Comparative Evaluation of Tissue and Systemic Responses to Electrospun Biodegradable Polymer and Polypropylene Implants Using hs-CRP and Immunohistochemical Markers.

Abstract

The use of biodegradable polymers for the surgical reinforcement of musculofascial structures is of considerable practical interest. Research into the applicability of biopolymers should be conducted in comparison with polypropylene, a material used in surgery. Using highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in blood and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CD34 (an endothelial marker with angiogenic properties) in tissues, we analyzed the systemic and local tissue responses to polypropylene and biodegradable polymer implantation in 42 laboratory rats over a three-month period. The study confirmed good biocompatibility of both polymers. However, the systemic and tissue responses to the biopolymer, as measured by the studied markers, were significantly less pronounced compared to polypropylene. Persistently elevated levels of hs-CRP and CD34-positive cells in the biopolymer group at three months post-implantation were attributed to ongoing biotransformation processes. The mild inflammatory response following biopolymer implantation confirms not only its bioinert properties but also its potential for practical surgical applications. Elevated levels of hs-CRP and CD34-, as well as IL-6-positive cells in the polypropylene group, warrant further investigation of long-term responses to polypropylene as potential contributors to post-implantation complications. The hs-CRP level correlated with tissue markers IL-6 and CD34, suggesting its utility as a criterion for assessing postoperative adaptation to implanted synthetic materials.