Researchers from the Medicine Production and Development Center at the Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará (NPDM-UFC) developed a graft that uses a biofabric originating from Nile tilapia skin for recovery in dogs with ulcers or severe corneal injuries.
The surgical technique uses a membrane rich in collagen, a substance that helps in cell repair, and is used as a dressing in the post-surgical period.
This is great news especially for brachycephalic dogs, which tend to have a flatter snout and larger eyes (like bulldogs, pugs and shih-tzus), and are more likely to suffer corneal injuries.
In the Fapesp research magazine (Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo), veterinarian and study leader Mirza Melo revealed that more than 400 dogs have already been recovered using this new technique.
“The membrane, technically an acellular dermal matrix, functions as a scaffold, protecting the cornea and stimulating cell production in the affected areas. It releases collagen and is then absorbed by the body,” she explained.
According to Mirza, the production of biotissue requires a long process in the laboratory to remove scales and other cells from the fish's skin.
However, when compared to other imported biological membranes made from bovine and porcine material, the advantage is the low cost of manufacturing, as tilapia is a fish commonly cultivated in the country.
The study carried out on 60 dogs with corneal injuries showed that the tilapia dermal matrix has a shorter healing and discharge time than other membranes.
The positive results led researchers to study its application in humans, in addition to another aspect that studies its use in cranial surgeries.
Rodrigo Becco, a doctoral student in translational medicine at the Federal University of Ceará, explained to Fapesp that the dermal matrix of tilapia skin has characteristics similar to the dura mater, the outermost meninges that cover the brain.
“What the first results showed is that it does not cause an inflammatory process,” he explained to the magazine. “It is very malleable and works as a very efficient mechanical barrier.” According to him, the next step is to obtain authorization from the university's Ethics Committee to begin human trials.
This news is part of the last episode of CNN Good News , a weekly good news program to continue believing in a better future. Every Friday, at 8pm, on CNN Pop's YouTube.
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Source: CNN Brasil
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