Olive Oil Administration Improves Cutaneous Wound Healing of Pressure Ulcers in Mice

Abstract

Chronic lesions, as pressure ulcers, present high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exacerbate inflammatory response, which impair cutaneous wound healing. Olive oil has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant proprieties and its administration in chronically stressed mice may improve the cutaneous wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of olive oil administration on cutaneous wound healing of pressure ulcers in mice. For this, male mice were daily treated with olive oil (1.5 g/kg) until euthanasia. One day after the beginning of treatment, two cycles of ischemia–reperfusion by external application of two magnetic plates were performed in skin to induce pressure ulcer formation. All experimental animal work was approved by the Ethical Committee for Animal Use of State University of Rio de Janeiro (CEUA/044/2014). The olive oil administration increased the wound contraction 7 days after ulceration when compared to control (water‐treated) group. The re‐epithelialization was increased by olive oil administration when compared to control group 7 and 14 days after ulceration. The ROS levels on wound area was increased 3 days after ulceration, but decreased 7 days, in olive oil‐treated group when compared to control group. The olive oil administration reduced the levels of lipid hydroperoxides when compared to control group. In conclusion, the administration of olive oil accelerates ROS synthesis and wound closure of pressure ulcer in mice.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support: Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ).