The effect of human placenta extracellular matrix on diabetic wound healing in an animal model

Many studies have shown that placenta derivatives can play a role in wound healing; however, the exact role of the placenta extracellular matrix in skin wound healing is unclear. Accordingly, the present study investigated the effects of placental extracellular matrix on diabetic wound healing in an animal model.

In this experimental-laboratory study, human placenta was decellularized and extracellular matrix was prepared. Streptozotocin induced diabetic male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control group (n=9) and group treated with placental extracellular matrix (n=9). Wounds with a diameter of 0.8 cm were created in the back of rats. On days 0, 7, 14 and 21 the wound area was measured using ImageJ software. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare wound area between groups.

Wound area significantly decreased on the 14th and 21st days after treatment compared to the first day of experiment in control and treatment groups. Unlike the treatment group, the wound area was not significantly different 7 days after treatment compared to the first day of experiment in control group. There was more reduction in wound area on day 21 in treatment group than the group treated with acellular placenta.

The extracellular matrix has a significant role in accelerating the healing process of skin wounds in diabetic cases in an animal model. The findings of this study can be applied to the treatment plan of skin wounds in diabetic patients.