Bubaline Cholecyst Derived Extracellular Matrix for Reconstruction of Full Thickness Skin Wounds in Rats

Selection of biological prosthesis for abdominal wall repair on the basis of in vitro biocompatibility determination

Research on prostheses for repairing abdominal wall defects has progressed through past decades for developing an ideal prosthesis. The study was designed to compare different extracellular matrix (ECM) derived biological prostheses as alternate to conventional synthetic polymeric prostheses for the repair of full thickness abdominal wall defects. Five biological scaffolds derived from bovine diaphragm, bovine aorta, bovine gall bladder, porcine gall bladder, and rabbit skin were prepared and screened for their in vitro biocompatibility. Decellularized ECMs were subjected to various biocompatibility analyses, namely, water absorption potential, matrix degradation analysis, biomechanical testing, and cytocompatibility analysis. Though the rabbit skin displayed maximum biomechanical strength, due to its rapid degradation, it failed to fulfill the criteria of an ideal prosthesis. ECMs derived from bovine diaphragm and aorta were found to be superior than others based upon hydration and matrix degradation analysis, with best scores for bovine diaphragm followed by bovine aorta. The bovine diaphragm and aorta also displayed sufficient biomechanical strength, with diaphragm being the second highest (next to rabbit skin), in biomechanical strength followed by aorta. None of the biological prosthesis revealed any cytotoxicity. Thus, bovine diaphragm and aorta derived ECM fulfill the necessary criteria for their use as biological prosthesis. Because these prostheses are biocompatible, apart from their low cost, ease of availability, and simple preparation, they present a potential alternative to synthetic prosthesis for repair of abdominal wall defects, especially in veterinary patients.

Evaluation of wound healing potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum) whole fruit extract on skin burn wound in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Objective:

This research was conducted to study the wound healing process of whole fruit pomegranate extract (punica granatum) standardized with 40% ellagic acid ointment for deep second-degree burn wound of skin in the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Materials and Methods:

Powder of standardized pomegranate extract (SPE) with 40% ellagic acid was processed to become ointments. Twenty-five male rats, weighed 150–180 gm at 3 months of age, were randomly divided into five groups. After anesthetized, stainless circle plate with 1 cm of diameter in 85°C was contacted firmly toward right gluteal of rat skins for 5 sec in order to create deep second-degree burn wound. Control groups consist of (T0) cream base and (T1) 1% silver sulfadiazine. Treatment groups consist of (T2) 2.5% SPE, (T3) 5% SPE, and (T4) 10% SPE. Histopathological preparation used hematoxylin-eosin stained skin samples. Histological observations were performed using the optics microscope against collagen, the number of polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) infiltration, the degree of angiogenesis, and re-epithelization. The results were statistically compared between groups.

Results:

Microscopic observation on the wound healing process on the collagen, PMN infiltration, angiogenesis, and re-epithelization showed that topical administration of 10% SPE in burns gives the best result. This is characterized by a high density of collagen with a good arrangement, which is accompanied by a complete and mature epithelium, low number of inflammatory cells, and angiogenesis. This may be caused by the compounds in the pomegranate extract, which have the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects.

Conclusion:

This study reveals that 10% SPE accelerates the healing of deep second-degree burn wound. Thus, pomegranate standardized with 40% ellagic acid is a promising herb for the healing of burn wound of skin.

An Immunopathological Evaluation of the Porcine Cholecyst Matrix as a Muscle Repair Graft in a Male Rat Abdominal Wall Defect Model

With the increasing use of animal-based biomaterials for regenerative medical applications, the need for their safety assessment is paramount. A porcine cholecyst-derived scaffold (CDS), intended as a muscle repair graft, prepared by a nondetergent/enzymatic method was engrafted in a rat abdominal wall defect model. Host tissue–scaffold interface samples were collected 2, 8, and 16 weeks postimplantation and evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The nature of the tissue reaction was compared with those induced by a jejunum-derived scaffold (JDS) prepared by the same method and a commercial-grade small intestinal submucosa (CSIS) scaffold. A study of the immunopathological response in major lymphoid tissues and immunophenotyping for M1 and M2 macrophages was performed at the host tissue–scaffold interface. Further, “irritancy scores” for CDS and JDS were determined using CSIS as the reference material. Both CDS and JDS appeared to be potential biomaterials for muscle grafts, but the former stimulated a skeletal muscle tissue remodeling response predominated by M2 macrophages. The data support the notion that biomaterials with similar biocompatibility, based on local tissue response on implantation, may cause differential immunogenicity. Additionally, CDS compared to JDS and CSIS was found to be less immunotoxic.