Skin Wound Healing of Chronic Diabetic Rats Using Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Scientists are trying to find ways for skin wound healing in chronic diabetic diseases. The potential role of omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids on wound healing is of interest and controversial. In this study، the effects of topical application of fish and corn oils containing ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids on skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rats has been evaluated. In this intervention-experimental study، mature male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=7). Diabetes in four groups were induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The fifth 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). All animals were wounded by a vertical 3 cm incision in the middle of their dorsum. Treatment was done 4 weeks after the induction of diabetes till complete wound healing. Wound surface area was measured at 3th، 7th، 11th، 15th and 20th post-operated days. At the same times، the histological characteristics were studied by using hematoxilin-eosine method. Required time for full healing was also measured. Our results showed that surface area of wound in FCO- group was lower than non- treated group at 11th، 15th، and 20th post- operative days significantly. Moreover the percentage of the wound healing in FCO- group was 98% at the 20th day، while this parameter in non-treated group was 70%. Histological studies showed that epidermal growth، cellular diffusion، density of collagen in FCO- group was approximately the same as the control group. The results showed that topical application of fish and corn oil together may result in an acceleration of skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rats.