Comparison of the effect of oral and local application of boron on the wound healing and oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of boron on wound healing and on some antioxidant and oxidant parameters measured in both skin tissue and blood. A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were used in the study. Animals were randomly divided into local boric acide (LB) (n=8), oral boron (OB) and oral+local boron (OLB) (n=8) and control groups (n=8). A cylindrical full-thickness lumbal skin defect 1.5 mm in diameter was formed under general anaesthesia. Locally % 3 boric acide in LB group, orally 10 mg/kg boron in OB group, locally % 3 boric acide+ orally 10 mg/kg boron in OLB groups were administered and no treatment was given in conrtol group. The animals were euthanized after 21 days and blood and wound tissue samples were collected to measure the malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels. Moreover, damaged skin of the rats was removed for histopathological examination. Histopathology revealed that repellization, formation of granulation tissue, collagen formation, inflammatory cell formation and neovascularization were higher in the LB and OLB groups as compared to the control and OB groups. However, no ulcer formation was found in OLB group (p <0.05). Blood and wound tissue GSH levels were higher in the OB group than those detected in other groups, whereas MDA levels in OB and OLB groups were lower as compared to the control and LB groups (p <0,05). In conclusion, it has been suggested that the treatment of wound healing by local boric acid together with oral boron due to its antioxidant activity is improved the healing process. Keywords: Antioxidant, boron, malondialdehyde, rat, wound healing