Both omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids stimulate foot wound healing in chronic diabetic rat

Abstract

The potential role of omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids on wound healing in chronic diabetic diseases is of interest and controversial. In this experimental study, the effect of topical application of fish and corn oils containing ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids on skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rat has been evaluated. Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7). First group was served as normal or control group. In diabetic groups, one group was non-treated group (shame group) and two groups received fish and corn oil (FO-group and CO-group), respectively. The last diabetic group was treated with both fish and corn oil (FCO-group). Treatment was done from 4 weeks after the induction of diabetes till complete wound healing. All animals were wounded by a 2 cm2 incision in their dorsum. Wound surface area and required time for full healing were measured at various post-operated periods. The histological characteristics were studied by using hematoxilin and Eosin (H & E) method. Our results showed that surface area of wound in FCO-group was lesser than that non-treated group at 11th, 15th and 20th post-operative days significantly. Moreover the percentage of the wound healing in FCO-treated and non-treated groups was 98 and 70% at the 20th day, respectively. Histological studies showed that epidermal growth, cellular diffusion, density of collagen in FCO-group approximately were the same as control group. Topical application of fish and corn oil together may result in an acceleration of skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rats. © 2011 Academic Journals.