Preclinical evaluation of decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds for treatment of chronic diabetic wounds in BABLC mice

چکیده مقاله

 Chronic diabetic wounds, such as diabetic
foot ulcers, pose a significant health challenge due
to their prolonged healing times and high recurrence
rates. Conventional treatments are often inadequate,
driving interest in advanced therapeutic approaches
like biological scaffolds. Decellularized scaffolds,
which replicate the extracellular matrix (ECM), have
shown potential in promoting tissue regeneration and
wound healing. This study evaluated the efficacy of
decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds
in enhancing wound healing in a preclinical murine
model of chronic diabetic wounds. Bovine articular
cartilage was decellularized using a combination of
chemical and physical processes. The scaffolds were
characterized through H and E staining (to assess
histomorphological characteristics), FTIR, and SEM
analyses to confirm ECM preservation and effective
decellularization. Twenty female diabetic BALB/c
mice were divided into two groups: a control group
(treated with Atrauman Ag® dressings) and an experimental
group (treated with decellularized bovine
articular cartilage scaffolds). This study examined
the effects of decellularization on the structural and
chemical properties of the cartilage scaffolds, as well
as their impact on wound healing and closure rates in
diabetic mice compared to the control group. Mice
treated with the decellularized cartilage scaffolds
demonstrated a significantly faster wound closure rate
(100% closure by day 17) compared to the control
group (75% closure by day 17, P < 0.01). Histological
analysis revealed more organized epidermal regeneration,
fibrin deposition, and granulation tissue formation
in the scaffold-treated group. SEM and FTIR
analyses confirmed the preservation and integrity of
the ECM before and after the decellularization process.
Decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds
significantly enhance wound healing in chronic
diabetic wounds by promoting tissue regeneration
and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest
that such scaffolds represent a promising therapeutic
option for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.