Application of Solidago chilensis and laser improved the repair of burns in diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: The repair of burns in diabetic patients is a clinical problem. It is relevant to study alternative therapies that can improve the healing process. Our aim was to investigate the effects of Solidago chilensis associated or not with laser on burns in diabetic rats.

Methods: The animals were divided in four groups (n = 30): C- without treatment; S- S. chilensis extract; L-laser irradiated; LS- laser and S. chilensis. In 7, 14 and 21 days samples were collected after the injury to structural, morphometric and molecular analysis.

Results: Our results demonstrate the association of S. chilensis and laser reduced the inflammatory infiltrate and favored the angiogenesis. In the groups treated only with laser or with the plant extract showed higher levels of VEGF. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) promoted higher collagen I and reduction of collagen III. It was also observed higher MMP-2 activation and a decreasing of the active isoform of MMP-9 in the S, L and LS groups.

Conclusions: The treatments improved the repair of burns in diabetic rats, since it reduced the inflammatory infiltrate and favored the collagen organization presenting similar effects in the burn repair of the diabetics.

Keywords: Diabetes; InGaP laser; LLLT; Plant extracts; Skin burns; Solidago chilensis.

Fig. 1

Imunoblotting analysis for Collagen I and III, TGF-β1, VEGF and bFGF in the wound healing process in C, S, L and LS groups in 7 (7 d), 14 (14 d) and 21 (21 d) days after injury. Typical blots are shown above average densitometry results. Values are the mean and standard deviation of each group were compared by ANOVA wich Tukey's post-test (p < 0.05) (∗) significant difference.

Fig. 2

Zymogram for analyzing the isoforms latent (92 kDa) and active (83 kDa) of MMP-9; and the intermediate isoforms (68 kDa) and active (62 kDa) of MMP-2 in C, S, L and LS groups 7 (7 d), 14 (14 d) and 21 (21 d) days after lesions.