| Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing: The Therapeutic Potential of Gelatin Hydrogel in Animal Models |
| Paper ID : 1254-IGA |
| Authors |
|
Elham Sadat Afraz * Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Background and Aim: Chronic wounds, particularly those associated with diabetes mellitus, represent a major global health concern due to their delayed healing and high risk of infection, amputation, and increased healthcare costs. Impaired angiogenesis, neuropathy, and compromised immune response in diabetic patients significantly hinder the natural healing process. Hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials in regenerative medicine due to their biocompatibility, moisture-retentive properties, and ability to support cellular activities. Among these, gelatin-based hydrogels—derived from collagen—are notable for their biodegradability, ease of application, and potential to enhance wound repair by mimicking the extracellular matrix. This study investigates the efficacy of a gelatin hydrogel in promoting wound healing in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Materials and Methods: Male rats were induced with diabetes using streptozotocin and then assigned to either a control or treatment group. Full-thickness dorsal wounds were created and treated with gelatin hydrogel in the treatment group. Wound healing progression was evaluated visually and quantitatively using ImageJ software on Days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Results: The gelatin hydrogel-treated group demonstrated significantly faster wound healing compared to the control group, especially in the early and mid-phases. Statistical analysis revealed notable reductions in wound area by Day 7 (p<0.01) and Day 14 (p<0.01) in the treated group. By Day 21, both groups showed near-complete healing, with the treated group achieving faster closure. Conclusion: Gelatin hydrogel significantly accelerates diabetic wound healing in animal models and may serve as a promising therapeutic option for managing chronic wounds. |
| Keywords |
| Diabetic wounds, Gelatin hydrogel, Wound healing, Animal model, Tissue regeneration |
| Status: Accepted |
