5α-Dihydrotestosterone enhances wound healing in diabetic rats

Wound healing involves a complex interaction between the cells, extracellular matrix and oxidative response. Aims: Analyze the effects of 5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DTH) ointment in cutaneouswound healing by secondary intention in diabeticWistar rats. Main methods: Rats (302.23 +/- 26.23 g, n = 48) were maintained in cages with food and water ad libitum in accordance with the Guiding Principles in theUse of Animal Ethics Committee. Diabeteswas induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Three skin wounds (12 mm diameter) were created on the animals' back, which were randomized into 6 groups according to the application received: VT group: Vehicle (lanolin), SA group: 0.9% saline solution, NC group: Non-diabetic, CP group: positive control (silver sulfadiazine 0001%), T1 group: Testosterone (10%), T2 group: Testosterone (20%) emulsified in lanolin. The applicationswere made daily within 21 days, and tissues from different wounds were removed every 7 days. Key findings: Both groups treatedwith testosterone (T1 and T2) showed a significantly higher proportion of type I and type III collagen fibers. Superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher on days 7 and 14 in testosterone treated groups. Protein carbonyls and MDA were lower in both groups. Significance: We conclude that groups treated with 5 alpha-DTH showed a better healing pattern with complete wound closure, and proved to have a positive effect on themorphology of the scar tissue aswell as an antioxidant stimulating effect during secondhand intention skin wounds repair in diabetic rats. (c) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.