Experimental evaluation of allogeneic and xenogeneic biomaterials for regeneration of circular intestinal defects

Objective: to investigate the regenerative potential of allogeneic and xenogeneic biomaterials in the repair of circular bowel defects. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on sexually mature male Wistar rats (1 year old, weighing ~300 g; n = 98). In the experimental group (n = 49), allogeneic decellularized biomaterial (ADB) derived from rat bowel was implanted. In the control group (n = 49), xenogeneic biomaterial derived from the fibrous capsule of a human cadaveric kidney was used. In both groups, a 30-mm segment of the ileum was resected, and the biomaterials were implanted at the defect site as end-to-end tubular grafts of similar dimensions. The implanted biomaterials were subsequently subjected to decellularization and morphological analysis. Results. In the experimental group, 2–3 months after transplantation of ADB, the full architectural structure of the small bowel wall was restored. The implanted biomaterial was completely resorbed and replaced by an organ-specific regenerate, with confirmed presence of blood vessels, nerve fibers, and Peyer’s patches. In the control group, transplantation of xenogeneic biomaterial resulted in 100% mortality within the early postoperative period (7–14 days), associated with graft rejection and a pronounced immune-inflammatory response in the abdominal cavity. Conclusion. The proposed approach promotes regeneration of continuous small bowel segments measuring 30 mm or more and enables restoration of all structural components of the bowel wall. This method shows potential for the treatment of conditions such as short bowel syndrome, inflammatory-destructive bowel diseases, and for the closure of circular defects following bowel resection.

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