Histological study on the effect of topical application of glucosamine on wound healing in rats

Abstract

Introduction Wounds are common in clinical practice, both in outpatient clinics and in hospitals. Poor and/or prolonged wound healing is a clinical problem resulting in long hospital stay and considerable economic costs. Glucosamine (GA) is a water-soluble hexosamine derived from chitin or chitosan. It has been shown to have a stimulatory effect on matrix formation and hyaluronic acid synthesis. However, these results were mainly through systemic administration, with few studies topically conducted. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of topical administration of GA on the wound healing process in a rat model of full-thickness skin wounds. Materials and methods Twenty-four male albino rats were divided into two groups: a control group (group I) and an experimental group (group II). The control group (10 rats) received regular dressing in addition to the nonmedicated gel base. The experimental group (14 rats) received 2% GA in gel form. A 1 cm2 full-thickness skin wound was created on the back of each rat. Treatment was administered daily until the end of the study (for 10 days). The wound closure rate, collagen synthesis, blood vessel formation, and fibroblast proliferation were studied by histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric methods. Results GA significantly enhanced and accelerated the wound closure rate as well as fibroblast proliferation. Collagen synthesis was also enhanced, as well as proliferation of hair follicles, in contrast to the control group. GA also improved the neovascularization process at the wound site. Overall, topical application of 2% GA accelerated the wound healing process and the wound contracting ability. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that GA has the potential to be used for treatment of skin wounds as a topical medication; however, further evaluations of its mechanisms of action and its clinical disadvantages should be made.