Avaliação histológica e imuno-histoquímica de crânios e envoltórios de ratos Wistar submetidos à craniectomia e aposição de matriz dérmica acelular de pele de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus) sobre a dura-máter

Abstract

Commercial dural regeneration matrices present high costs, often excluding low-income populations from the benefits. To meet quality criteria, new biomaterials must undergo tests to prove their efficacy in different clinical-surgical applications and a favorable cost-benefit ratio for patients. Acellular dermal scaffold derived from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin has great therapeutic value, with applicability in various areas of regenerative medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the histological results of craniectomy in Wistar rats using tilapia skin scaffold compared to Duragen®, a dural regeneration matrix obtained from Integra LifeSciences Corporation. A craniectomy was performed in 36 Wistar rats to expose the epidural space, followed by implantation of the tilapia skin-derived scaffold (experimental group) or Duragen® (control group). Both groups were also compared to a sham group. Animals were observed for ambulatory capacity and wound healing. Biopsies were collected at 15, 30, and 45 days post-surgery to assess inflammation, collagen deposition, fibroblast and myofibroblast presence, neovascularization, and expression of neuron-specific enolase, MDM2, and alpha-smooth muscle actin. The inflammatory process was self-limiting and similar among groups. The tilapia scaffold induced the formation of a connective tissue similar to Duragen® below the bone defect. Scanning electron microscopy revealed parallel collagen fibers and fewer pores in the tilapia scaffold compared to Duragen®. In conclusion, the tilapia-derived scaffold induced a self-limiting inflammatory process and the formation of consistent connective tissue under the bone defect. Clinical evolution was similar between groups