Modulation of TNFα and TGFβ1 in botox treated rats with burn wounds (62.2)

Abstract Abstract Many attempts have been made to improve wound healing using growth factors and a large array of medications. This study reexamined the effect of Botox on second degree burn wound in rats. Histological alterations and temporal evolution of two cytokines TGFβ1, and TNF-α were assessed in presence and absence of Botox. Fifty adult Sprague Dawley rats were used; one group was injected 10 units of Botox into wound. Daily observation and transepidermal water loss were assessed. Punch biopsies were taken on days 0, 3, 8, 14 and 28 for RNA extraction and PCR, and for routine light microscopy. Botox treated rats showed a delayed inflammation, necrosis, and earlier crust detachment compared to controls. On day 14, a better and smoother epithelialization was noted in the Botox groups. Finally, by day 28, the wound surface area was smaller and the quality of the skin was better with more fibroblasts in the regenerated dermis of Botox group, which expressed 2-4 times more TGFβ1. It peaked on days 3 and 8 and then decreased to almost half the control group by day 28. On the other hand, the TNF-α peaked immediately after burn to almost 20 times the control, then decreased between 2.72 to 5.5 times during the rest of the experiment very much like TGFβ1, or lower. Botox could possibly play an alleviating role and have a positive effect on burn wound healing.