Analysis of the reparative potential of a thermosensitive hydrogel with rosuvastatin release in critical calvarial defects in rats.

• Grant number: 23/16506-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Perez Faverani
• Grantee: Fábio José Tavares Filho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the face of challenging situations in bone repair, it is of great interest to have alternatives that can optimize this complex process. In this context, the use of a thermosensitive hydrogel as a carrier for medication such as rosuvastatin, which has already demonstrated positive effects on bone repair, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects, becomes highly relevant. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a thermosensitive hydrogel of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) as a carrier for rosuvastatin in bone repair in the calvaria of Wistar rats. To achieve this, the initial development and characterization of the physical properties of the hydrogel will be carried out through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, rheological properties, swelling degree, degradation, and analysis of rosuvastatin release. Subsequently, an experiment will be conducted using a critical defect animal model in the calvaria of 24 Wistar rats. The animals will undergo surgery to create a critically sized bone defect in the cranial vault, and then the defects will be filled according to the classification of the following sample groups: Blood clot (BC), Hydrogel (PNVCL), and Hydrogel with Rosuvastatin (PNVCL + ROS). After 7 and 28 days postoperatively, the animals will be euthanized for sample collection and subsequent analyses, including three-dimensional investigation by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and histological analysis of the newly formed bone area, residual linear defect, and inflammatory cell count. All quantitative parameters will undergo statistical testing considering p<0.05.