Evaluation of the effect of bee propolis cream on wound healing in experimentally induced type I diabetes mellitus: a histological and immunohistochemical study

ABSTRACT

Diabetic foot and poor wound healing are serious problems in diabetic patients. Propolis is a honeybee product. It can improve wound healing and has free radical scavenging activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible wound-healing effect of bee propolis cream on streptozotocin-induced type I diabetes mellitus in adult male albino rats using histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric studies. Twenty adult male albino rats were used in the study. Diabetes mellitus was induced and two cutaneous wounds were created at the dorsal region of the rats. The rats were randomly divided into two equal groups the control group, which was subdivided into two subgroups - five rats each; subgroup Ia received vehicle cream once daily for 1 week and subgroup Ib received vehicle cream once daily for 2 weeks and the propolis group, which was subdivided into two subgroups - five rats each; subgroup IIa received propolis cream once daily for 1 week and subgroup IIb received propolis cream once daily for 2 weeks. Histological [using H and E and Masson's trichrome stains] and immunohistochemical [using vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]] studies were performed. Morphometric measurement of area% of collagen fibers and VEGF were carried out followed by statistical analysis. There was a marked improvement in wound healing with a significant increase in collagen deposition in the propolis group. Increased area% of collagen fibers and VEGF immunoexpression were found in the propolis group. The present study reinforced the significant role of VEGF in the wound healing process. The powerful healing effect of propolis on diabetic wounds was also revealed. This could be an effective strategy for managing patients with diabetic foot