Characterisation of impaired wound healing in a preclinical model of induced diabetes using wide-field imaging and conventional immunohistochemistry assays.

Major complications of diabetes lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, delayed wound healing, and persistent ulcers. The high morbidity, mortality rate, and associated costs of management suggest a need for non-invasive methods that will enable the early detection of at-risk tissue. We have compared the wound-healing process that occurs in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats with non-diabetic controls using contrast changes in colour photography (ie, Weber Contrast) and the non-invasive optical method Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI). This technology can be used to quantify the structural and metabolic properties of in-vivo tissue by measuring oxyhaemoglobin concentration (HbO2 ), deoxyhaemoglobin concentration (Hb), and oxygen saturation (StO2 ) within the visible boundaries of each wound. We also evaluated the changes in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the dermis using immunohistochemistry. Contrast changes in colour photographs showed that diabetic rats healed at a slower rate in comparison with non-diabetic control, with the most significant change occurring at 7 days after the punch biopsy. We observed lower HbO2 , StO2 , and elevated Hb concentrations in the diabetic wounds. The iNOS level was higher in the dermis of the diabetic rats compared with the non-diabetic rats. Our results showed that, in diabetes, there is higher level of iNOS that can lead to an observed reduction in HbO2 levels. iNOS is linked to increased inflammation, leading to prolonged wound healing. Our results suggest that SFDI has potential as a non-invasive assessment of markers of wound-healing impairment.

Evaluation of Cycloferin Supplement on Health Parameters in Experimentally Induced Diabetic Rats with and Without Exogenous Insulin.

Cycloferin is an extract of the chemicals from the Cyclopia species, which grows only in small areas in the southwest and southeast of South Africa and has been consumed traditionally as a nourishing tea to treat numerous health issues and illnesses. Previous studies report that some of the active compounds in Cycloferin, such as pinitol (a modified sugar) and mangiferin (a glucoside), may reduce blood sugar levels and therefore may be used as a treatment for diabetes. Mangiferin, in particular, has been shown to stimulate carbohydrate oxidation and alleviate some effects of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Other active components of Cycloferin include flavones, isoflavones, coumestans, luteolin, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, polyphenols, and xanthones. These active compounds are antioxidants, which can enhance glucose breakdown, lower blood lipids, and reduce the number of highly reactive compounds known as free radicals, which can alter cellular structure and function when present in large amounts. In this study, we explored the ameliorative effects of Cycloferin by treating streptozotocin- (STZ) injected rats with Cycloferin and evaluating its long-term and short-term effect on blood glucose levels and kidney and liver conditions of the diabetic-rendered rats. Our results demonstrated the ability of Cycloferin to both lower the blood glucose levels and reduce evidence of damage in kidney and liver in diabetic rats with and without exogenous insulin treatment for partial control of diabetic state.