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The iliotibial band (ITB) is a suitable scaffold for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, providing a sufficient mechanical resistance to loading. Hence, ITB-derived fibroblasts attract interest for ligament tissue engineering but have so far not been characterized. This present study aimed at characterizing ITB fibroblasts before, during, and after emigration from cadaveric ITB explants to decipher the emigration behavior and to utilize their migratory capacity for seeding biomaterials. ITB and, for comparison, ACL tissues were assessed for the content of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expressing fibroblasts and degeneration. The cell survival and αSMA expression were monitored in explants used for cell isolation, monolayer, self-assembled ITB spheroids, and spheroids seeded in polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds. The protein expression profile of targets typically expressed by ligamentocytes (collagen types I-III, elastin, lubricin, decorin, aggrecan, fibronectin, tenascin C, CD44, β1-integrins, vimentin, F-actin, αSMA, and vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGFA]) was compared between ITB and ACL fibroblasts. A donor- and age-dependent differing percentage of αSMA positive cells could be detected, which was similar in ITB and ACL tissues despite the grade of degeneration being significantly higher in the ACL due to harvesting them from OA knees. ITB fibroblasts survived for several months in an explant culture, continuously forming monolayers with VEGFA and an increased αSMA expression. They shared their expression profile with ACL fibroblasts. αSMA decreased during the monolayer to spheroid/scaffold transition. Using self-assembled spheroids, the migratory capacity of reversible myofibroblastic ITB cells can be utilized for colonizing biomaterials for ACL tissue engineering and to support ligament healing., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Hyaluronan occurs between deep fascia and muscle, facilitating gliding between these two structures, and also within the loose connective tissue of the fascia, guaranteeing the smooth sliding of adjacent fibrous fascial layers. It also promotes the functions of the deep fascia. In this study a new class of cells in fasciae is identified, which we have termed fasciacytes, devoted to producing the hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix. Synthesis of the hyaluronan-rich matrix by these new cells was demonstrated by Alcian Blue staining, anti-HABP (hyaluronic acid binding protein) immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. Expression of HAS2 (hyaluronan synthase 2) mRNA by these cells was detected and quantified using real time RT-PCR. This new cell type has some features similar to fibroblasts: they are positive for the fibroblast marker vimentin and negative for CD68, a marker for the monocyte-macrophage lineage. However, they have morphological features distinct from classical fibroblasts and they express the marker for chondroid metaplasia, S-100A4. The authors suggest that these cells represent a new cell type devoted to the production of hyaluronan. Since hyaluronan is essential for fascial gliding, regulation of these cells could affect the functions of fasciae so they could be implicated in myofascial pain. Clin. Anat. 31:667-676, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Introduction: There is no consensus on the ideal graft for medialization surgery of the vocal folds in the literature. One of the most favorable proposals is the use of autologous fascia, which seems limited by the lack of information regarding the integration of grafted tissue. Our study aims to evaluate the degree of fully engrafted fascia integration in the vocal fold lamina propria of dogs., Materials and Methods: Fourteen adult mongrel dogs that underwent intravenous general anesthesia were selected and kept under spontaneous ventilation. A fascia lata fragment of 4 cm 2 was obtained from the right leg of each dog. The dogs underwent laryngoscopy; a 3 mm incision was made in the vocal process, next to the vestibular process, and the fascia was grafted into the right vocal fold. The left vocal fold was used as a control. The animals were divided into two groups: group A, evaluated after 2 months of the procedure, and group B, evaluated after 6 months of the procedure. Histologic analysis was made semiquantitatively regarding the presence of inflammatory reaction, fibrosis, and neovascularization., Results: Our final studied group comprised 12 dogs. Microscopic examination of the larynx revealed the absence of any detectable inflammation in the incision site. The lamina propria of the grafted vocal fold showed identifiable compact, thick, and eosinophilic collagen bands. The surrounding tissue showed thin collagen bands with some organization, similar to the contralateral vocal fold., Conclusion: The grafted fascia integrates into the vocal fold lamina propria and seems not to cause inflammatory reaction response., (Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Currently, the exact role of telocytes within fascial structures is unknown. The morphology, distribution and behaviour of fascial telocytes as well as the mutual relationship between telocytes and other cellular fascia constituents should be definitely a subject of further studies. It will contribute to better understanding of the role of the fascial system in health and diseases, may shed light on the regeneration potential of these tissues and may help to find targets for future treatments for locomotor disorders, including fascial diseases. Last but not least, confirmation of the presence of telocytes within fascia may contribute to optimise the use of fascia as a graft material.

Background: Dorsal augmentation is the most commonly performed procedure in rhinoplasty for Asian patients. Due to the anatomic features of the Asian nose, the use of nonautologous materials to obtain a proper degree of augmentation is inevitable in most cases. Because the use of nonautologous materials possesses a higher risk of complications, surgeons are concerned about selecting suitable materials for the procedure, especially in revision rhinoplasty. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the suitability and usefulness of a homologous material, Tutoplast-processed fascia lata (TPFL), in revision augmentation rhinoplasty., Methods: Retrospective analysis of 104 rhinoplasty patients (primary, 86; revision, 18) who had undergone dorsal augmentation using TPFL was conducted. The comparison of surgical outcomes between primary and revision surgery was made using objective [dorsal height (DH) and radix height (RH), complication rate] and subjective (patient satisfaction) parameters., Results: The degree of augmentation represented by DH and RH was comparable between primary and revision rhinoplasty using TPFL. In comparing the rate of postoperative complications, only minor incidents were noted, in six cases after primary surgery and in one case after revision surgery. Patient satisfaction was measured in both primary and revision augmentation, with a significant difference observed between the two groups (40.57 ± 9.25 versus 31.48 ± 7.59; p < 0.05)., Conclusion: TPFL is a feasible implant material that delivers suitable augmentation and patient satisfaction with minimal morbidity in both primary and revision rhinoplasty.

The mineral composition of pathologically unchanged human fascia lata was examined here using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method for the first time. The total concentrations of Ag, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn were simultaneously measured in the tissue secured during autopsy. The age-related changes and between-gender differences in mineral composition of the examined tissue were investigated and discussed.

Fascia is a highly organized collagenous tissue that is ubiquitous in the body, but whose function is not well understood. Because fascia has a sheet-like structure attaching to muscles and bones at multiple sites, it is exposed to different states of multi- or biaxial strain. In order to measure how biaxial strain affects fascia material behavior, planar biaxial tests with strain control were performed on longitudinal and transversely oriented samples of goat fascia lata (FL). Cruciform samples were cycled to multiple strain levels while the perpendicular direction was held at a constant strain. Structural differences among FL layers were examined using histology and SEM. Results show that FL stiffness, hysteresis, and strain energy density are greater in the longitudinal vs. transverse direction. Increased stiffness in the longitudinal layer is likely due to its greater thickness and greater average fibril diameter compared to the transverse layer(s). Perpendicular strain did not affect FL material behavior. Differential loading in the longitudinal vs. transverse directions may lead to structural changes, enhancing the ability of the longitudinal FL to transmit force, store energy, or stabilize the limb during locomotion. The relative compliance of the transverse fibers may allow expansion of underlying muscles when they contract.

The host response and remodeling of ECM scaffolds are believed to be critical determinants of success or failure in repair or reconstructive procedures. Host response has been investigated in subcutaneous or abdominal wall implantation models. The extent to which evaluation of the host response to ECM intended for tendon or ligament repair should be performed in an orthotopic site is not known. This study compared the host response to human-derived fascia lata ECM among various implantation sites in the rat model. Results showed that a xenograft in the rat shoulder does not exhibit a different host response at 7 days from xenograft in the body wall, suggesting that either site may be appropriate to study the early host response to biologic grafts as well as the effect of various treatments aimed to modify the early host response. By 28 days, a xenograft in the rat shoulder does elicit a unique host response from that seen in the body wall. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to use an orthotopic shoulder model for investigating the long-term host response and remodeling of biologic grafts to be used for rotator cuff repair., (Copyright © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society.)

Oxygen is necessary for maintaining cell proliferation and viability and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in 3-dimensional tissue engineering. Typically, diffusion is the primary mode for oxygen transport in vitro; thus, ensuring an adequate oxygen supply is essential. In this study, we determined the oxygen diffusion coefficients of 3 natural ECMs that are being investigated as construct scaffolds for tendon tissue engineering: small-intestine submucosa (SIS), human dermis (Alloderm), and canine fascia lata. Diffusion coefficients were determined using a standard diffusion cell system. The ranges for each matrix type were: SIS: 7 x 10(-6) - 2 x 10(-5) cm2/s, Alloderm: 1.9 - 3.1 x 10(-5) cm2/s, and canine fascia lata: 1.6 - 4 x 10(-5) cm2/s. We used the experimental oxygen diffusivity data for these natural ECMs in a mathematical model of oxygen diffusion through a cell-seeded scaffold to estimate the critical size of cell-seeded scaffold that can be cultured in vitro.

Objective: To study the biocompatibility of extracellular matrix (ECM) of homologous fascia lata, so as to identify whether this material can be used in repair of renal trauma., Methods: The fascia latae of 2 dogs were stripped and underwent treatment of decellularizing liquid, DNAse, RNAse, etc. so as to produce ECM. Twenty Kunming mice were randomly divided into 2 equal groups to be injected with the extractive liquid of the ECM or normal saline. 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours later the mice were observed so as to examine the toxicity of the ECM. Mouse fibroblasts of the line L929 were cultured. ECM was added into the suspension of the cells, and 2, 4, and 7 days later the relative growth rate (RGR) of the cells was observed by MTT method. The left kidneys of 10 dogs were cut by knife so as to establish kidney injury models, and the wounds were covered by prepared ECM pieces immediately. 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 2, and 4 months after the operation respectively the dogs were killed and light microscopy and electron microscopy were conducted to observe the condition of the wounds., Results: No abnormal situation was found in the mice after the extractive liquids of the ECM was injected into their bodies at any time point. MTT method showed that no obvious cytotoxicity was seen in the L292 cells, the RGR levels 2, 4, and 7 days were 112%, 96%, and 97% respectively, and the cytotoxic grade were 0, 1, and 1 respectively. No obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells into the local site of renal repair could be seen, only mild adhesion to the surrounding tissues was found at different time-points after operation., Conclusion: With good biocompatibility, ECM of homologous fascia lata may be used as an ideal tissue-engineering material for renal repair.

Objective: This study was undertaken to compare outcomes after anterior colporrhaphy with and without a solvent dehydrated cadaveric fascia lata graft., Study Design: A total of 162 women were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial that evaluated the impact of a solvent dehydrated cadaveric fascia lata patch on recurrent anterior vaginal prolapse. Subjects were randomly assigned to standard colporrhaphy with or without a patch. Before and after surgery, subjects were evaluated by both the Baden-Walker and pelvic organ prolapse quantification systems. "Failure" was defined as stage II anterior wall prolapse or worse., Results: Of 154 women randomly assigned (76 patch: 78 no patch), all underwent surgery and 153 (99%) returned for follow-up. Sixteen women (21%) in the patch group and 23 (29%) in the control group experienced recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse (P = .229). Only 26% of all recurrences were symptomatic. Concomitant transvaginal Cooper's ligament sling procedures were associated with a dramatic decrease in recurrent prolapse (odds ratio [OR] 0.105 , P < .0001)., Conclusion: Solvent dehydrated fascia lata as a barrier does not decrease recurrent prolapse after anterior colporrhaphy. Transvaginal bladder neck slings were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of recurrent anterior wall prolapse.

Object: Allogenic human fascia lata used in neurosurgery, as dura mater substitute, can be associated with a risk of viral and bacterial transmission. Chemical and physical procedures, developed to inactivate virus and bacteria, have been applied to fascia lata. The aim of this study consists in the evaluation of the biological properties of this treated graft., Methods: Grafts were treated with solvent detergents, freeze-dried for conservation and gamma irradiated (25,000 Gy) for sterilization. The indirect toxicity evaluation was performed by extraction method, according to the International Standard Organization (ISO). First, the cytotoxic effect of each extracts incubated in the presence of human fibroblasts (WI38) was quantitatively assessed by measuring the cell growth, the viability (succinate dehydrogenase activity, MTT), the membrane integrity (uptake of the neutral red by viable cells, NR) as well as the release of lactate dehydrogenase in the culture medium. Second, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to assess the direct contact between human primary fibroblasts and graft. CLSM was performed at days 3 and 7 after cells loading., Results: No acute cytotoxicity was observed for chemically processed allografts. Cells loaded on the graft have demonstrated a good growth and spreading., Conclusions: Human fascia lata secured against conventional and non-conventional agents is a fully biocompatible alternative to the available dural graft materials.

Purpose: To reduce antigenicity of allografts and stimulate their replacement by natural recipient tissues., Methods: Experimental allotransplantation of different tissues (fascias, tendons, derma, fat, etc.) with histological, histochemical, electron microscopical, electron histochemical examination 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 360 days postoperatively., Results: Allografts of different tissues with glucosaminoglycans extracted from collagen fibers have low antigenicity and can be replaced by natural tissues. Allografts with these properties were named 'Alloplant'., Conclusions: Alloplant biomaterials can selectively stimulate natural tissue regeneration. Hence, Alloplant biomaterials can be utilized in surgery for the restoration of different tissues.

Cardiovascular calcification, the formation of calcium phosphate deposits in cardiovascular tissue, is a common end-stage phenomenon affecting a wide variety of bioprostheses. To study the process of calcification in tissue prosthetics, glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium, dura mater and fascialata were implanted subcutaneously in rats and retrieved 21 days later and thereby morphological findings were correlated with biochemically determined levels of calcium. Transmission electron microscopy showed that calcification primarily involved the surface of collagen fibrils and the interfibrillar spaces. The deposition of calcium was higher with dura and fascia prostheses compared to pericardium. However, the release of Fe3+ ions from chitosan matrix had substantially inhibited the deposits of calcium in all implanted tissues. It seems that the structural and anatomical features of the tissue is one of the important factors for tissue-associated calcification. It is also confirmed that glutaraldehyde-preserved pericardium is the most suitable material for the development of cardiac prosthesis, with an appropriate drug combination therapy for prevention of pathological calcification.

Mice with induced tumours of mouse sarcoma M(52)B were treated by injections of extract of bovine fascia lata from two animals which had been inoculated with a mixture of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina--in one case 6 weeks previously and in the second case 8 weeks previously. As a control a further series of mice was injected with an extract of bovine fascia lata taken from a splenectomized animals reared in the laboratory to ensure that it had not come into contact with ticks and was free of Babesia.