Genotoxicity effect, antioxidant and biomechanical correlation: experimental study of agarose-chitosan bone graft substitute in New Zealand white rabbit model.

Bone loss associated with skeletal trauma or metabolic diseases often requires bone grafting. In such situations, a biomaterial is necessary for migrated cells to produce new tissue. In this study, agarose-chitosan was implanted in the femoral condyle of New Zealand White rabbits that were divided into three groups: Group I was used as control; Groups II and III were used as implanted tissue with agarose-chitosan and presenting empty defects, respectively. This study evaluated the agarose-chitosan biocompatibility by determining the in vivo genotoxicity, oxidative stress balance that correlated with the hardness mechanical property. Moreover, the histopathological and quantitative elements analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were determined. After 30 days of implantation, the in vivo analysis of genotoxicity showed that agarose-chitosan did not induce chromosome aberration or micronucleus damage. A significant decrease in thiobarbituric and acid-reactive substance was observed after agarose-chitosan implantation in the bone tissue. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly enhanced in agarose-chitosan-treated group compared with that of control group. A negative correlation coefficient of the mechanical property with malonyldialdehyde level was detected (R = -0.998). The histological study exhibited a significantly increased angiogenesis and newly formed tissue. No presence of inflammatory process, necrotic or fibrous tissue was detected. Major and trace elements such as Ca, P, Zn, Mg and Fe were increased significantly in the newly formed bone. These findings show that agarose-chitosan biomaterial implantation might be effective for treating trauma and bone regeneration. © IMechE 2014.