Effects of the cutaneous and blood contents of glucose on wound healing in diabetic rats with superficial partial thickness scalding

Abstract

To study the effect of the cutaneous and blood contents of glucose on wound healing in diabetic rats with superficial partial thickness scalding. 96 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control group and STZ-induced diabetic group, inflicted with superficial partial thickness scalding of 10% TBSA on the back. The glucose content in the blood and wound tissue were evaluated before injury and at day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, day 10 and day 14 after injury. Wound healing process in the rats was dynamically observed by naked eyes and histologically examined. The cell cycles of keratinocytes from wound site were determined before injury and at day 3, day 7 and day 10 after injury. The concentrations of blood glucose in diabetic wound was significant increased than normal group (27.28 mmol/L +/- 0.80 mmol/L vs. 4.65 mmol/L +/- 0.14 mmol/L, P < 0.01). The content of local glucose in wound tissue were significantly correlated with that in the blood (r = 0.881, P < 0.05). When compared with the control group, wound healing of the diabetic rats were delayed with the characteristics of impaired epithelialization and decreased. percentages of S stage and G(2)/M stages of keratinocytes. Local glucose content in diabetic wound was varied with blood glucose concentration. The increased glucose concentration in diabetic wound was attributed to the impaired wound healing in diabetes. High glucose concentration could inhibit the epithelialization and decrease the keratinocyte proliferation.