Evaluation of Gene Expression Levels in Diabetic Rat Skin Wound Healing Treated With Chitosan/Curcumin Nanoparticles-Loaded Sodium Alginate/Chitosan Hydrogels Publisher



M Mahmoodi M ; Sa Mirzababaie Seyed AHMAD ; A Mokhtarzade ALI ; At Roknabadi Atena TAGHAVI ; F Barikzehi FERESHTEH ; M Mastori MAEDEH ; F Parsaeian FATEMEH ; Sr Kamaliyan Seyed REZA ; M Navabi MARYAM
Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules Published:2025

Abstract

Diabetic wounds exhibit delayed healing, necessitating innovative treatments. This study investigates the wound healing potential of curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles embedded in a sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogel (H/CS-CUR) through in vitro and in vivo assessments. Surface morphology, swelling capacity, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of the hydrogels were evaluated. The H/CS-CUR demonstrated sustained release over time and a remarkable swelling capacity of 2075 % within the first 15 min. The H/CS-CUR exhibited higher antibacterial activity compared to the sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogel (H). The expression levels of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 for H/CS-CUR were higher than those for H, indicating enhanced immune response and improved wound healing. In vivo studies demonstrated that H/CS-CUR-treated group accelerated wound closure in diabetic rats compared to the control group. The H/CS-CUR group showed a significant decrease in myeloperoxidase levels compared to the control group, indicating a significant anti-inflammatory effect. The H/CS-CUR group exhibited higher epidermal thickness, dermal thickness, granulation tissue formation, and vessel density compared to other groups in diabetic rats. Expression levels of IGF-1, TGF-β1, and VEGF were higher in H/CS-CUR group, promoting tissue repair, and angiogenesis. Additionally, decreased IL-6 expression suggested anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that H/CS-CUR hydrogel can be an effective wound dressing for accelerated diabetic wound healing. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.