Effects of keratin6/16 heterodimer on diabetic wound healing treatment with topical metformin

Abstract

Diabetes is an important public health problem, and it is well known that healing processes are impaired in diabetic wounds as one of its complications. Keratins are structural proteins found in skin cells and play a vital role in wound healing and skin integrity. While there is increasing interest in the anti-inflammatory properties of metformin, a drug commonly used for diabetes, its potential effect on wound healing and keratins is not yet fully understood. In this context, it was aimed to evaluate how metformin administration affects keratin 6 and keratin 16 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. In this study conducted on diabetic rats, the effects of topically applied metformin on keratins in wound healing were investigated. Then, protein and mRNA expression levels of keratin 6 and keratin 16 in treated wounds were compared with untreated wounds using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry methods. The results of the study are likely to detail changes in the expression levels of keratin 6 and keratin 16 after metformin administration. This information will shed light on how metformin affects the molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing, particularly concerning these important structural proteins. Understanding these changes may provide insight into potential therapeutic approaches to improve diabetic wound healing. By elucidating the effect of metformin on keratin expression, the study may contribute to the development of targeted therapies aimed at improving the healing process in diabetic wounds.