Evaluation of the osteoconductive potential of Croton lechleri sap associated with collagen or wax-based carriers in critical-size bone defects in rat calvaria.

PURPOSE: To evaluate bone repair in critical size calvarial defects (8 mm) in rats treated with Croton lechleri sap (dragon's blood sap, DBS) combined with Hemospon® and Alveolex®.

METHODS

Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups: G1, Hemospon®; G2, Hemospon® + DBS; G3, Alveolex®; G4, Alveolex® + DBS; C-, blood clot; and C+, LuminaCoat® membrane. At 30 and 60 days, specimens were submitted to histological and histomorphometric analysis, quantifying newly formed bone, residual biomaterial, and connective tissue.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed among groups in new bone formation. At 30 days, G3 presented the highest mean of newly formed bone (18.6 ± 6.8%), followed by G2 (16.0 ± 4.8%). G4 presented the lowest mean (10.7 ± 1.3%). At 60 days, C+ exhibited the greatest bone formation (29.5 ± 21.0%). G2 showed the highest biomaterial persistence at 30 (19.4 ± 0.6%) and 60 days (17.4 ± 3.9%). G3 presented the lowest connective tissue density at 30 days (49.2 ± 6.3%); C+ exhibited the lowest value at 60 days (38.9 ± 18.1%).

CONCLUSION

Hemospon® associated with DBS proved to be the most promising osteoconductive system, favoring biomaterial persistence and reducing fibrogenesis, whereas the association with Alveolex® was less favorable. The DBS shows biotechnological potential, but its stabilizing effect on the scaffold requires further investigation.