Induced Burn Wound Research Articles

Design and decoration of copper nanoparticles into lignosulfonate-starch bionanocomposite: Characterization and evaluation of its therapeutic properties on burn wound

In this report, eco-friendly synthesis for the production of copper nanoparticles by employing the sodium lignosulfonate (NaLS) mixed starch composite (NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs). NaLS-Starch mixed hydrogel has notable reducing and stabilizing potential for preparation of Cu nanoparticles. Characterization of NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs bionanocomposite was subjected to analysis of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including FE-SEM, TEM, EDS-elemental mapping, particle size distribution, XRD and ICP. TEM images displayed the spherical structured NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs, averaging 5–10 nm size. NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs were applied to cure the induced burn wounds in 60 Wistar rats. A group was considered as control group. The animals were treated with basal, tetracycline 3 % and NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs 3 % for 30 days and the treatment efficacy was determined according to the burn wound area reduction and molecular and histological characteristics. Taken together, these results support therapeutic use of NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs as potent ointment that may be proposed for burn wound healing. NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs ointment increased the levels of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The mean wound surface, in all groups treated by NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs was larger than control group.

Preclinical Evaluation of Paederia foetida leaves for Burn Wound Healing Activity

The leaves of Paederia foetida are commonly used in folk remedies to treat various types of wounds, especially burn wounds. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Paederia foetida on experimentally induced burn wound in rats and compare the effects with known wound healing agents, Silverex ointment and Aloe veragel. An appropriate gel formulation was chosen for topical application in this burn wound model. Animals treated with Paederia foetida leaves extract showed significant reduction in period of epithelialization and wound contraction 50% as compare to control and produced comparable effect as compare to Silverex ointment and Aloe vera gel. From the study It was concluded that Paederia foetida leaves extract applied topically (2.5% and 5% gel formulation) possesses burn wound healing activity.

Chitosan tamarind-based nanoparticles as a promising approach for topical application of curcumin intended for burn healing: in vitro and in vivo study

One of the most prevalent worldwide problems that affect all ages and genders is skin burn. The goal of our study was to assess the ability of curcumin nanoparticles to cure a rat burn model. Three formulations were selected after several tests were performed including investigation of encapsulation efficiency, particle size and zeta potential measurements. In vitro release was achieved on the three selected formulations. The effectiveness of the chosen formulation for healing was evaluated. The induced burn wound was smeared, starting just after excision, once daily with curcumin nanoparticles for 18 days. Our findings revealed that curcumin nanoparticles improved the burn healing potential by augmenting the skin regeneration indices as evidenced by enhancing the new production of hyaluronic acid and collagen type I. Additionally, curcumin nanoparticles could increase levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and alpha smooth muscle activity while drastically reducing the skin’s tumour necrosis factor content, revealing a significant potential for burn healing process that is also reflected in the histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Finally, our results demonstrated that curcumin nanoparticles revealed a significant potential for burn healing than curcumin alone due to its potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on skin burn healing and rejuvenation: A focus on scar regulation, oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptotic mechanisms

Cell-based therapies have great promise in accelerating and improving burn wound healing. It is a growing need to scale their competence to meet the clinical demands. In this study, the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were tested on the repair of induced burn wounds in a murine model. After the induction of thermal injury, rats were injected with BMSCs and/or PRP in the burn area. After 4 weeks of post-burn, our findings revealed that local treatment of burnt skin with BMSCs and/or PRP offered substantial outcomes when compared with the untreated group. Injected burn with BMSCs and/or PRP enhanced the wound contraction rate and decreased the burn area and period of epithelization. Significant increases in VEGF together with declines in MMP-9 and TGF-β1 were observed in burnt areas after being treated with BMSCs and/or PRP therapy that indicated improved angiogenesis, and re-epithelization. Furthermore, both MSCs and PRP modulated the burn's oxidative and inflammatory microenvironment as indicated by increases in SOD, CAT, and GSH besides declines in MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, NO, and iNOS. Notable increases in Bcl-2 levels and decreases in Cas-3 and Bax levels were recorded in burnt skin that received both agents concomitantly. Interestingly, the histopathological examination validates the healing power of BMSCs and/or PRP. Collectively, BMSCs and PRP have pioneered therapeutics candidates for clinical application in burn healing possibly via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms along with regulating angiogenesis and scar formation.

Role of quercetin and rutin in enhancing the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells for cold induced burn wound.

IntroductionCold burn wounds differ in their pathophysiological spectrum as compared to other types of burn wounds. These wounds have prolonged devastating effects on the body including hypertrophic scars, contracture, and necrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered promising candidates for the complete regeneration of burn wounds. However, transplanted MSCs face the challenge to survive under the harsh tissue conditions. Preconditioning of MSCs with bioactive compounds may enhance their survival and regenerative potential for use in clinical applications. Bioactive compounds of Melia azedarach are well known for their potential role in treating different types of skin wounds due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cytotoxic, and anti-oxidative properties. This study aims to evaluate the synergistic effects of human umbilical cord derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) after preconditioning them with bioactive compounds of M. azedarach (quercetin and rutin) for cold induced burn wounds.MethodHuman umbilical cord MSCs (hUC-MSCs) were characterized based on their specific cell surface markers and treated with 20 μM of quercetin or rutin. In vitro scratch assay was performed to measure cell migration and wound closure. In vivo cold burn wound model was developed via direct exposure of the dorsal rat skin to liquid nitrogen. hUC-MSCs were subcutaneously transplanted next day of burn wound induction and wound was examined at different time points corresponding to the wound healing phases (days 3, 7, and 14). The regenerative potential of preconditioned hUC-MSCs was assessed in different groups; control (treated only with hUC-MSCs), and treated groups (quercetin or rutin treated hUC-MSCs). Healing potential and wound closure were evaluated by histological, gene expression, and immunohistochemical analyses of the wound tissues before and after treatment.ResultsScratch assay exhibited enhanced cell migration towards wound closure in the treated groups as compared to the control. Macroscopic examination of the wound revealed scab formation at day 14 in control, whereas scab was detached and the wound tissue was remarkably remodeled in the treated groups. Comparison between the treated groups showed that burn wound treated with quercetin significantly increased healing potential than the rutin treated MSCs. Histological findings showed enhanced regeneration of skin layers along with hair follicles in the quercetin group, while increased neovascularization was noted in both treatment groups. Gene profile of wound healing mediators illustrated significant upregulation of IL-5, IL-4, GPX-7, TXNRD-2, PRDX, VEGF, and FGF and downregulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6.ConclusionIn conclusion, synergistic effect of hUC-MSCs and bioactive compounds of M. azedarach enhances wound healing by reducing the inflammation, mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing neovascularization. The study findings will aid in designing more effective treatment options for cold burn wounds.

The Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves on the Macrophage Count and VEGF Expression on Wistar Rats with Burn Wound

Background: One modality type of burn wound therapy is topical silver sulfadiazine. Recently, research about topical herb medicine has grown. Moringa oleifera (MO) is a kind of herb plant that has an anti-inflammation effect and has an influence on angiogenesis, so it tends to faster burn wound healing. This study aimed to prove the effect of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on the macrophage count and VEGF expression in Wistar rats with burn wounds.
 Methods: The research design that was used is "Randomized post-test with a control group." The study population used 24 male Wistar rats that were induced burn wounds and randomly divided into 4 groups which were given medicine topically once daily for 7 days. Treatment groups included: I (MO leaves extract 10%), II (SSD + MO leaves extract 10%), III (SSD), dan IV (pure vehiculum). Exudation was assessed macroscopically, while PMN and macrophage amount were assessed microscopically with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Data were analyzed and processed using hypothesis test One Way ANOVA – Post Hoc Bonferroni, Kruskal Wallis – Mann Whitney, and correlation test Spearman and Pearson with SPSS 25.0 program.
 Results: Significant difference obtained in macrophage amount between II group and IV group (p 0,000). There was no significant difference in VEGF expression. There was also no correlation between macrophage amount and VEGF expression.
 Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves extract proved to be effective in decreasing macrophage cell count on Wistar rats with burn wounds.

The Effect of Ethanolic Extract from Moringa oleifera Leaves in Collagen Density and Numbers of New Capillary Vessel Count on Wistar Rats Burn Wound

Background: Burns are a major cause of morbidity, including prolonged length of stay and disability, which requires no small amount of treatment costs. Currently, there are many studies to accelerate the healing of wounds, one of which is with Moringa oleifera (MO). This study aimed to prove the effect of ethanolic extract from MO leaves on collagen density and new capillary vessel count on Wistar rats' burn wounds.
 Methods: This research is randomized post-test only with a control group design. Twenty-four male Wistar rats induced burn wounds and were randomly divided into 4 groups which were given topical medicine once daily for 10 days; P1 (MO leaves extract 10%), P2 (Silver Sulfadiazine + MO leaves extract 10%), P3 (SSD), and P4 (negative control). Collagen density was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and continued with Mann-Whitney Test. New capillary vessel count was assessed using Hematoxylin-Eosin staining and One Way ANOVA. The correlation test between two variables was tested using the Spearman test.
 Results: Collagen Density shows significant difference in group P1 compared to P4 (p=0,016), group P2 compared to P3 (p=0,047), group P2 compared to P4 (p=0,009). A significant increase in new capillary blood vessel counts was seen in group P1 compared to P3 and P4 (p=0.001; 0,000) and group P2 compared to P3 and P4 (p=0,000;0,000). A positive correlation was found between the new capillary blood vessel count and epithelization percentage (p=0,001), with a strong correlation (rho=0,682).
 Conclusion: Ethanolic extract from Moringa oleifera leaves proved to be effective in increasing collagen density and new capillary vessel count.

Hydrogel-based dressings in the treatment of partial thickness experimentally induced burn wounds in rats.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To compare four commercially available hydrogel formulations in the healing of partial thickness burns experimentally induced in rats.Methods:Wistar rats were used, and after the burn wound induction they were divided into the following treatment groups: G1) NaCl 0.9%; G2) 1% silver sulfadiazine; G3) Debrigel™; G4) Safgel™; G5) Dersani™; G6) Solosite™. The animals were followed during seven, 14 and 30 days after the injury induction. Morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were performed.Results:The treatment with Dersani™ induced better results during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process (p<0.05). The animals treated with Safgel™ presented better scaring in the remodeling phase (p<0.05), and the treatment with Dersani™ and Solosite™ induced greater wound closure (p<0.05).Conclusions:The hydrogel-based dressings presented beneficial outcomes in the healing of burn wounds experimentally induced in rats due to their ability in maintain the humidity of the wound, in removing the exudate, in promoting cell migration and collagen production during the different phases of the healing process.

671 Burn Wound Healing Effect of Bromelain-loaded Chitosan Nanofibers

Abstract Introduction Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes present in all tissues of pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is known as an efficient debriding agent in burn treatment and has been shown to effectively and selectively debride burn eschar. In this study, the efficiency of bromelain-loaded chitosan nanofibers for burn wounds repair was investigated in animal model. Methods Chitosan nanofibers containing bromelain were prepared by electrospinning method. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthetized nanofibers, release profile and activity of bromelain loaded in nanofibers were evaluated. The burn healing effect of bromelain-loaded nanofibers were studied in the induced burn wounds in rats for 21 days. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by evaluating changes in wound closer and histological analysis at different time point. Results Successful electrospinning of bromelain-loaded chitosan nanofibers resulted in uniform and bead-less nanofibers which released bromelain up to 48h. The formulation kept bromelain enzyme activity after 6-month storage at 4 °C and did not show any cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, in vivo study in a rat burn model confirmed the safety and efficacy of applying bromelain loaded nanofibers in burn wound healing when a significant improve in wound closer was observed in bromelain loaded group and histopathological studies showed more effects on re-epithelialization, debridement and more reduction of necrosis compared to chitosan alone. Conclusions Together, these results suggest that bromelain chitosan nanofiber possesses great wound healing activity and could be considered as an effective natural topical burn wound healing treatment.

Bromelain-loaded chitosan nanofibers prepared by electrospinning method for burn wound healing in animal models

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes present in all tissues of pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is known as an efficient debriding agent in burn treatment. In this study, the efficiency of bromelain-loaded chitosan nanofibers for burn wounds repair was investigated in animal model. Chitosan nanofibers containing bromelain (2% and 4% w/v) were prepared by electrospinning method. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthetized nanofibers were evaluated. The release profile and activity of bromelain loaded in nanofibers were also assayed. Cytotoxicity test was carried out using Alamar blue. The burn healing effect of chitosan-2% w/v bromelain nanofiber was studied in the induced burn wounds in rats for 21 days. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by reduction of burn wound area and histological characteristics at different times. Chitosan-2% w/v bromelain showed the better physicochemical properties and release profile as well as low cytotoxicity than chitosan-4% w/v bromelain. The results also indicated that chitosan-2% w/v bromelain nanofiber was more efficient to heal burn skin compared to chitosan nanofiber alone in the animal model tested. The present study concludes that chitosan-2% w/v bromelain nanofiber possesses great wound healing activity and could be considered as an effective natural topical burn wound healing treatment.

Effective Topical Delivery of H-AgNPs for Eradication of Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Burn Wound Infection.

The aim of the present study was to explore the therapeutic efficacy of microemulsion-based delivery of histidine-capped silver nanoparticles in eradicating Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced burn wound infection. The developed microemulsion was characterized on the basis of differential light scattering, phase separation, refractive index, and specific conductance. Emulgel was prepared and characterized on the basis of thixotropy, texture, differential scanning calorimetry, and release kinetics. Emulgel was further evaluated in skin irritation and in vivo studies, namely full-thickness K. pneumoniae-induced burn wound infection treatment via topical route. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated in terms of bacterial load, histopathology, wound contraction, and other infection markers. The developed emulgel provided significant in vivo antibacterial activity of histidine-capped silver nanoparticle preparations via topical route and resulted in reduction in bacterial load, wound contraction, and enhanced skin healing as well as decrement of inflammatory markers such as malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and reactive nitrogen intermediate compared to untreated animals. The present study encourages the further employment of histidine-capped silver nanoparticles along with microemulsion-based drug delivery system in combating antibiotic-resistant topical infections.

The effect of calcium gluconate with natural extracts on skin toxicity of hydrofluoric acid

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a highly corrosive acid. The conventional treatment for HF burn is topical application of calcium gluconate (CG). Our study aimed to assess the synergistic effects of natural extracts (Centella asiatica, Portulaca oleracea, and blueberry extracts) in combination with CG in healing HF induced burn wound. We investigated the effects of different topical CG formulations with natural extracts using cell proliferation assay, western blot, reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction, human skin equivalent model (HSEM), and mouse model. Topical CG formulations with natural extracts showed better recovery from HF burns shown by greater collagen expression in the dermal fibroblast model, HSEM and mouse model. Our study demonstrated that CG in combination with natural extracts show superior wound healing in treating HF burn compared to CG monotherapy.

EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF POLYHERBAL FORMULATION

Objective: The present study describes the anti-microbial acivity of Acacia arabica and Butea monosperma bark extract.Methods: For this purpose aqueous extract of bark were prepared by “Soxhlet extraction method”. The experimentally induced burn wound model in rats by “Excision method”.Results: As a result of this study it was found that the extract of bark generally revealed antimicrobial and wound healing activity.Conclusion: The result of the study suggest that the Acacia arabica and Butea monosperma bark of polyherbal gel effective in accelerating wound healing process.

The effect of Quercus brantii gall extract on burn wound healing in rat.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Quercus brantii galls extract on the rat skin burn wound healing. Ethanol extract of the galls of Q. brantii was used to treat the induced burn wounds on the back of 32 Wistar rats divided into 4 groups. The groups were treated by placebo, 1%, 2% and 4% concentration gall extract gels for 14 days and the efficacy of treatment was assessed based on reduction of burn wound area, as well as histological and molecular characteristics. The mean wound surface in the 14th day, in all groups treated by Q. brantii gall extracts were larger than control group and the differences were statistically significant (P=0.043). The mean histological wound healing scores were not statistically different. Analysis of nitric oxide and platelet derived growth factor concentration in wound fluids in the 5th day of study showed that there was not any significant difference between groups (P=0.468 and 0.312 respectively). Fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) concentration in the wound fluids, was significantly higher in group treated with 1% gall extract gel in comparison to the control group (P=0.026). Our results could not prove the significant positive effect of Q. brantii galls extract on the burning wound healing. More studies with more groups treated with different doses of the Q. brantii extract are recommended.

Evaluation of a Highly Skin Permeable Low-Molecular-Weight Protamine Conjugated Epidermal Growth Factor for Novel Burn Wound Healing Therapy

We evaluated the laser induced burn wound healing efficacy of a recombinant low-molecular-weight protamine conjugated epidermal growth factor (rLMWP-EGF). rLMWP-EGF was prepared by genetically combining LMWP with the N-terminal sequence of EGF; we obtained a homogeneous modified EGF without reduced biological activity. Because of the protein transduction domain of LMWP, rLMWP-EGF showed enhanced drug penetration across artificial skin constructs and excised mouse skin layers versus EGF and showed significantly improved burn wound healing efficacy, with accelerated wound closure and minimized eschar and scar formation, compared with EGF or no treatment. Histological examination also revealed that rLMWP-EGF permeated through the intact skin around the wound and facilitated residual epithelial cell proliferation in an integrated manner to reform an intact epidermis. Radiofrequency microwound formation was effective for reducing large hypertrophic scars formed after severe laser burning by collagen remodeling but rLMWP-EGF did not show a meaningful synergistic effect in burn scar reduction. However, rLMWP-EGF was helpful for forming skin with a more normal appearance and texture. Thus, rLMWP-EGF demonstrated therapeutic potential as a novel topical burn wound healing drug with no obvious toxic effect.

Evidence to Support the Therapeutic Potential of Bacteriophage Kpn5 in Burn Wound Infection Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in BALB/c Mice

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is one of the most critical problems of modern medicine. Bacteriophages have been suggested as an alternative therapeutic agent for such bacterial infections. In the present study, we examined the therapeutic potential of phage Kpn5 in the treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055-induced burn wound infection in a mouse model. An experimental model of contact burn wound infection was established in mice employing K. pneumoniae B5055 to assess the efficacy of phage Kpn5 in vivo. Survival and stability of phage Kpn5 were evaluated in mice and the maximum phage count in various organs was obtained at 6 h and persisted until 36 h. The Kpn5 phage was found to be effective in the treatment of Klebsiella-induced burn wound infection in mice when phage was administered immediately after bacterial challange. Even when treatment was delayed up to 18 h post infection, when all animals were moribund, approximately 26.66% of the mice could be rescued by a single injection of this phage preparation. The ability of this phage to protect bacteremic mice was demonstrated to be due to the functional capabilities of the phage and not due to a nonspecific immune effect. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were significantly lower in sera and lungs of phage-treated mice than phage untreated control mice. The results of the present study bring out the potential of bacteriophage therapy as an alternate preventive approach to treat K. pneumoniae B5055- induced burn wound infections. This approach not only helps in the clearance of bacteria from the host but also protects against the ensuing inflammatory damage due to the exaggerated response seen in any infectious process.

Topical treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055 induced burn wound infection in mice using natural products

Burn wound infection remains the principal cause of death in burn patients. Efficacy of honey and aloe vera gel was evaluated in the treatment of burn wound infection induced with Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055 and their efficacy was compared with an isolated and well-characterized Klebsiella specific phage Kpn5. A full thickness burn wound was induced in mice and infected with K. pneumoniae B5055 via topical route. The efficacy of natural antimicrobial agents (honey and aloe vera gel) topically applied daily was compared with the efficacy of phage Kpn5 suspended in hydrogel applied topically a single time on the burn wound. Efficacy of these antimicrobial agents was assessed on the basis of the percentage of infected mice that survived following treatment. In comparison to untreated control mice, those treated with a single dose of phage Kpn5 at MOI of 200 showed significant reduction in mortality (P < 0.001). Daily application of honey and aloe vera gel provided significant protection (P < 0.001), but in combination with phage, no additional advantage was observed (P > 0.05) compared to the use of honey and aloe vera gel alone. The results of this study strongly suggest that phage Kpn5 has therapeutic value in treating burn wound infection in mice as a single topical application of this phage was able to rescue mice from infection caused by K. pneumoniae B5055 in comparison to multiple applications of honey and aloe vera gel.

Effect of Phyllanthus niruri. Linn on burn wound in rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri. Linn (Euphorbiaceae) on experimentally induced burn wound model in rats and to evaluate whether it reverses the wound healing in steroid suppressed rats. Methods Two models including burn wound model and dexamethasone suppressed burn wound model were used in the study. The formulations of ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri were prepared in gum acacia at 8% and in ointment base at 10% and were administered orally (400 mg/kg) and externally respectively. The parameters studied were the wound contraction and the period of epithelialisation. Results In burn wound model, oral and topical administration of Phyllanthus niruri did not show any significant effects in wound contraction and period of epithelialisation when compared to control. In dexamethasone suppressed burn wound model, wound contraction rate was increased significantly by topical ( P < 0.001) and oral ( P < 0.001) administrations of Phyllanthus niruri by about 47.57% and 26.16% respectively. Topical administration has shown significant (P < 0.05) enhancement of wound contraction than oral dosage form. Dexamethasone depressed epithelialisation period was reversed significantly by topical (P < 0.0001) and oral (P <0.001) administrations of Phyllanthus niruri by about 32.5% and 21.3% respectively. Conclusions Both topical and oral administrations of ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri are found to reverse dexamethasone suppressed burn wound healing.

Bacteriophage Treatment of Burn Wound Infection Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO in BALB/c Mice

Therapeutic potential of five purified and well characterized bacteriophages (Pa29, Pa30, Pa31, Pa33 and Pa34) was evaluated in thermally injured and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO infected mice. Efficacy of five P. aeruginosa phages was assessed on the basis of percentage survival of phage treated mice. Toxicity evaluation of all the phages, showed them to be non toxic as no sign of morbidity and mortality was observed in phage treated mice. Survival and stability of Pseudomonas specific phages was evaluated in mice and maximum phage count in various organs was obtained at 3 h which persisted till 24 h and no phage could be detected at 36 h post inoculation. The results of the study indicate that a single dose of phages intraperitoneally (i.p.) at highest multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 900, did not provide any protection from P. aeruginosa PAO induced burn wound infection in mice. Since a single application of Pseudomonas specific phages did not restrict the infection in thermally injured mice by P. aeruginosa PAO, the experiment was repeated by administering these phages at 24 h intervals, starting immediately after the infection up to 72 h at above mentioned MOI, even then no protection was observed in phage treated groups and results were comparable to control groups with 100% mortality (P>0.05). The results of the present study show that, phages belonging to Podoviridae family, order Caudovirales were not effective in protecting P. aeruginosa infected thermally injured mice.

The Effect of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) Extract for Healing of Second-degree Burn Wounds in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pollen of saffron extract cream in the treatment of thermal induced burn wounds and to compare its results with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) in rats. Animals were divided into four groups and administrated a topical cream including control, base, saffron (20%) or SSD (1%) at 24 hour after a burn injury that was induced by hot water. In special days, according to a pre-planned schedule, animal's weight, wound size, as well as skin histo-pathology were determined in different groups under topical treatments. On day 25, average size of wound was 5.5, 4, 0.9 and 4.1 cm2 in control, base, saffron and silver groups. The wound size of saffron group was significantly smaller than other groups. Histological comparison has shown that saffron significantly increased re-epithelialization in burn wounds, as compared to other cream-treated wounds. Although the exact mechanism of saffron is unclear, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of saffron may have contributed to the wound healing. The results of this study raise the possibility of potential efficacy of saffron in accelerating wound healing in burn injuries.