Topical and oral applications of Aloe vera improve healing of deep second-degree burns in rats via modulation of growth factors.

INTRODUCTION: Burn injuries are underappreciated injuries that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Burn injuries, especially severe burns, trigger immunological and inflammatory responses, metabolic abnormalities, and distributive shock, all of which can be extended to multiple organ failures. Aloe vera (A. vera) has been exploited for its medicinal properties for centuries. The goal of the present study is to examine the therapeutic effect of topical and oral administration of A. vera against deep second-degree burn in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: skin burn was created on the back of rats, and wound healing was assessed within the three examined groups; control, topical A. vera and oral A. vera throughout 30 days. Wound tissues were examined histologically, immunohistochemically for the expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1), peroxiredoxin (Prdx6), and mRNA abundance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was assessed. RESULTS: Our finding showed acceleration of wound contraction with both topical and oral A. vera administration. Maturation of granulation tissues was seen in both A. vera-supplemented groups. The topical application of A. vera revealed marked remodelling of the granulation tissues and higher expression levels of TGF-ß1, VEGF, bFGF, and Prdx6 in comparison with control and oral A. vera groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both oral and topical applications of A. vera have beneficial effects in deep second-degree burn wound healing by boosting the growth factors and antioxidant status of skin tissue. The topical treatment was more efficient in accelerating wound healing and hence could be used efficiently to treat second-degree burns.

Collagen extract obtained from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) skin accelerates wound healing in rat model via up regulating VEGF, bFGF, and α-SMA genes expression.

BACKGROUND: Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the mammalian connective tissue and represents approximately 30% of animal protein. The current study evaluated the potential capacity of collagen extract derived from Nile tilapia skin in improving the cutaneous wound healing in rats and investigated the underlying possible mechanisms. A rat model was used, and the experimental design included a control group (CG) and the tilapia collagen treated group (TCG). Full-thickness wounds were conducted on the back of all the rats under general anesthesia, then the tilapia collagen extract was applied topically on the wound area of TCG. Wound areas of the two experimental groups were measured on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 post-wounding. The stages of the wound granulation tissues were detected by histopathologic examination and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1) were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, relative gene expression analysis of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were quantified by real-time qPCR. RESULTS: The histopathological assessment showed noticeable signs of skin healing in TCG compared to CG. Immunohistochemistry results revealed remarkable enhancement in the expression levels of VEGF and TGF-ß1 in TCG. Furthermore, TCG exhibited marked upregulation in the VEGF, bFGF, and α-SMA genes expression. These findings suggested that the topical application of Nile tilapia collagen extract can promote the cutaneous wound healing process in rats, which could be attributed to its stimulating effect on recruiting and activating macrophages to produce chemotactic growth factors, fibroblast proliferation, and angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The collagen extract could, therefore, be a potential biomaterial for cutaneous wound healing therapeutics.

Comparing the effect of demineralized versus hybrid dentin matrices on inducing bone regeneration in New Zealand white rabbits' Mandibular defect.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of using demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) versus hybrid dentin matrices; Demineralized and undemineralized dentin particles (DDM +UDDM) on inducing bone regeneration in mandibular defects. DESIGN: The study was conducted on fifty adult New Zealand rabbits, twenty for preparation of experimental materials and thirty for surgical procedures. They were randomly assigned into 3 equal groups as follow one control group: no treatment and two experimental groups including demineralized group: treated with DDM only; and hybrid group: treated with a hybrid of (50% DDM+50% UDD). A rounded critical size defect (10 mm in diameter- 5 mm in depth) was created in the body of mandible. After 3- and 6-weeks post-surgery, the bone regeneration was evaluated by light microscope, scanning electron microscope and histomorphometry. RESULTS: Histological, histomorphometrical observation and SEM revealed that both dentin matrices had largely resorbed and induced new bone formation at both experimental groups compared to the control group, with statistically higher percentage of new bone formation in the hybrid group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that although both dentin matrices induced new bone formation; however, hybrid dentin matrix yielded better results compared to DDM group.

The effect of aloe vera oral administration on cutaneous wound healing in type 2 diabetic rats.

Delayed wound healing is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of Aloe vera oral administration on open wounds in type 2 diabetic rats. Full thickness open wounds (1.5 × 1.5 cm) were created under general anesthesia on the backs of the rats. These rats were divided into two group, a control group (Group C) and an Aloe vera oral administration group (Group A). Each wound area was measured on days 1, 2, 4 and 8 postwounding. The stages of wound granulation tissues were evaluated histopathologically. The expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by immunohistochemically. The wounds were significantly contracted in Group A on days 2, 4 and 8 postwounding. Histological results revealed that the inflammatory cell infiltration, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition and epithelialization were promoted in Group A, respectively. The immunohistochemical results revealed that both TGF-ß1 and VEGF protein-positive cells increased in Group A on day 4 postwounding. We concluded that Aloe vera oral administration accelerated wound healing in type 2 diabetic rats.

Standard measurement of the normal forelimb claw dimensions in Egyptian buffalo cows (Bubalus Bubalis) before and after functional trimming: a post-mortem study.

The aim of this study was to compare forelimb claw dimensions in buffalo cows, and to establish a reference values for functional claw trimming. Medial and lateral healthy front feet claws were evaluated from 20 young (YB) and 20 mature (MB) Egyptian buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis). The dorsal wall length (TL), dorsal wall angle (TA), heel length (HBL), height (HBH) and width (HBW), sole (SL) and claw length (CL) and sole width (SW) were measured. Differences between YB and MB were evaluated using ANOVA test, while those between the lateral and medial claws with a paired t test. Before and after trimming, the HBL, HBW, HBH, SL and CL were significantly higher for both claws in MB, while the TA was significantly lower. Before trimming the lateral HBW and HBH were significantly higher than the medial, while the SL and CL of the medial claw were significantly higher than the lateral claw. After trimming, the lateral claw HBL was significantly higher in MB. The SW of the lateral claw was significantly higher than the medial claw in both YB and MB, and it did not change after trimming. These results can be considered as a guidance during front feet trimming in buffaloes.

Flunixin Meglumine Enhanced Bone Fracture Healing in Rabbits Associated with Activation of Early Collagen Deposition and Enhancement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used postoperative analgesics, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatories, and they help prevent blood clotting. However, most NSAIDs delay bone healing. This study was aimed to investigate bone healing in a rabbit animal model by assessing the ability of flunixin meglumine (FM) and ketoprofen to induce fracture healing by examining histology, radiological changes, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunostaining during bone healing. For this purpose, 24 New Zealand rabbits were assigned to three groups: the control group, the FM group, and the ketoprofen group. Our results revealed that there were no intraoperative complications, and all surviving rabbits achieved full-weight bearing. Significant periosteal reaction and callus formation were confirmed at 2 postoperative weeks. Interestingly, FM enhanced callus formation, bone union, and remodeling in the FM group compared to the control and ketoprofen groups. FM enhanced bone healing through early collagen deposition and marked angiogenesis process activation by increasing the expression of VEGF. Our findings demonstrated, for the first time, the potential imperative action of FM in the bone healing process rather than other NSAIDs in animals.

Wound healing potential of licorice extract in rat model: Antioxidants, histopathological, immunohistochemical and gene expression evidences.

Wound healing is a public health concern. Licorice gained a great attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which expand its valuable effects as a herbal medicine. In this study, we pointed out to the wound healing potential and the mechanism by which licorice alcoholic extract can modulate cutaneous wound healing through immune, antioxidant, histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC) and molecular studies. 24 Wister rats were assigned into 3 groups (n = 8 each); control group, topical and oral supplied groups. Licorice extract administration significantly increased total and differential leucocyte counts, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, antioxidant biomarkers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content with a notable reduction in oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, histopathological findings detected complete re-epithelialization with increasing collagen synthesis while IHC results revealed a significant enhancement in the expression of α-SMA, PDGFR-α, FGFR1 and Cytokeratin 14 in licorice treated groups compared with the control group. Licorice extract supplementation accelerated wound healing by increasing angiogenesis and collagen deposition through up-regulation of bFGF, VEGF and TGF-ß gene expression levels compared with the control group. UPLC-PDA-MS/MS aided to authenticate the studied Glycyrrihza species and recognized 101 potential constituents that may be responsible for licorice-exhibited potentials. Based on our observations we concluded that licorice enhanced cutaneous wound healing via its free radical-scavenging potential, potent antioxidant activities, and anti-inflammatory actions. Therefore, licorice could be used as a potential alternative therapy for wound injury which could overcome the associated limitations of modern therapeutic products.

Healing potential of Spirulina platensis for skin wounds by modulating bFGF, VEGF, TGF-ß1 and α-SMA genes expression targeting angiogenesis and scar tissue formation in the rat model.

Blue-green microalga Spirulina platensis (SP) gained more attention for its antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties magnifying its beneficial effects as a feed additive and for cosmetic and biomedical applications. This study was performed to examine the impact of SP on the cutaneous wound and burn healing and to develop an understanding of the correlation between the sequelae of wound healing and the molecular expression patterns of wound healing-related genes as angiogenic basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrosis-related genes as transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in rat wound models. To achieve these goals, two experiments were performed on 32 Wister male rats that were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. Each experiment was represented by 2 groups; the control group (CG) and the Spirulina group (SG). A full-thickness wound (1.5 × 1.5 cm) and burn wound (2 × 2 cm) were made on the back of each generally anaesthetized rat and the areas of wound and burn were measured on days of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 and 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 post-wound and post-burn respectively. In both experiments, SP was topically applied on the backs of wounded and burned rats in Spirulina treated groups. The phases of wound granulation tissues were detected histopathologically. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expressions of (TGF-B1) and (VEGF). Furthermore, the relative quantification of gene expression was implemented using the (bFGF), (VEGF), (TGF-Ɓ1), and (α-SMA) as target genes. Histopathological examination revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, angiogenesis, epithelialization, and extracellular matrix deposition and wound contraction in SG as compared to CG in both experiments. Immunohistochemistry results showed a significant improvement in the VEGF and TGF-ß1 expression levels of SG in both experiments. Interestingly, SG in both experiments revealed upregulation of angiogenic genes (bFGF and VEGF) and downregulation of fibrotic genes (TGF-ß1 and α-SMA). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the topically applied Spirulina promoted wound healing. Thus, SP can be used as a biomedical application to treat various skin wounds and may reveal a potential molecular basis for future promising antifibrotic agents against scar formation.

Effectiveness of Subconjunctival Cyclosporine in Treatment of Acute Allergic Conjunctivitis in a Rat-Model.

BACKGROUND: Eye allergy is widely spread worldwide. The treatment includes topical anti-histamines, steroids and non-steroidal drugs. Steroids are the first choice by many ophthalmologists, but unfortunately they may cause serious side effects. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunomodulator drug that can improve eye allergy and reduce the need for steroids; however, topical preparation of CsA is difficult because of the lipophilic nature of the drug. METHODS: An experimental study included 16 rats with induced allergy were divided into 2 groups. Group 1: allergic non-treated (6 rats), and Group 2: allergic treated with 0.5 mL subconjunctival CsA 1% (10 rats). Half of each group was sacrificed at 24 hrs and the other half at 1 week. Conjunctival hyperemia and eosinophilic cell count were assessed at each time. RESULTS: Group 2 (CsA treated) showed significantly lower hyperemia score and eosinophilic count at both 24 hrs and 1 week. No ocular complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival CsA was safe and effective in treating ocular allergy through improving conjunctival hyperemia and reducing eosinophilic cell count with no significant ocular side effects.

Expression of NG2 proteoglycan in the degenerated intervertebral disc in dachshunds.

The pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is not fully understood. The biomolecular signaling pathways involved in the IVD degeneration require further investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of NG2 proteoglycan in the degenerated IVD. IVD samples were obtained from 16 Dachshunds that were confirmed to have IVD herniation and subsequently underwent hemilaminectomy. The samples were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations. IHC revealed positive results for the expression of NG2 proteoglycan in all examined samples. The results showed the expression of NG2 proteoglycan by the degenerated IVDs.

Evaluation of Analgesic Effect of Caudal Epidural Tramadol, Tramadol-Lidocaine, and Lidocaine in Water Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis).

Aim of this study was to compare the analgesic effect of tramadol and a combination of tramadol-lidocaine with that produced by lidocaine administration in the epidural space in buffalo calves. In a prospective randomized crossover study, ten male buffalo calves were used to compare the epidural analgesic effect of tramadol (1 mg/kg) and tramadol-lidocaine combination (0.5 mg/kg and 0.11 mg/kg, resp.) with that produced by 2% lidocaine (0.22 mg/kg). Loss of sensation was examined by pin-prick test. Onset time, duration, and degree of analgesia and ataxia were recorded after each treatment. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature, and haematobiochemical parameters were recorded after all treatments. Time to onset and duration of analgesia, respectively, were as follows: tramadol 11 ± 2 min and 208 ± 15 min; tramadol-lidocaine 6 ± 2 min and 168 ± 9 min; lidocaine 4 ± 1 min and 67 ± 13 min. Onset time and duration were significantly longer with tramadol than the other treatments. Duration was significantly longer with tramadol-lidocaine than lidocaine. Ataxia was mildly observed in tramadol-lidocaine and was moderate in lidocaine. HR, RR, and rectal temperature did not differ significantly from baseline after any treatment. Haematobiochemical parameters returned to basal levels by 24 h after all treatments. This combination might be clinically useful to provide analgesia in buffalo for long-duration surgical procedures.

Aloe vera gel facilitates re-epithelialization of corneal alkali burn in normal and diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of topical applied aloe vera (AV) and to facilitate the repair of the standardized alkaline corneal ulcer in normal and diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The corneal alkali-burn injury model was established unilaterally in Wistar rats by filter paper saturated with 0.01 M NaOH contacting the eyes for 45 seconds. Rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), normal AV (NAV), diabetic control (DC), and diabetic AV (DAV). NAV and DAV groups were treated with AV gel eye drops four times daily, and NC and DC groups were treated with normal saline for 3 days. Corneal epithelial wound closure and degree of edema were recorded using slit lamp and optical coherence tomography at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours postwounding. Histological examination was conducted to evaluate the degree of inflammation and the healing effect. RESULTS: Corneal epithelial wound healing was better in the NAV group than in the NC group, and it was significantly higher in the DAV group than in the DC group (P<0.05). In comparison to the DC group, DAV treated with AV demonstrated a marked reduction in edema at 48 and 72 hours. Histologically, corneal re-epithelialization was complete and higher in DAV group than that in DC group; moreover, the inflammatory cells were increased in DC group than DAV group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the efficacy of AV for enhanced corneal re-epithelialization, as well as reduced inflammatory response after alkali burn in rats; therefore, it could be useful as a therapy for diabetic keratopathy.

Performance of a new carbon dioxide absorbent, Yabashi lime® as compared to conventional carbon dioxide absorbent during sevoflurane anesthesia in dogs.

In the present study, we compare a new carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbent, Yabashi lime(®) with a conventional CO2 absorbent, Sodasorb(®) as a control CO2 absorbent for Compound A (CA) and Carbon monoxide (CO) productions. Four dogs were anesthetized with sevoflurane. Each dog was anesthetized with four preparations, Yabashi lime(®) with high or low-flow rate of oxygen and control CO2 absorbent with high or low-flow rate. CA and CO concentrations in the anesthetic circuit, canister temperature and carbooxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentration in the blood were measured. Yabashi lime(®) did not produce CA. Control CO2 absorbent generated CA, and its concentration was significantly higher in low-flow rate than a high-flow rate. CO was generated only in low-flow rate groups, but there was no significance between Yabashi lime(®) groups and control CO2 absorbent groups. However, the CO concentration in the circuit could not be detected (≤5ppm), and no change was found in COHb level. Canister temperature was significantly higher in low-flow rate groups than high-flow rate groups. Furthermore, in low-flow rate groups, the lower layer of canister temperature in control CO2 absorbent group was significantly higher than Yabashi lime(®) group. CA and CO productions are thought to be related to the composition of CO2 absorbent, flow rate and canister temperature. Though CO concentration is equal, it might be safer to use Yabashi lime(®) with sevoflurane anesthesia in dogs than conventional CO2 absorbent at the point of CA production.

Aloe vera oral administration accelerates acute radiation-delayed wound healing by stimulating transforming growth factor-ß and fibroblast growth factor production.

BACKGROUND: Delayed wound healing is a significant clinical problem in patients who have had previous irradiation. This study investigated the effectiveness of Aloe vera (Av) on acute radiation-delayed wound healing. METHODS: The effect of Av was studied in radiation-exposed rats compared with radiation-only and control rats. Skin wounds were excised on the back of rats after 3 days of local radiation. Wound size was measured on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after wounding. Wound tissues were examined histologically and the expressions of transforming growth factor ß-1 (TGF-ß-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were examined by immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Wound contraction was accelerated significantly by Av on days 6 and 12 after wounding. Furthermore, the inflammatory cell infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and the expression levels of TGF-ß-1 and bFGF were significantly higher in the radiation plus Av group compared with the radiation-only group. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed the potential application of Av to improve the acute radiation-delayed wound healing by increasing TGF-ß-1 and bFGF production.