Abstract
Background: Various types of xenogeneic stem cells with composite structures are employed in tissue-engineered tracheal reconstruction. Objectives: Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells have been investigated as an excellent cell source for tissues, characterized by the absence of major histocompatibility complex-II expression. Methods: The human adipose stem cells/fibrin glue group was established by cultivating stem cells on constructs composed of fibrin glue, followed by differentiation. Additionally, undifferentiated human adipose tissue-derived stem cells were seeded on polylactic-glycolic acid and transplanted into a 1 × 3.0 cm cartilage ring within a tracheal defect model. The groups were organized as follows: Differentiated human adipose stem cells/fibrin glue/polylactic-glycolic acid (DHASCs/FG/PLGA) (group 1), fibrin glue/PLGA without cells (FG/PLGA) (group 2), and PLGA/sterile normal saline as a control (PLGA/SNS) (group 3). Expression of cartilage-specific markers and tracheal cartilage formation were evaluated after 2 weeks (in vitro groups: Chondrogenic DHASCs/FG and HASCs/FG) and 2 months later (in vivo groups) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or histology results, respectively. Results: No regenerated cartilage was observed in the control and group 2 tracheal cartilage defects. However, cartilage pieces were formed in the defect area where the DHASCs/FG/PLGA group was implanted, indicating the potential for cartilage tissue repair facilitated by the natural and complex structure. Conclusions: The combination of synthetic and natural scaffolds demonstrates promise as a suitable structure for repairing cartilage defects.