Vol. 11, Issue 10 (2022)

The scientific literature shows that deferoxamine (DFO) has the potential to accelerate the healing process both in diabetic and non-diabetic condition. So, in the present study, we have evaluated the effect of different concentrations (0.01%, 0.05%, 0.25% and 1.25%) of DFO on percent wound contraction for assessing its healing potential, and for calculating its median effective concentration (EC₅₀). Diabetes was induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin. An open excision type wound, of area 2 x 2 cm², was created on the dorsal thoracic region under ketamine and xylazine combination anaesthesia. Ointments of different DFO concentrations, were applied topically on the wound, twice daily, for 7 days. In control group, only ointment base was applied. Wounds were photographed and its area was measured on days 0, 3, 5 and 7 post-wounding for assessing the healing potential. After sacrificing rats on day 7, the granulation / healing tissue was collected for assessment of hydroxyproline and glucosamine levels. For calculating the EC₅₀ of DFO, 7^th day wound contraction data was utilised to generate a dose response curve by inverse linear regression analysis. Grossly the wound size was progressively reduced in DFO-treated groups compared to control group. DFO-treated groups showed higher per cent wound contraction compared to control group. Further, DFO-treated groups showed higher content of hydroxyproline and glucosamine in granulation tissue compared to control group. The dose response curve generated by inverse linear regression analysis revealed that the EC₅₀ of DFO is 0.04%. In conclusion, in the present study, a greater wound contraction, considerable reduction in wound size and significantly higher content of hydroxyproline and glucosamine levels in DFO-treated groups compared to control group suggests that DFO have accelerated the diabetic wound healing process by promoting collagen synthesis and deposition in ECM.