Purpose: To understand the complication and histopathological characteristics between the Silk Fibroin/Polyurethanes (SF/PU) and the host response, and to unveil the compatibility of the patch in diabetes individuals.
Methods: Rats were divided into DM and control (CT) groups, and the DM group was induced with streptozotocin. All groups underwent the SF/PU patch implantation in the abdominal aorta, and the implanted patches were evaluated at one, two, three, and four weeks after implantation.
Results: DM group had more fibrosis formation and a delayed endothelialization compared to the CT group. There was no evidence of chronic inflammation in both DM and CT groups.
Conclusions: Fibrosis in hyperglycemic individuals could promote the formation of new vascular structures in the implanted patch such as endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. In summary, the SF/PU patch was no serious complications when implanted under hyperglycemia, and the patch was suitable to implant in diabetes mellitus.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; endothelialization; patch; polyurethane; silk fibroin.