Clinical and histopathological evaluation of tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) as an occlusive biological curative in equine wounds

Author(s)

Sofia Cicolo da Silva

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2022-03-10

Examining board members

André Luis do Valle de Zoppa; Carla Bargi Belli; Carlos Roberto Koscky Paier

• Advisor: André Luis do Valle de Zoppa

Abstract

Nile tilapia fish skin (NTFS) had been used in humans and wild animals to heal wounds and showed great results on healing process, and also on patient pain control. Also NTFS is easy to access due to it being an industrial waste. The objective of the present study was to evaluate NTFS used as an occlusive curative, the consequences on wound healing process clinical and histopathologically. Seven equines, presenting 11 wounds that couldnt be healed through a first intention, were used in this study. Most wounds were chronic. Equines of both gender and all breeds were included in this study. The wounds were measured weekly, photographed using a centimeter scale, biopsied for histopathological analysis, cleaned and tilapia curative was changed for 28 days. EDTA tube blood sample was collected for red blood cell, leukocytes and fibrinogen evaluation. Image J software was used to measure wound area and calculate wound contraction percentage. During the second week of treatment an intense yellow secretion has been seen, compatible with intense neutrophilic infiltrate observed on histopathological at the same period. Chronic wounds start the secretion process, changing healing pathways from exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) formation to a repair process and effective cicatrization tissue formation. This curative allowed reduced changes from every two days to once a week. This implies decreasing animal stress, pain and treatment cost, as a smaller amount of bandages is necessary. NTFS used as an occlusive curative significantly improves healing process during 28 days treatment, presenting significant reduction on wound area, speeding up healing process and induces acute inflammatory response (AIR) in equine wounds. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/04850-5 - Clinical and histopathological evaluation of using tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) as an occlusive biological curative in equine wounds in the clinical routine of HOVET USP
• Grantee: Sofia Cicolo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master