Adipose-derived Stem Cells Counteract Urethral Stricture Formation in Rats

Abstract Background A medical treatment for urethral stricture (US) is not yet available. Objective To evaluate if local injection of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSC) prevents urethral fibrosis in a rat model of US. Design, setting, and participants Male rats were divided into three groups: sham, US, and hADSC ( n =12 each). Sham rats received a vehicle injection in the urethral wall. US and hADSCs were incised and injected with the fibrosis-inducer transforming growth factor-β1 in the urethral wall. Intervention One day later, hADSCs were injected in the urethral wall of hADSC rats whereas sham and US rats were injected with the vehicle. After 4 wk, the rats underwent cystometries and tissues were then harvested for functional and molecular analyses. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Cystometry, microultrasound, histochemistry, organ bath studies, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot. Results and limitations US rats exhibited 49–51% shorter micturition intervals, 35–51% smaller micturition volumes and bladder capacity, 33–62% higher threshold pressures and flow pressures, and 35–37% lower bladder filling compliance compared with hADSC-treated rats and sham rats ( p p p p Conclusions Local injection of hADSCs prevents stricture formation and urodynamic complications in a new rat model for US. Patient summary Stem cell therapy is effective for preventing urethral stricture in an experimental setting.