Cellular energy supply for promoting vascular remodeling of small-diameter vascular grafts: a preliminary study of a new strategy for vascular graft development
Hengxian Su, Wenchao Liu, Xifeng Li, Guangxu Li, Shenquan Guo, Chang Liu, Tao Yang, Chubin Ou, Jiahui Liu, Yuanzhi Li, Chengcong Wei, Qing Huang, Tao Xu, Chuanzhi Duan
Abstract
results indicated that AICAR could upregulate energy supply in endothelial cells and reprogram macrophages (MΦ) to assume an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Furthermore, endothelial cells (ECs) co-cultured with AICAR achieved higher survival rates, better migration, and angiogenic capacity than the controls. Concurrently, a rabbit carotid artery transplantation model was used to investigate AICAR-modified vascular grafts at different time points. The results showed that AICAR-modified vascular grafts had higher patency rates (92.9% and 85.7% at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively) than those of the untreated group (11.1% and 0%). In conclusion, AICAR strengthened the cellular energy state and attenuated the adverse effects of inflammation. AICAR-modified vascular grafts achieved better vascular remodeling. This study provides a new perspective on promoting the regeneration of small-diameter vascular grafts.