Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of collagen, elastin, or chitosan biomaterial for bone reconstruction in rats submitted or not to experimental alcoholism. Wistar male rats were divided into eight groups, submitted to chronic alcohol ingestion (G5 to G8) or not (G1 to G4). Nasal bone defects were filled with clot in animals of G1 and G5 and with collagen, elastin, and chitosan grafts in G2/G6, G3/G7, and G4/G8, respectively. Six weeks after, all specimens underwent radiographic, tomographic, and microscopic evaluations. Bone mineral density was lower in the defect area in alcoholic animals compared to the abstainer animals. Bone neoformation was greater in the abstainer groups receiving the elastin membrane and in abstainer and alcoholic rats receiving the chitosan membrane (15.78 ± 1.19, 27.81 ± 0.91, 47.29 ± 0.97, 42.69 ± 1.52, 13.81 ± 1.60, 18.59 ± 1.37, 16.54 ± 0.89, and 37.06 ± 1.17 in G1 to G8, respectively). In conclusion, osteogenesis and bone density were more expressive after the application of the elastin matrix in abstainer animals and of the chitosan matrix in both abstainer and alcoholic animals. Chronic alcohol ingestion resulted in lower bone formation and greater formation of fibrous connective tissue.
Highlights
The consumption of alcoholic beverages, where ethanol is its main component, can act as a toxic element to several vital organs
Correlating the histological and morphological characteristics of the tissue repair process, the results of this study showed that the xenogenous collagen, elastin, and chitosan membranes used were biocompatible and promoted the proliferation of osteogenic cells at the site of injury in the nasal bone of rats [23,30]
This study aimed to evaluate the use of collagen, elastin, or chitosan biomaterial for bone reconstruction in rats submitted or not to experimental alcoholism
Summary
The consumption of alcoholic beverages, where ethanol is its main component, can act as a toxic element to several vital organs. In accidents, when facial fractures occur, approximately 41% of patients have nasal fractures and alcohol consumption was directly related to these traumas [1,2,3]. Owing to its prominent location in the face, fractures of the nasal bone are common among traumatic maxillofacial bone injuries [4,5]. Alcoholics are at an increased risk of trauma and fractures, alcohol itself has a negative impact on bone metabolism. Ethanol can reduce the levels of osteocalcin, a marker of bone synthesis, and can affect the mechanisms of bone formation and/or degradation [6,7]. Molecular studies involving alcoholics have identified elevated levels of sclerostin, a protein found in areas of bone resorption and an inhibitor of the wingless (Wnt) signaling pathway, with a consequent reduction in the expression of the β-catenin protein
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