Cell Therapy and Investigation of Angiogenesis of Fibroblastswith Collagen Hydrogel on the Healing of Diabetic Wounds

INTRODUCTION: A diabetic ulcer is a common disease in diabetic patients. Due to antibiotic resistance, new therapeutic alternatives are being considered in diabetic foot patients to reduce complications and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of collagen hydrogel on wound healing process in diabetic rats. METHODS: Diabetic wounds were induced with streptozotocin in all 42 male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into four groups: (a) treated with fibroblast cells, (b) collagen hydrogel, (c) collagen cultured with fibroblast cells, and (d) control group. Microscopic and histological (H&E staining and Mason trichrome staining), measurement of wound surface with Image J, skin density and thickness by the ultrasound probe, and skin elasticity with cutometer tool was used to evaluate the wound healing in a days , 14, and 21 after the treatment. RESULTS: The results showed that the treatment of diabetic wounds with fibroblast cells cultured in collagen hydrogel greatly reduces inflammatory responses in the skin tissue and significantly accelerates the healing process. Also, 21 days after the start of treatment, skin elasticity, thickness and density were higher in the collagen + fibroblast group than in the control group.