Study of cutaneous wound healing in rats treated with Lactobacillus plantarum on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21

Abstract

Probiotics are microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract that help the immune system and reduce inflammation. The beneficial effects of these bacteria on ulcer healing have been proved but little research has been done in the field of cutaneous wound healing. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment is to study the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on cutaneous wound healing. Some strains of Lactobacillus isolated from traditional dairy products of Iran are investigated for exopolysaccharide (EPS) production applying the phenol-sulfuric acid method. L. plantarum was selected for its high exopolysaccharide and mucoid coloniese production. Wistar male rats divided into 3 groups; Experimental, control and negative control (n = 5) and a full-thickness wound (1.5 × 1.5 cm) was made on the back of each rat (45 rats in 3 groups). After 24 h of injury, two groups, control and experimental, were treated by eucerin, and eucerin contained L. plantarum, respectively, but the negative-control group did not receive anything. On days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21, rats were killed and wound samples were collected for histological and statistical studies. L. plantarum significantly decreased wound area as compared to other groups and increased wound healing. Histological study on day 3 showed significant increase in the number of neutrophils and significant increases in macrophages and fibroblasts (p < 0.001). Also significant reduction in neutrophils, macrophages and fibroblasts numbers was observed on day 21 (p < 0.001). The current study presented a significant decrease in inflammation and an acceleration of wound healing in L. plantarum treated rats.