IMMUNOLOGICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES AFTER TOPICAL APPLICATION OF ALOE VERA LEAF EXTRACT DURING VENTRAL HERNIOPLASTY IN RAMS

The implication of Aloe vera was determined using histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Eighteen adult rams were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Under sedation and local anaesthesia, ventrolateral abdominal wall hernias were induced and left untreated for one month. Subsequently, hernioplasty was performed using polypropylene mesh. The animals were categorized into two groups, the control group and the Aloe vera gel-treated group. Clinical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological were investigated during the days 7, 30, and 45 post-treatment. The results of clinical monitoring represented unspecified secondary health problems in all animals with no signs of recurrence or rejection. Immunohistology results indicated strong positive expression of IL-6 in both groups, but its expression declined at the next 45 days in the Aloe vera G. VEGF expression at 7 days indicated a negative reaction, whereas at 15 to 45 days indicated a positive expression close to the mesh. The histopathological assessment indicated an early improved healing process in Aloe vera G, which was represented by the presence of a high number of new blood vessels and collagen deposition compared to the control group. The results of the inflammatory score indicated responses between the highest score in the control group and less degree in the Aloe vera group; accompanied by the highest granulation tissue in the control group but a high number in new vessels in the Aloe vera group. In conclusion, using Aloe vera gel prevented infection and abscessation and enhanced the healing process. The histopathological and immunohistochemistry changes emphasize this outcome. Keywords: Aloe vera, Hernioplasty, Histopathological, Immunohistochemistry