• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.220-230
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• 2024

Purpose: Prevention of pancreas-related complications after gastric cancer surgery is critical. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh reduces postoperative pancreatic fistula formation following pancreatic resection. However, the clinical efficacy of PGA mesh in gastric cancer surgery has not been adequately investigated. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study compared the short-term outcomes between two groups: patients who underwent minimally invasive R0 gastrectomy for gastric cancer with the use of a PGA mesh (PGA group) and those without the use of a PGA mesh (non-PGA group) at the Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo, between January 2019 and May 2023. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for the possible confounding factors. Results: A total of 834 patients were initially included, of whom 614 (307 in each group) remained after PSM. The amylase levels in the drained abdominal fluid on postoperative days 1 and 3 were similar between the PGA and non-PGA groups. The PGA group had a significantly lower incidence of pancreas-related complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 than that in the non-PGA group (6.8% vs. 2.9%, P=0.025). In subgroup analyses, the odds ratio for pancreas-related complications appeared to be better in the PGA group than in the non-PGA group in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification score of 2 or 3, those operated via a laparoscopic approach, and those undergoing procedures other than proximal gastrectomy. Conclusions: The use of PGA mesh significantly reduced pancreas-related complications after minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer and might thus benefit patients at risk of such complications.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.233-239
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• 2006

Porous matrices of bioactive polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polylactic acid (PLA) can be used as scaffolds in bone tissue growth during bone repair process. These polymers are highly porous and serve as a template for the growth and organization of new bone tissues. We evaluated the effect of PGA and PLA polymers on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell extracellular mineralization. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in a time-dependent manner -1, 15, 25d as appropriate - for the period of bone formation stages in one of the five culture circumstances, such as normal osteogenic differentiation medium, PGA-plated, fetal bovine serum (FBS)-plated, PGA/FBS-coplated, and PLA-plated For the evaluation of bone formation, minerals (Ca, Mg, Mn) and alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker for osteoblast differentiation, were measured Alizarin Red staining was used for the measurement of extracellular matrix Ca deposit During the culture period, PGA-plated one was reabsorbed into the medium more easily and faster than the PLA-plated one. At day 15, at the middle stage of bone formation, cellular Ca and Mg levels showed higher tendency in PGA- or PLA-plated treatments compared to non-plated control and at day 25, at the early late stage of bone formation, all three cellular Ca, Mg or Mn levels showed higher tendency as in order of PGA-related treatments and PLA-plated treatments, compared to control even without significance. Medium Ca, Mg or Mn levels didn't show any consistent tendency. Cellular ALP activity was higher in the PGA- or PLA-plated treatments compare to normal osteogenic medium treatment PGA-plated and PGA/FBS-plated treatments showed better Ca deposits than other treatments by measurement of Alizarin Red staining, although PLA-plated treatment also showed reasonable Ca deposit. The results of the present study suggest that biodegradable material, PGA and also with less extent for PLA, can be used as a biomaterial for better extracellular matrix mineralization in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.259-269
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• 2022

Objective: Animal-free scaffolds have emerged as a potential foundation for consistent, chemically defined, and low-cost materials. Because of its good potential for high biocompatibility with reproductive tissues and well-characterized scaffold design, we investigated whether polyglycolic acid (PGA) could be used as an animal-free scaffold instead of natural fibrin-agarose, which has been used successfully for three-dimensional human endometrial cell culture. Methods: Isolated primary endometrial cells was cultured on fibrin-agarose and PGA polymers and evaluated various design parameters, such as scaffold porosity and mean fiber diameter. Cytotoxicity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and immunostaining experiments were conducted to examine cell activity on fabricated scaffolds. Results: The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and SEM results showed that endometrial cells grew and proliferated on both scaffolds. Immunostaining showed cytokeratin and vimentin expression in seeded cells after 7 days of culture. On both scaffolds, an epithelial arrangement of cultured cells was found on the top layer and stromal arrangement matrix on the bottom layer of the scaffolds. Therefore, fibrin-agarose and PGA scaffolds successfully mimicked the human endometrium in a way suitable for in vitro analysis. Conclusion: Both fibrin-agarose and PGA scaffolds could be used to simulate endometrial structures. However, because of environmental and ethical concerns and the low cost of synthetic polymers, we recommend using PGA as a synthetic polymer for scaffolding in research instead of natural biomaterials.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.130-135
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile strength of surgical synthetic absorbable sutures over a period of 14 days under simulated oral conditions. Methods: Three suture materials (polyglycolic acid [PGA], polyglactin [PG] 910, and poly (glycolide-co-${\epsilon}$-caprolactone) [PGC]) were used in 4-0 and 5-0 gauges. 210 suture samples (35 of each material and gauge) were used. All of the samples were tested preimmersion and 1 hour and 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days postimmersion. The tensile strength of each suture material and gauge was assessed. The point of breakage and the resorption pattern of the sutures were also assessed. Results: During the first 24 hours of immersion, all 4-0 and 5-0 samples of PGA, PG 910, and PGC maintained their initial tensile strength. At baseline (preimmersion), there was a statistically significant (P<0.001) difference in the tensile strengths between the 4-0 and 5-0 gauge of PGA, PG 910, and PGC. PGA 4-0 showed the highest tensile strength until day 10. At 7 days, all the 4-0 sutures of the three materials had maintained their tensile strength with PGA 4-0 having significantly greater (P=0.003) tensile strength compared to PG. Conclusions: 4-0 sutures are stronger and have greater tensile strength than 5-0 sutures. The PGA 4-0 suture showed the highest tensile strength at the end of day 10.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.297-303
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• 2019

Background: Absorbable plates are widely used in open reduction and internal fixation surgeries for facial bone fractures. Absorbable plates are made of polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polydioxane (PDS), or various combinations of these polymers. The degradation patterns of absorbable plates made from different polymers and clinical courses of patients treated with such plates have not been fully identified. This study aimed to confirm the clinical courses of facial bone fracture patients using absorbable plates and compare the degradation patterns of the plates. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 47 cases in 46 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation surgery using absorbable plates to repair facial bone fractures. All surgeries used either PLA/PGA composite-based or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite-based absorbable plates and screws. Clinical courses were confirmed and comparisons were conducted based on direct observation. Results: There were no naturally occurring foreign body reactions. Post-traumatic inflammatory responses occurred in eight patients (nine cases), in which six recovered naturally with conservative treatment. The absorbable plates were removed from two patients. PLA/PGA compositebased absorbable plates degraded into fragments with non-uniform, sharp surfaces whereas PLLA/HA composite-based absorbable plates degraded into a soft powder. Conclusion: PLA/PGA composite-based and PLLA/HA composite-based absorbable plates showed no naturally occurring foreign body reactions and showed different degradation patterns. The absorbable plate used for facial bone fracture surgery needs to be selected in consideration of its degradation patterns.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.192-209
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to evaluate drug-loaded biodegradable membranes for guided tissue regeneration(GTR). The membranes were made by coating mesh of polyglycolic acid(PGA) with polylactic acid(PLA) containing 10% flurbiprofen or tetracycline. The thickness of membrane was $150{\pm}30{\mu}m$, and the pore size of surface was about $8{\mu}m$ in diameter. The release of drugs from the membrane was measured in vitro. Cytotoxity test for the membrane was performed by gingival fibroblast cell culture, and the tissue response was observed after implant of membrane into the dorsal skin of the rat for 8 wks. Ability to guided tissue regeneration of membranes were tested by measuring new bone in the calvarial defects(5mm in diameter) of the rat for 5 weeks. The amount of flurbiprofen and tetracycline released from membrane were about 30-60% during 7 days. Minimal cytotoxity was observed in the membrane except 20% drug containing membrane. In histologic finding of rat dorsal skin, many inflammatory cells were observed around e-PTFE, polyglactin 910 and PLAPGA membrane after 1 or 2 weeks. PLA-PGA membrane was perforated by connective tissue after 4 or 6 weeks, and divided as a segment at 8 weeks. In bone regeneration guiding potential test, tetracycline loaded membrane was most effective (p

• KSBB Journal
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.210-214
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• 2004

Whole liver transplantation, the currently available treatment of end-stage liver disease, has limitations including serious donor shortage, fatal surgical complications, risk of allograft rejection, and the requirement of life-long immunosuppression. In this study, we investigated the possibility of reconstructing liver tissues in vivo by implanting fetal hepatocytes on polymer scaffolds as a potential method to replace the current treatments. Fetal hepatocytes were freshly isolated from mice and seeded onto porous mesh scaffolds fabricated from polyglycolic acid, a biodegradable synthetic polymer. The seeded scaffolds were implanted into peritoneal cavity of athymic mice for one week. As a control, fetal hepatocytes were implanted without scaffold. One week after transplantation, liver-like tissues formed. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses indicated that the hepatocyles and liver tissue structures (bile ducts) were present in the newly formed tissues. In the control group, no transplanted hepatocytes were observed. Theses preliminary results suggest that liver tissues may be regeneration by transplanting fetal hepatocytes on polymer scaffolds.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the bond regeneratiom effects of treatment using silk fibroin membrane ( Nanogide-S$^{(R)}$ ) resorbable barrier with control group treated by polyactic acid / polylacticglycolic acid membrane(Biomesh$^{(R)}$ ) Methods: 44 severe bone loss on extraction socket from 44 patients were used in this study. In experimental group 22 sites of them were treated by silk fibrin membrane as and the other 22 sites were treated by polyactic acid/ polylacticglycolic acid membrane as a control group. Clinical parameters including recovered bone width, length and radiographic parameter of vertical length were evlauated at base line and 3 months after surgery. Results: 1) Severe bone width, length was significantlly decreased in two group. 2) Bone width, length was significantlly decreased in two group. 3) Decreased bone width, length and radiographic examination differences between group. Conclusions: On the basis of these results, silk fibrin resorbable membrane has similar bone regeneration ability to polyactic acid / polylacticglycolic acid membrane in guided bone regeneration for severe bone loss defect on extraction socket.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.465-473
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• 2004

Purpose : The essential triad for nerve regeneration is nerve conduit, supporting cell and neurotrophic factor. In order to improve the peripheral nerve regeneration, we used polyglycolic acid(PGA) tube and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) gene transfected Schwann cells in sciatic nerve defects of SD rat. Materials and methods : Nerve conduits were made with PGA sheet and outer surface was coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) for mechanical strength and control the resorption rate. The diameter of conduit was 1.8mm and the length was 17mm Schwann cells were harvested from dorsal root ganglion(DRG) of SD rat aged 1 day. Schwann cells were cultured on the PGA sheet to test the biocompatibility adhesion of Schwann cell. Human BDNF gene was obtained from cDNA library and amplified using PCR. BDNF gene was inserted into E1 deleted region of adenovirus shuttle vector, pAACCMVpARS. BDNF-adenovirus was multiplied in 293 cells and purified. The BDNF-Adenovirus was then infected to the cultured Schwann cells. Left sciatic nerve of SD rat (250g weighing) was exposed and 14mm defects were made. After bridging the defect with PGA conduit, culture medium(MEM), Schwann cells or BDNF-Adenovirus infected Schwann cells were injected into the lumen of conduit, respectively. 12 weeks after operation, gait analysis for sciatic function index, electrophysiology and histomorphometry was performed. Results : Cultured Schwann cells were well adhered to PGA sheet. Sciatic index of BDNF transfected group was $-53.66{\pm}13.43$ which was the best among three groups. The threshold of compound action potential was between 800 to $1000{\mu}A$ in experimental groups which is about 10 times higher than normal sciatic nerve. Conduction velocity and peak voltage of action potential of BDNF group was the highest among experimental groups. The myelin thickness and axonal density of BDNF group was significantly greater than the other groups. Conclusion : BDNF gene transfected Schwann cells could regenerate the sciatic nerve gap(14mm) of rat successfully.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.599-613
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• 2003

The goal of periodontal treatment is regeneration of the periodontium. Bone graft and absorbable PLA/PGA membrane have been used for this purpose. In this study, 4${\times}$4mm 1-wall intrabony defects were surgically created bilaterally in the mandible of five male beagles. The control group went through a conventional flap operation, while the experimental group I was treated with absorbable PLA/PGA membranes only, group II was treated with absorbable membrane and calcium phosphate. The results are the following : 1. The defect height was 4.82${\pm}$0.45mm in the control group, 4.93${\pm}$0.79mm in the experimental I group, and 4.92${\pm}$0.62mm in the experimental II group. There was no statistically significant difference among 3 groups(P <0.05). 2. The amount of junctional epithelium migration was 30.90${\pm}$9.92% of the defect height in the control group, 39.16${\pm}$7.51% in the experimental I group, and 38.68${\pm}$12.22% in the experimental II group. There was no statistically significant difference among 3 groups(P <0.05). 3. The amount of connective tissue adhesion was 36.38${\pm}$9.03% in the control group, 14.73${\pm}$3.93% in experimental I group, and 27.87${\pm}$9.70% experimental II group. Experimental group I was a statistically significantly different from control group(P <0.05). 4. The amount of new cementum regeneration was 32.92${\pm}$10.51%, 50.04${\pm}$7.61%, and 39.62${\pm}$12.14% for the control, experimental I, and experimental II group respectively. Experimental group I was a statistically significantly different from control group(P<0.05). 5. The amount of new alveolar bone regeneration was 27.24${\pm}$7.49%, 40.75${\pm}$8.03%, and 36.47${\pm}$15.11% for the control, experimental I, and experimental II group respectively. Experimental group I was a statistically significantly different from control group(P <0.05). The results suggest that the use of PLA/PGA membrane in 1-wall intrabony defect of beagle dogs may promote periodontal regeneration. Further studies are required to determine their regeneration effects.