Matriz descelularizada (Scaffold) de pele de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus) como substituto da túnica albugínea para cirurgias penianas reconstrutivas em ratos Wistar (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

The repair of tunica albuginea severe conditions, such as Peyronie's disease (PD), often requires reconstructive techniques, including the use of tissue substitutes. Despite advances, the ideal graft is still being sought. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and inflammatory process of a decellularized tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin scaffold as a substitute for the tunica albuginea in penile reconstructive surgery in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The scaffold’s effects were assessed through histological evaluation and quantification of vascular density via CD31 immunoexpression.. A surgical incision was made in the tunica albuginea layer of the penile shaft in 36 rats. , They were separated into three groups: Negative Control - Sham: a fragment of the tunica albuginea itself sutured in the original location; Positive Control: reconstruction with a bovine pericardial membrane (Biopatch®); Test Group: Reconstruction with decellularized tilapia skin scaffold. After 15 days, the animals were euthanized and the penile tissue was harvested for analysis. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the Sham Group exhibited preserved anatomical architecture of the tunica albuginea layer and corpora cavernosa tissue; the Positive Control Group showed an intense inflammatory response, with mixed leukocyte infiltration, multinucleated giant cells, and areas of necrosis, in addition to areas of rupture suggesting pronounced inflammatory response to the material; and Test Group showed maintaince of vascular spaces in the corpora cavernosa along with its lack of significant inflammation. In immunohistochemical analysis, the Positive Group showed greater vascular density (angiogenesis) compared to the other groups (p<0.001), indicating a more intense inflammatory response. The analysis of the results disclose that the decellularized tilapia skin matrix has promising potential as a substitute for the tunica albuginea in penile reconstructive surgeries. The biocompatibility of the tilapia scaffold, the absence of marked inflammation, and the preservation of vascular spaces suggest that the biomaterial can promote tissue regeneration and the restoration of penile function, proving to be a promising alternative to bovine pericardium.