Enhancing Esophageal Repair With Bioactive Bilayer Mesh Containing FGF
Abstract We aimed to prepare a bioactive and biodegradable bilayer mesh formed by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) loaded gelatin film layer, and poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) film layer, and to investigate its treatment efficacy on esophageal anastomosis. It is envisaged that the bioactive mesh in in vivo model would improve tissue regeneration in rats. The full thickness semicircular defects of 0.5x0.5 cm2 were created in anterior walls of abdominal esophagus. The control group had abdominal esophagus isolated with distal esophageal blunt dissection, and sham group had primer anastomosis. In the test groups, the defects were covered with bilayer polymeric meshes containing FGF (5µg/2 cm²), or not. All rats were sacrificed for histopathology investigation after 7 or 28 days of operation. The groups are coded as FGF(-)-7th d, FGF(+)-7th d, and FGF(+)-28th d, based on their content and operation day. Highest burst pressures were obtained for FGF(+)-7th d, and FGF(+)-28th d groups (p < 0.005) and decreased inflammation grades were observed. Submucosal and muscular collagen deposition scores were markedly increased in these groups compared to sham and FGF(-)-7th d groups having no FGF (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). It was proved that FGF loaded bioactive bilayer mesh provided effective repair, reinforcement and tissue regeneration of esophageal defects.