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Comparative Study
. 2012 Oct;9(5):478-87.
doi: 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2011.00897.x. Epub 2011 Dec 1.

Delayed cutaneous wound healing in aged rats compared to younger ones

Onur C Soybir  1 , Sibel Ö Gürdal, Ebru Ş Oran, Feti Tülübaş, Meral Yüksel, Ayşenur İ Akyıldız, Ayhan Bilir, Gürsel R Soybir
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Delayed cutaneous wound healing in aged rats compared to younger ones

Onur C Soybir et al. Int Wound J. 2012 Oct.

Abstract

Delayed wound healing in elderly males is a complex process in which the factors responsible are not fully understood. This study investigated the hormonal, oxidative and angiogenic factors affecting wound healing in aged rats. Two groups consisting of eight healthy male Wistar Albino rats [young (30 ± 7 days) and aged (360 ± 30 days)], and a cutaneous incision wound healing model were used. Scar tissue samples from wounds on the 7th, 14th and 21st days of healing were evaluated for hydroxyproline and vascular endothelial growth factor content. Macrophage, lymphocyte, fibroblast and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration; collagen formation and vascularization were assessed by light and electron microscopy. The free oxygen radical content of the wounds was measured by a chemiluminescence method. Blood sample analysis showed that the hydroxyproline and total testosterone levels were significantly higher, and the oxygen radical content was significantly lower in young rats. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluations revealed higher amounts of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and more vascularization in young rats. These results are indicative of the delayed wound healing in aged rats. A combination of multiple factors including hormonal regulation, free oxygen radicals and impaired angiogenesis appears to be the cause of delayed cutaneous healing.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Incisional wounds on the backs of rats.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Hydroxyproline levels of the groups. (*P < 0·001, t‐test, error bars: 95% confidence interval).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Luminol levels of the groups. (*P < 0·05, **P < 0·01, t‐test, error bars: 95% confidence interval).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Lucigenin levels of the groups. (*P < 0·05, **P < 0·01, t‐test, error bars: 95% confidence interval).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Total testosterone and estrogen levels of the groups. (*P < 0·05, t‐test, error bars: 95% confidence interval).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Increased collagen fibers and vascularisation shown by light microscopy (A) and electron microscopy (B), increased vascularisation shown by electron microscopy (C) and increased vascular endothelial growth factor in endothelium (D) in young rats (a) compared with aged rats (b) on the 21st day.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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