Casearia sylvestris Improved Cutaneous Burn Repair in Diabetic Rats

Objectives: The burn repair associated with diabetes complications showed considerable changes in the healing process and the development of alternative therapies to favor the repair is important. This study investigated the efficacy of the Casearia sylvestris in the burn repair in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Methods: The animals were divided into four groups (n = 20): (C) non-diabetics treated with carbopol gel; (G) non-diabetic treated with C. sylvestris extract in carbopol gel; (DM-C) diabetics treated with carbopol gel; (DM-G) diabetics treated with C. sylvestris extract in carbopol gel. Burn was induced using a metal plate (2 cm diameter/120 °C/20 sec). Samples were collected on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st days after the injury for histomorphometric analysis (inflammatory infiltrate, fibroblasts, blood vessels and collagen), MPO (Myeloperoxidase) and NAG (N-Acetilglicosaminidase) dosage, hydroxyproline, glycosaminoglycans, TGF-β1, VEGF, collagen I and III. Key findings: C. sylvestris decreased the inflammatory process during the experimental period in diabetic and non-diabetic animals which has been demonstrated by MPO, NAG quantification, and TGF-β1 expression. C. sylvestris also increased blood vessels and decreased VEGF expression during the studied period in non-diabetic animals. Fibroplasia and collagenase were increased in all experimental periods in the DM-G group by means of de hydroxyproline quantification, collagen I, collagen III and glycosaminoglycans. Conclusions: C. sylvestris application can modulate favorably the time of inflammation and collagenous process in the repair of burn injuries in diabetic rats.