Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
these products have some limitations. For example, up to 6% of
patients suffer hypersensitivity reactions to bovine collagen, which
can manifest as granulomatous inflammation, necrosis, or abscess
formation.
1
Rare systemic complications have been reported. The
clinical effect of biological materials such as collagen is short
lived because of their rapid degradation
in vivo
. For long-lasting
treatment results, alternative procedures have been investigated.
Synthetic materials such as silicone have the potential for adverse
reactions, sinceartificial materials remain permanently in the body.
To overcome some of these limitations, an autologous living
fibroblast culture technique was developed by Isolagen Technolo-
gies(Exton).
2
Thistechniquemaysafelyproducesustainedimprove-
ments in contour defects without surgery and has a virtually zero
risk of hypersensitivity reactions. This method involves a small
postauricular punch biopsy, which is used to create an autolo-
gous fibroblast cell line through a specific culturing process. These
numerically multiplied living autologous fibroblasts suspended in
saline solution are then injected directly into the patient's der-
mis, where it is believed these cells create a continuous protein
repair system. Recent studies have demonstrated objectively mea-
sured improvements in facial contour defects lasting at least 12 to
48 months. Indications include correction of facial lines, wrinkles,
and scars. Disadvantages of this method include the necessity for
a skin biopsy, high costs, long processing time (6 weeks), and the
need to inject the material within 48 hours of receipt. Also, patients
who expect immediate improvement may be dissatisfied because it
takes time for the implanted fibroblasts to grow and ameliorate the
treated area.
2
Following the Isolagen method, we have developed the new
methodforthewrinkletreatmentbyusinggingivalfibroblasts.
1
The
gingival fibroblast has been known to possess unique characteris-
tics such as remodeling capabilities. In particular, gingival fibrob-
lasts are considered responsible for the relatively scarless healing
of oral mucosa compared with skin healing. Recently, it has been
shown that gingival fibroblasts are a potential resource for not only
autologous collagen but also the various growth factors that may
affect repair and maintenance of dermal and superficial subcuta-
neous deficiencies. Gingival fibroblasts can be cultured from a small
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