Repeated Whole-Body Exposure to Low-Dose Radiation Combined With Topical Application of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Zinc Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

We reported the acceleration of skin wound healing in diabetic rats by repeated exposure to low-dose radiation (LDR). Here, we explored whether the wound healing could be further improved when LDR was combined with a topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or zinc. Wounds were established on the backs of type 1 diabetic rats induced by a single injection of streptozotocin. Rats were treated daily with normal saline (Diabetes), LDR, bFGF, zinc, or combined 3 treatments for 5 consecutive days with a 2-day break between each consecutive 5-day treatment. Changes in wound size, histopathology, and microvessel density were assessed on days 5, 10, and 15, respectively, once treatment is started. All treatment regimens significantly accelerated skin wound healing, tissue remodeling, and new vessel formation compared to diabetes group. However, the combined LDR plus bFGF and zinc provided a better beneficial effect on wound healing than either one of these treatments alone. Further, we found that the effects of LDR and bFGF were similar, whereas zinc alone induced a weaker response. Our results suggest that whole-body LDR plus the topical application of bFGF and zinc can further accelerate wound healing in diabetic rats.

Evaluation of wound healing effect of alginate film containing Aloe vera gel and cross-linked with zinc chloride

“…The low-dose radiation combined with topical application of fibroblast growth factor and zinc accelerated wound healing of skin lesions in diabetic rats resulting in more organized collagen fibers, faster wound closure and epithelialization 30 .…”

Radon Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases Pemphigus and Diabetes: 2 Case Reports

“…Several reports have examined the effect of low-dose radiation on diabetic complications. [37][38][39] One of the most serious complications is diabetic cardiomyopathy, characterized by cardiac remodeling that includes cardiac hypertrophy and prefrontal changes. It is related to cardiac dysfunction.…”

“…A superior effect on wound healing in the LDR-bFGF-zinc combination group was observed in any of these independent treatment groups. 38 As a mechanism of this effect, they found that repeated irradiations of 75 mGy X-rays (LDR) increased the proportion of CD31 þ / CD3 þ stem cells in the bone marrow and circulation, and induced vascular regeneration, cell proliferation, and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). It is presumed that the expression of MMP-9 was promoted, and the skin wound healing in diabetes was significantly promoted.…”

Integration of Zn2+, ATP, and bFGF to Nanodressing with Core–Shell Structure Fabricated by Emulsion Electrospinning for Wound Healing

“…Zn 2+ was also reported to induce human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) to differentiate into myofibroblasts thus promoting wound healing . When combined with bFGF, they showed synergistic therapeutic effects on wound healing in diabetic rats …”