Молекулярная и генетическая медицина

Evaluation of Chitosan-Glycerol Phosphate in Experimental Osteochondral Joint Defects in Horses

Abstract

Edivaldo Aparecido Nunes Martins, Raquel Yvonne Arantes Baccarin, Ana Paula Lopes Moraes, Cristina F. Mantovani, Thais Sodre L. Machado, Stefano C. F. Hagen, Júlio D. Spagnolo, Maria Gabriela N. Campos, Yara M. Michelacci and Luis Cláudio L.C. Silva

The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effects of chitosan-glycerol phosphate (chitosan- GP) gel with the articular environment following implantation into experimental osteochondral defects in horses. The animals were submitted to experimental arthroscopy of both tibiotarsal joints for creation of osteochondral defects on the medial aspect of the lateral trochlear ridge. One hindlimb was randomly selected for treatment with chitosan-GP gel, while the contralateral hindlimb served as untreated control. Horses were followed at different time points over 24 months, by clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and synovial fluid analysis. Enlargement of all operated joints occurred in both hindlimbs during the first 30 days. No radiographic signs of osteoarthritis appeared, in treated or untreated joints. Ultrasonography revealed similar defect filling tissue, and synovial fluid with similar characteristics in either treated or untreated control joints, with osteochondral defect areas progressively decreasing. Synovial fluid analysis have shown no differences in the total protein, prostaglandin E2, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid concentrations, and white blood cell count, when comparing treated to untreated control joints. In conclusion, Chitosan-GP is biocompatible with the equine articular environment, and did not cause relevant clinical effects, inflammatory response or toxic effects in the horse joints.