Histological study on the effect of garlic extract on induced wound in male rat: Possible role of endogenous stem cells

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Chronic wounds represent a significant health problem. Novel therapeutic approaches to wound healing are required. Garlic (Allium sativum) was considered to exert antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticholesterol activities.Aim of the work: The present work aimed at investigating the possible therapeutic effect of garlic extract (GE) on induced wound in male albino rat. The possible role of endogenous stem cells was also determined.Materials and Methods: 26 adult male albino rats were divided into Group I (Control group): 6 rats not exposed to wound induction.Group II (Wounded group): 10 rats were exposed to wound induction and subdivided into subgroups IIa and IIb, 5 animals each, were sacrificed 2 and 3 weeks following wound induction. Group III (Wounded and GE treated group): 10 rats were exposed to wound induction and subdivided as in group II. 0.5 ml of 1% GE was locally applied following wound induction. Skin specimens (including the wound and a margin of normal skin around) were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical studies.Results: Morphological changes, indicating inflammation and degeneration, were found in wounded rats. These changes regressed remarkably by the use of GE. The regression of apoptosis was confirmed by caspase3 immunostaining and the activation of stem cells was proved by CD44 immunostaining.Conclusions: GE therapeutic effect was proved to be related to both caspase3 pathway inactivation and MSC migration activation. GE was suggested to be applied in appropriate concentrations in the preparation of pharmaceutical products to be used safely on epithelial cells in wound care.