Effect of scopoletin on fascia-wrapped diced cartilage grafts

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of scopoletin (SL) on fascia-wrapped diced cartilage grafts in rhinoplasty surgery.
Methods: Cartilage grafts (2 × 2 cm) from the ears of New Zealand rabbits were diced into sections (1 mm³) and then wrapped in muscle fascia taken from the right rear leg. Each graft was placed on the back of the animal after measuring its weight, and then the rabbits were separated into two groups, viz, control and the SL-treated groups {10 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)}. The treatments were administered for 3 months, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the histopathological features and weight of the grafts were examined.
Results: The weight of the grafts in the two groups did not significantly (p < 0.05) differ but the histopathological results suggested that there was a pronounced increase in the viability of the graft tissues in the SL-treated group compared to the control group. Treatment with SL decreased the resorption rate and enhanced basophilia relative to the control group. However, fibrosis, inflammation, and bone metaplasia- and calcification-like factors did not significantly differ (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Treatment with SL significantly enhances the viability of the grafts, and thus may have a beneficial effect on fascia-wrapped diced cartilage grafts.

Keywords
Scopoletin; Rhinoplasty surgery; Fascia-wrapped diced cartilage graft; Histopathology; Basophilia; Inflammation