Stem cell activation during distraction enterogenesis in the murine colon
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Read the article on link.springer.com ↗Article · Apr 2023 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
This murine study demonstrates that spring-mediated mechanical distraction can lengthen colonic segments while activating Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells and increasing mucosal thickness. The technique offers a potential regenerative approach for treating short bowel syndrome by enhancing the colon's fluid absorption capacity through tissue expansion rather than transplantation.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a devastating disease. We have proposed spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis for intestinal lengthening. Colonic lengthening is a potential treatment option for SBS to enhance fluid absorption capacity. We hypothesized that intraluminal spring-mediated colonic lengthening is associated with stem cell proliferation.
Methods
C57BL/6 mice underwent placement of a gelatin-encapsulated compressed or uncompressed nitinol spring in a cecal segment. Animals were given clear liquid diet until postoperative day (POD) 7, followed by regular diet until POD 14. Cecal lengths were measured at euthanasia, and tissue was formalin fixed for histological processing. For Lgr5-GFP mice, immunohistochemistry against GFP was performed to localize Lgr5+ cells within crypts.
Results
Significant cecal lengthening with compressed springs and shortening with uncompressed springs were observed on POD 7 and 14. Mucosa of the compressed spring group was significantly thicker on POD 14. The density of Lgr5+ cells within the crypts in the compressed spring groups was higher than that in the uncompressed spring groups on both POD 7 and 14.
Conclusion
Expandable springs can be used to lengthen the colon in the mouse model. Colonic lengthening was associated with gradual mucosal thickening and correlated with an increased density of stem cells within the crypts.