In-vivo evaluation of vitamin E loaded muscle void fillers for the provisional treatment of volumetric muscle loss

Objective: This study investigates the therapeutic potential of α-tocopherol (Vitamin E, VitE), delivered locally via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel serving as a muscle void filler (MVF), for the acute treatment of volumetric muscle loss (VML) in a rat model. The primary goal was to determine if VitE, a reactive oxygen species scavenger, could exert antioxidant effects at the VML site and thereby improve the recovery of adjacent muscle tissue over a four-week period. Results: The MVF successfully increased VitE levels in the muscle throughout the implantation period. However, only the lowest concentration of VitE (5 mg/ml) showed a demonstrable effect, resulting in a 30% reduction in peak force compared to the PEG-alone group and a median muscle fiber size that was 4.34 μm smaller. Biochemical analysis revealed no differences in the expression of TGFβ1, protein carbonyl, or malondialdehyde across any groups. While local delivery of VitE was successful, further research is needed to optimize dosing and investigate additional mechanisms for improved muscle recovery.