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Regeneration of the Gastrointestinal Tract After Using a Small Intestine Submucosa Patch-A Rat Model
Tamas Toth1, Radu-Alexandru Prisca2, Emoke Andrea Szasz3
1Institution Organizing University Doctoral Studies (IOSUD), Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania.
Biomedicines
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffolds show promise for healing gastrointestinal defects. This study found SIS integrated well and supported tissue regeneration in rat stomach, small intestine, and colon defects within three weeks.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition requiring surgical resection, often with high mortality.
- Intestinal tissue engineering with absorbable biomaterials offers a potential alternative to surgery.
- Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a biodegradable extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold investigated for tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the regenerative capacity of SIS in a rat model with multiple gastrointestinal defects.
- To assess SIS integration and tissue healing in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Main Methods:
- SIS patches were applied to full-thickness gastric, small intestinal, and colonic incisions in Wistar rats.
- Graft sites were harvested after three weeks for macroscopic and histological analysis.
- Histological evaluation included hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess tissue regeneration and inflammation.
Main Results:
- An 80% survival rate was observed in the rats.
- Histological analysis revealed complete mucosal coverage in most stomach and intestine samples.
- Mild fibrosis and minimal inflammation were predominant, with some ulceration in small intestine samples.
Conclusions:
- SIS effectively integrated and promoted early regenerative healing in multifocal gastrointestinal defects in rats.
- These findings support further investigation of SIS for potential applications in NEC surgery.
- Future studies should include longer follow-up and functional assessments in relevant animal models.
