Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective Investigate histological changes related to inflammatory response and collagen expression during wound healing in rats with protein malnutrition. Methods Twenty male Wistar rats underwent cutaneous surgery and were divided into two experimental groups: Malnourished (8% casein diet); Nourished (17% casein diet). Animals were euthanized after 5th and 10th days, descriptive and quantitative analyses were performed on sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin and sirius red, respectively. Statistical analysis of data using nonparametric Fisher's exact test with p<0.05 was carried out. Results At five days, increased fibroblast proliferation (p<0.01) and collagen expression (p<0.05) was observed in N5 group. After ten days, N10 and MN10 animals showed higher amount of granulation tissue and edema/inflammatory infiltrate independent of nutritional status (p>0.05), only N10 group showed fibroblast proliferation (p<0.01) and increased collagen expression (p<0.01). Conclusion Protein malnutrition seems not to influence inflammatory phase of healing, whereas it negatively effects fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.
Highlights
Malnutrition affects thousands of pregnant women, newborns, and pre-school children worldwide [1]
Animals sacrificed on the 5th day Tissue sections of the N5 and MN5 groups stained with HE revealed that granulation tissue was present in the papillary dermis and on the edges of the lesion, which protruded into the central region of the ulcer located below the fibrin crust
Chronic protein malnutrition had a negative influence on the cicatricial pattern
Summary
Malnutrition affects thousands of pregnant women, newborns, and pre-school children worldwide [1]. Older children and adults who have survived neonatal malnutrition but who still have insufficient nutrient intake are typically classified as chronically malnourished [3]. Such a nutritional status is the most significant risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality [4]. The deficiency of proteins, vitamins, and important cofactors inhibits the synthesis of collagen and retards the repair of wounds [7]. The presence of vitamin C and proteins, in particular, promotes the biosynthesis of collagen, which is a determinant factor in the generation andmaintenance of tensile strength of scar tissue. The PEM generates significant morphofunctional alterations, in the skin as well, culminating in loss of integrity and impairment of cicatrization [6,8]
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