Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with platelet-rich plasma on diabetic wounds: an experimental rat model

Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen and platelet-rich plasma are used in the treatment of diabetic wounds. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and autologous platelet concentrates in healing diabetic wounds. Material and methods: Thirty-six female Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Diabetes mellitus was induced chemically with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The rats were divided into a control group, a hyperbaric oxygen group, a platelet-rich plasma group, and a combined therapy group. Platelet-rich plasma was applied just after the creation of the wound; hyperbaric oxygen treatment was carried out daily over 7 days. Wound healing was evaluated according to four parameters: ulcerations, epidermal thickness, density of dermal collagen fibers, and proliferation of dermal blood vessels. Results: The number of active ulcers in the combined therapy group was fewer than in the control group (p = 0.039), and the wound area was greatest in controls (p < 0.001). The epidermal thickness in platelet-rich plasma and combined therapy groups was non-significantly greater than in the control group (p = 0.097 and p = 0.074, respectively). The amount of fibrous collagen in these two groups was greater than in the control group (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Combined hyperbaric oxygen and platelet-rich plasma therapy was found to be successful in diabetic wound healing. The combination therapy had no additive effect in terms of angiogenesis and the development of new collagen fibers.