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Regeneration of the Vocal Fold

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Regenerative Medicine in Otolaryngology

Abstract

The vocal fold is the essential mucosa that produces voice. The vocal fold vibrates at a rate of 100–200 Hz up to several hundred Hz. This function is supported by a unique histological layered structure. When this structure is destroyed in cases such as vocal fold atrophy, scarring, and sulcus vocalis, vibratory function is lost and the voice becomes hoarse. The treatment of such voice disorders remains a challenge and a regenerative approach is needed to alleviate this problem. There have been many attempts to regenerate the vocal fold mucosa using tissue engineering strategies including the addition of scaffolding, cell therapy, and growth factor therapy. Regenerative scaffolds include collagen-gelatin-based matrix, hyaluronic-acid-based matrix, and acellular extracellular matrix. Stem cells have received wide attention as a promising tool for inducing tissue regeneration, and mesenchymal stem cells or adipose-derived stem cells have been shown to be suitable for vocal fold regeneration. Growth factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, have also been demonstrated to have regenerative effects on the vocal fold. Thus, the combination of these components represents a good option for an effective regenerative therapy. This chapter describes the research and clinical application of regenerative treatment of the vocal fold.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan

    Shigeru Hirano MD, PhD

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Correspondence to Shigeru Hirano MD, PhD .

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  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Juichi Ito

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Hirano, S. (2015). Regeneration of the Vocal Fold. In: Ito, J. (eds) Regenerative Medicine in Otolaryngology. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54856-0_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54856-0_12

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