Özkan ARABACI, Murteza ÇAKIR
Van Medical Journal - 2026;33(4):487-495
Introduction: To compare the histopathological and biochemical effects of autograft, 10% hydroxyapatite (HA), 10% boron nitride (BN), and poly(lactic -co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds on adjacent brain parenchyma in a rat calvarial critical -size defect model. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n=10): Control, Defect, Autograft, 10% HA, 10% BN, and PLGA. An 8 -mm calvarial critical -size defect was created in all groups except the control group. After 4 weeks, adjacent brain tissue was evaluated histopathologically by scoring subarachnoid space dilatation, apoptotic neuron density, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to assess oxidative stress. Results: The Defect and PLGA groups showed moderate histopathological damage, increased MDA levels, and significantly reduced SOD and GSH activities (p<0.05). Autograft provided the greatest neuroprotection. Among the synthetic materials, the 10% BN and 10% HA scaffolds significantly reduced tissue injury compared with the Defect and PLGA groups. Apoptotic neuron scores in the BN and HA groups were comparable to those of the autograft group (p>0.05). The BN scaffold also maintained GSH levels similar to the autograft group while significantly reducing MDA levels. Conclusion: Autograft provided the best preservation of brain parenchyma. Among the synthetic materials, BN and HA scaffolds demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and reduced oxidative stress, suggesting their potential as promising alternatives for future cranioplasty applications.
