Modulation of collagen population under honey assisted wound healing in diabetic rat model

Abstract

Background

Diabetic wound with impaired healing attributes owing to inappropriate synthesis and alignment of collagen fibrils with aberrant post translational modifications impose substantial economic burden. Honey: a recognized natural collagen pro-synthetic healing agent; stimulates rapid healing with its anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring approach. Present study investigates the effect of honey on collagen population in diabetic wound model.

Methodology

Full thickness wound was created on rat and divided into three groups: normal saline treated group (N), diabetic honey treated group (H), diabetic povidone iodine treated group (PI). Biopsies were collected from wound edges for collagen characterization.

Main findings

Histological attributes of collagen fibers in N and H group biopsy displayed proximity. Ultrastructure analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the D-Spacing and collagen diameter under honey treatment were in close resemblance to normal skin collagen. FTIR spectra confirmed secondary structure of collagen with a greater peak height in PI group exhibiting excessive glycation than H group. Nano-indentation profiling showed decreased displacement in PI samples resulting from increased rigidity when compared to honey treated ones. Molecular expression of collagen I and III exhibited optimum ratio in H group similar to N group.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, it might be opined that honey predominantly helps in regulating synthesis, glycation and deposition followed by mechanical quality of collagen alike normal skin and its application also accelerated diabetic healing process.