Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2
Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
3
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
4
Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
5
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
10.30500/ivsa.2026.590295.1500
Abstract
Diabetic wounds in sheep, as in humans, are characterized by impaired healing driven by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, making them a valuable large-animal model for translational research. Alcaligenes faecalis was selected for this study because it has been shown to correct aberrant MMP expression and promote re-epithelialization in diabetic wounds, suggesting it may counteract the key pathophysiological barriers to healing in diabetic ulcers. This study aimed Objective of the present study was to determine the effects of Alcaligenes faecalis inoculation on full thickness excisional wound healing in non-diabetic and diabetic lambs. Sixteen healthy male lambs (25±1.5 kg) were randomized into four groups of four animals each. Diabetes was induced in relevant groups using alloxan monohydrate (60 mg/kg, IV). In all groups, excisional wounds (2×2 cm) were created on the dorsum. In treatment groups (ND/A. faecalis and D/A. faecalis), wounds received topical gel containing 2×10⁸ CFU of A. faecalis. Control groups (ND and D) received vehicle only. Wound healing was assessed by planimetry (days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21), histopathological evaluation (days 7, 14, 21), and biochemical analysis of TAC, TOS, MDA, GPx, and hydroxyproline. A. faecalis inoculation significantly enhanced wound closure in both non-diabetic and diabetic groups compared to controls (p<0.05). Biochemical analysis revealed increased TAC and GPx levels with decreased TOS and MDA in treated wounds. Hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in treatment groups. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated enhanced re-epithelialization, angiogenesis and collagen organization in A. faecalis-treated wounds. Topical A. faecalis inoculation significantly accelerated full-thickness wound healing in both non-diabetic and diabetic lambs through modulation of oxidative stress and promotion of tissue regeneration. This approach represented a promising, cost-effective strategy for managing complicated wounds, particularly in diabetic patients.
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