Page 76 - GTM-2-2

Global Translational Medicine Elastolysis of porcine aortic adventitia

A B

C D

Figure 3. Histology of the adventitial region of the porcine aorta: (A) normal tissue; (B) tissue subjected to elastolysis for 48 h at 37°C; (C) tissue subjected
to elastolysis for 1 h at 37°C, arrows indicating the presence of elastin; (D) tissue subjected to 1-h elastolysis and then irradiated (ultraviolet-A radiation,
2
365 nm wavelength, 45 mW/cm irradiance, 10 min duration). Staining with Verhoeff-Van Gieson stain kit protocol; red: collagen; black: elastin.
Adv: Tunica adventitia; Med: Tunica media.
a similar compaction effect we have reported in the and radiation, eliminating the need for additional
irradiated tarsal collagen of the eyelids . incisions.
[20]
3.5. Clinical implications 4. Conclusion
This study, together with the previous ones [21,22] , has Irradiation with UV-A rays (365 nm) can enhance and
established the proof of concept for a potential procedure mechanically stabilize the porcine aortic adventitia
to prevent aneurysmal rupture in human patients by following its elastolytic degradation, although both elastin
mechanically strengthening the vascular wall. However, and collagen are depleted significantly. The finding suggests
the implementation of such procedures in clinical practice that irradiation may effectively reinforce an aneurysmal
presents some issues. Due to low penetration of the UV-A wall, delaying or preventing its rupture.
radiation through tissues (a few hundred micrometers),
the aorta must be exposed prior to irradiation, Acknowledgments
followed by careful debridement of the adventitia in the We are grateful for the research facilities and other supports
aneurysmal region. After the application of the riboflavin from the Viertel Charitable Foundation (Australia)
solution (spraying, brushing) and the prescribed waiting through the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation.
period, the region shall be irradiated. Our laboratory These organizations were not involved in the design and
is currently establishing more precise parameters of conclusions of the study, interpretation of results, or the
the process for use in human aortic tissue. Although it process of writing the manuscript. The authors thank Andy
is an interventional procedure, the proposed method Wu and Misato Koba (Translational Research Institute,
involves a lower level of surgical invasiveness compared Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) for histological processing.
to open surgery or endovascular repair, resulting in fewer
postoperative complications. However, we envisage that Funding
the proposed method will be most ideally implemented This project did not receive any specific grant from funding
using laparoscopic delivery of both riboflavin solution agencies in the public or commercial sector.

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2023) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/gtm.0897