The effects of polyvinyl pyrrolidone hydrogel dressing on open-wound healing in rats

Abstract

Background: Different compounds and methods have been used for wound healing over years. New dressings such as hydrogels have shown remarkable effects on wound healing. Hydrogels have been considered as favorite wound dressings due to their transparency, exchange of respiratory gases, adsorption of water and exudates, regulation of wound temperature, prevention of infections and easy replacement. This study was designed to investigate the effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel (PVP) dressing on wound healing in rats. Methods: 30 male Wistar rats weighing 230 ± 20 g were equally and semi-randomly distributed into 3 groups of control, treated with tetracycline and treated with hydrogel. After anesthesia and shaving the area, a 1 x 1 cm section was made on the skin of the back of the rats. The treatment period was 21 days and measurement of the wound area was performed on the days 0, 7, 10, 14, 17 and 21. Wound tissue samples for histopathologic examination were taken on the days 7 and 14. Data were analyzed via SPSS software using ANOVA test. Findings: Wound recovery in hydrogel group was significantly faster than other groups (P < 0.05). Duration of the wound presence and skin discoloration was also significantly shorter in hydrogel group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the hydrogel dressing leads to quick recovery of cutaneous wound. © 2015, Journal of Isfahan Medical School. All rights reserved.