CD۳۱-Mediated Angiogenesis and Scar Modulation by Wheat Germ Extract in a Rat Model of Full-Thickness Skin Wound Healing

Background: Efficient wound healing requires coordinated angiogenesis and controlled scar formation. CD۳۱, a well-established endothelial marker, serves as a reliable indicator of neovascularization during tissue repair. This study investigates the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of wheat germ (Triticum aestivum) on CD۳۱ expression, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and scar maturation in a rat model of cutaneous wound healing. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=۱۰): control (no treatment), ۱۰% wheat germ extract ointment, ۲۰% WG extract ointment, and ۳% tetracycline ointment. A full-thickness ۶-mm dorsal wound was created, and treatments were applied daily for ۲۱ days. Wound closure was quantified via digital planimetry on days ۷, ۱۴, and ۲۱. On day ۲۱, skin biopsies were processed for histological (H&E) and immunohistochemical (anti-CD۳۱) analysis. Epidermal thickness, scar height index, and CD۳۱-positive microvessel density were assessed. Results: The ۲۰% WG group exhibited significantly accelerated wound closure (p<۰.۰۱), the greatest epidermal thickness (۳.۰۹۲±۰.۱۶۵ µm; p<۰.۰۰۱), and the lowest scar height index (۲.۰۰۸ ± ۰.۳۶; p<۰.۰۰۱). Critically, CD۳۱ immunohistochemistry revealed a marked increase in microvessel density (۵۶.۵۴ ± ۱.۱۳ vessels/HPF) in the ۲۰% WG group, significantly higher than all other groups (p<۰.۰۰۱). These findings indicate enhanced angiogenesis and superior tissue remodeling. Conclusion: Topical application of ۲۰% hydroalcoholic wheat germ extract promotes skin wound healing by upregulating CD۳۱-mediated angiogenesis and reducing pathological scar formation. This positions wheat germ extract as a promising, natural, multi-targeted therapy for cutaneous wound repair.

کلیدواژه ها:

Triticum aestivum ، CD۳۱ ، angiogenesis ، scar index ، wound healing ، rat ، wheat germ extract