The in-vivo performance of biodegradable magnesium-zinc-strontium alloys on inflammation and tissue repair in the intestine

Numerous studies have investigated the role of magnesium alloys in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery, while few in the intestine. In the current study, magnesium‑zinc‑strontium (Mg-Zn-Sr) alloy was developed to investigate its effects on tissue repair and inflammation response in the intestine. An intestinal injury animal model was established and Mg-Zn-Sr alloy, titanium alloy, and polymer materials were implanted at the injury site respectively. The results showed that magnesium alloys exerted significant effects on collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and expression of tight junction proteins compared to the Control group, Titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V wt%), and Polymer Materials (PGA) group. Besides, macrophage phenotype and associated inflammatory factors were also evaluated. Cytokines involved in pro-inflammation and inflammatory-related M1 macrophages were decreased in the Magnesium alloy group. However, anti-inflammatory cytokines and M2 macrophages credited with the functions of anti-inflammation and tissue repair were increased by magnesium alloys. After 10 days of implantation, over half weight of the magnesium alloy was degraded, which was matched to the process of intestinal tissue repair. Overall, this study indicated that Mg-Zn-Sr alloy could promote intestinal tissue repair and alleviate inflammation, which highlights the tremendous potential for intestinal application.