small RNA-sequencing analysis of db/db mice exudate from subcutaneously implanted sponges

Dried polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges were used for subcutaneous implantation in the mice dorsum, and were harvested on days 3, 5, 10, and 16 post-implantation. Overall design: Male 16-week old db/db mice (stock # 000642) were obtained from Jackson Laboratories and were acclimated to the animal facility for at least one week before surgery. A vertical incision of 2 cm was created on depilated and disinfected dorsum and a pocket was formed by separating the skin from the muscle to insert 4-6 PVA sponges. Once insertions were completed, the incisions were sutured and dermabond was applied. On collection days, PVA sponges containing wound fluids were collected in empty 5 ml syringes, placed in 15 ml falcon tubes and centrifuged for fluid collection at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes at 4 °C.