Impact of IFN-γ-Pretreated Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Implanted in Mesh on Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is an urgent clinical challenge, and traditional surgical treatment is limited by high recurrence rate, erosion, mesh exposure, pain, and other complications. Recently, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) have emerged as a promising modality for tissue regeneration and Pelvic floor repair. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of polypropylene mesh (Gynemesh^TM PS) loaded with human UMSCs (HUMSCs) primed with IFN-γ for the treatment of POP. In this study, an ideal IFN-γ concentration was chosen to stimulate HUMSCs and create an enhanced version by incorporating the activated HUMSCs onto the mesh. Balloon distension was used to create a rat POP model, and the mesh was implanted into the vaginal wall of rats. The meshes were removed at week four after implantation in order to assess the treatment effect. The improved mesh displays good biocompatibility. <i>In vitro</i> results indicate that IFN-γ stimulates HUMSC proliferation and enhances paracrine effects. <i>In vitro</i> results also demonstrate that it effectively reduces inflammation and promotes angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and cell proliferation, thereby accelerating tissue repair. Overall, this innovative therapeutic approach offers a new avenue for POP.