the blood vessels damaged patients by brand new vessels produced in the laboratory? This is the challenge launched by Inserm researcher Nicolas L'Heureux, whose work focuses on the extracellular matrix human, structural support of human tissue, which is found around practically all cells of the body.
In a study published in the journal Acta Biomaterialia, Nicolas L'Heureux and his colleagues from the “Tissue Bioengineering” unit (Inserm / University of Bordeaux) describe how they cultivated human cells in the laboratory, in order to obtain deposits of extracellular matrix rich in collagen, this protein structural that makes up thescaffolding mechanics of the human extracellular matrix. " We got thin extracellular matrix sheets, but very solid which can be used as construction to replace blood vessels "Explains Nicolas L'Heureux.
From collagen threads, multiple forms become possible
These sheets were then cut by the researchers to form threads, a little like those which compose the textile of a garment. " We can weave, knit or braid the threads we have obtained to give them multiple shapes. Our main goal is to make assemblies with these wires that can replace damaged blood vessels Adds Nicolas L'Heureux.
Entirely composed of biological material, these blood vessels would also have the advantage of being well tolerated by all patients. Indeed, the collagen does not vary from one individual to another, which implies that these vessels should not be considered by the body as foreign bodies to be rejected.
Researchers now want to refine their production techniques for these "human textiles" before moving on to animal trials, in order to validate this latter hypothesis. If these are successful, they could put in place clinical tests.
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