Effect of alleviating fibrosis with EGCG-modified bone graft in murine model depended on less accumulation of inflammatory macrophage

In response to current trends in the modification of guided bone regeneration (GBR) materials, we aimed to build upon our previous studies on epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) by immersing a commonly used bone graft primarily composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) in EGCG solution, expecting to obtain superior bone–material integration after implantation. Bone grafts are commonly used for bone repair, in which the bone extracellular matrix is stimulated to promote osteogenesis. However, due to its pro-fibrosis effect, this osteoconductive material commonly exhibits implant failure. In addition to providing a basic release profile of EGCG-modified bone graft (E-HA) to clarify the relationship between this material and the environment, we have examined the integration effect via subcutaneous implantation experiments. In this manner, we have assessed the aggregation of pro-inflammatory macrophages, initial angiogenesis, the formation of fibrous capsules, and an enhanced cell viability observed in cultured RAW 264.7 cells. Among these results, we focus on pro-inflammatory macrophages due to their close relationship with fibrosis, which is the most important process in the immune response. Immunofluorescent staining results showed that E-HA substantially compromised the formation of fibrous capsules in hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections, which exhibited less pro-inflammatory macrophage recruitment; meanwhile, the cell viability and primary angiogenesis were improved. This work lays the foundation for future studies on GBR. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.