Histopathological and Biomechanical Survey on Effect of CoQ۱۰ in Combination with Chitosan Conduit on Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Healing in Rabbits

Objective- Chitosan is of great interest in regenerative medicine because of its plentiful properties, like biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity. The objective of the present study was histopathological and biomechanical survey on effect of CoQ۱۰ in combination with chitosan conduit on deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) healing in rabbits.Design- Experimental StudyAnimals- Eighteen healthy male white New Zealand rabbitsProcedures- The animals were randomized into three groups of ۶ animals each. In Controlgroup the DDF tenotomy was performed and the stumps were sutured. In Chitosan group the DDF tenotomy was performed and the stumps were sutured and chitosan conduit was wrapped around the damaged area. In Chit-CoQ۱۰ group the procedure was the same as Chitosan group as well as local administration of ۱۰۰ µL CoQ۱۰ (۱۰۰ µg/rabbit) into the Chitosan conduit. The histopathological assessments including inflammation, angiogenesis and collagen fibers arrangement, and biomechanical assessments were performed after ۸ weeks.Results- Histopathological observations showed that the conduit was absorbed and adhesion around the tendon was deceased in Chitosan and Chit-CoQ۱۰ groups. The biomechanical parameters showed significant improvement in Chit-CoQ۱۰ group (p < ۰.۰۵). There were no noticeable signs of infection and tissue reaction in the granulation tissue in Chit-CoQ۱۰ group compared to other groups (p < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Local administration of CoQ۱۰ in combination with chitosan conduit could accelerate deep digital flexor tendon healing via decrease in adhesion around the tendon with no signs of excessive tissue reaction or infection in rabbits.

Keywords:

Tendon healing , Chitosan conduit , CoQ۱۰