Nikita Lebedz
Research Mentor(s): Dogukan Mizrak
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Cardiac Surgery
Presentation Date: 08/03/2022
Presentation Type: Poster
Poster Number: 37
Session: Session I: 12:30 – 1:20pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Nikita Lebedz, Dogukan Mizrak and Bo Yang
Abstract
Modeling BAV-Associated Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm using Tissue Engineered Blood Vessels
Nikita Lebedz; Ying Yang, PhD; Dogukan Mizrak, PhD; Bo Yang, MD, PhD. Department of Cardiac Surgery.
Abstract:
Aortic aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the aortic wall that can lead to life-threatening aortic dissection or rupture. The current treatment is limited to surgical repair with no other treatments available. Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV), the most common congenital heart defect, have a significantly increased risk of developing aortic aneurysm and dissection. The goal of my project is to model BAV-associated aortic aneurysm using tissue engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) and to reveal the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease development.
In my project, I collect and culture primary smooth muscle cells using surgical samples from healthy individuals as well as individuals with the heritable disorder BAV. Using biodegradable mesh and suture, I make two TEBV meshes per patient and seed them with an appropriate number of cells. I then maintain and grow the TEBVs for 8 weeks.
After the period of 8 weeks, when the TEBVs are fully grown, a portion goes to study the mechanical and molecular properties of the bioengineered blood vessel, with another part being implanted into an immunocompromised rat (both experimental and control TEBVs), to model and observe the development of aortic aneurysm and dissection in-vivo. The project is in its initial steps and no real conclusions can be drawn yet. By studying aortic aneurysm, we hope to identify a potential way to treat the disease without surgical intervention. The research will also bring new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying aortic aneurysm initiation and progression.
