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INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot is a consequential and dangerous complication of diabetes, contributing to decreased quality of life, escalated hospitalizations, and increased mortality rates. Using an experimental model of diabetes, this study aims to investigate the effect of Lavandula stoechas on wound healing. METHODS: A total of 35 albino Wistar rats, 250-350 grams in weight, were used. The rats were divided into five groups, seven rats in each group. Of these, 21 rats were induced with 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to mimic the diabetic condition. Additionally, 14 rats remained non-diabetic and served as the control group. The diabetic rats were further divided into three subgroups. The non-diabetic group was split into two subgroups based on the dressing materials used (allicin, physiological serum, and control). Wound dimensions were assessed on Days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Biopsies were taken from the wound sites at the same time. RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups on Days 7, 14, and 21. The percentage of healing was highest in the Lavandula Stoechas group on Days 7, 14, and 21. Microscopic examination of the biopsies supported accelerated wound healing on Days 7 and 14. Reduced mononuclear cell density and increased hair follicle and adipose tissue development were observed in the DM (diabetes mellitus)-Lavandula Stoechas group on Day 7. On Day 14, the DM-Lavandula Stoechas group increased collagen levels and hair follicles. Similarly, the non-DM-Lavandula Stoechas group showed reduced bullae, dermal edema, and intraepithelial edema on Day 7. This was followed by increased fibroblast levels on Day 14. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence for the potential of Lavandula stoechas extract in the enhancement of diabetic wound healing. The multiple interactions revealed here highlight the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. A cost-effective use of Lavandula stoechas opens up promising prospects in managing diabetic foot healing. This warrants additional research and clinical translation.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Testosterone deficiency is associated with mortality in patients with heart failure; however, its effects on patients undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation are unclear. We investigated the role of total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) levels on mortality undergoing LVAD implantation. METHODS: Between December 2010 and December 2014, 101 consecutive male patients who underwent LVAD implantation and had plasma testosterone measurement (TT and FT) in the last month before operation were included in the study. Demographics, follow-up, and mortality data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51.7 ± 11 years. TT and FT levels were in the below normal range of 31.6% (n = 32) and 65.3% (n = 66) of the patients, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 355 ± 268 days, and 32 (31%) patients died during follow-up. Cumulative survival rates were significantly worse in patients with low TT and FT than patients in the normal range (P < .001 and P = .029, respectively). Multivariate analysis after adjustment for clinical variables, age, albumin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus (DM), and leukocytosis showed that low TT and FT were independently associated with poor survival (HR, 3.680; 95% CI, 1.615-8.385 P = .002 and HR, 3.816; 95% CI, 1.279-11.383, P = .016, respectively). CONCLUSION: Low TT and FT levels were independent risk factors for mortality in patients with LVAD.
