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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Behavior of Lyophilized Biological Valves in a Chronic Animal Model

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Author(s):
Maizato, Marina J. S. [1] ; Taniguchi, Fabio P. [1] ; Ambar, Rafael F. [1] ; Pitombo, Ronaldo N. M. [2] ; Leirner, Adolfo A. [1] ; Cestari, Idagene A. [1] ; Stolf, Noedir A. G. [3]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Bioengn Div, Heart Inst InCor, BR-0503000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Biochem & Pharmaceut Technol, BR-0503000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Div Cardiothorac Surg, Heart Inst InCor, BR-0503000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ARTIFICIAL ORGANS; v. 37, n. 11, p. 958-964, NOV 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Glutaraldehyde is used in order to improve the mechanical and immunogenic properties of biological tissues, such as bovine pericardium membranes, used to manufacture heart valve bioprostheses. Lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying, preserves biological material without damage by freezing the water content and removing ice by sublimation. Through this process, dehydrated products of high quality may be obtained; also, the material may be easily handled. The lyophilization process reduces aldehyde residues in biological tissue previously treated with glutaraldehyde, thus promoting reduction of cytotoxicity, increasing resistance to inflammation, and possibly decreasing the potential for tissue calcification. The objective of this study was to chronically evaluate the calcification of bovine pericardium heart valve prostheses, previously lyophilized or not, in an animal model. Six-month-old sheep received implants of lyophilized and unlyophilized heart valve prostheses in the pulmonary position with right bypass. The study followed 16 animals for a period of 90 days. Right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV/PA) transvalvular pressure gradient was evaluated before and immediately after implantation and before explantation, as were tissue calcium, inflammation intensity, and thrombosis and pannus formation. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. Twelve animals survived to the end of the experiment, but one of the animals in the control group had endocarditis and was excluded from the data. Four animals died early. The mean RV/PA gradient on implantation was 2.0 +/- 1.6 mm Hg in the control group and 6.2 +/- 4.1 mm Hg in the lyophilized group (P = 0.064). This mean gradient increased at explantation to 7.7 +/- 3.9 mm Hg and 8.6 +/- 5.8 mm Hg, respectively (P = 0.777). The average calcium content in the tissue leaflets after 3 months was 21.6 +/- 39.1 mg Ca2+/g dry weight in the control group, compared with an average content of 41.2 +/- 46.9 mg Ca2+/g dry weight in the lyophilized group (P = 0.478). In this experimental study there was no reduction of calcification after lyophilization. However, histological analysis showed less inflammation over the lyophilized tissue when compared with the control. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 04/09566-8 - Liofilization of biological tissue: research from the point of view of development of biomaterials
Grantee:Ronaldo Nogueira de Moraes Pitombo
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants