Histological Markers of Wound Healing and Scar Quality: Evaluating Different Therapeutic Approaches in Full-Thickness Skin Wounds
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/GBMN.2026.01.01.164Keywords:
Heparin, histological markers, polysilicon-siloxane, silicone, skin wounds, steroid preparationsAbstract
Background: The skin wound healing process is dynamic and involves multiple cellular and molecular pathways. Disruptions at any stage, hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, or remodeling, can impair the healing process, leading to undesirable complications. Treating skin wounds is challenging and can be problematic due to the complexity of the healing process and the diverse factors influencing outcomes. Objectives: This research examines the impacts of polysilicon-siloxane, silicone, heparin, and steroid-based preparations on histological indicators of wound healing in laboratory rats with full-thickness skin wounds. Methods: Scar appearance and healing progression were assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Histological evaluations were conducted using staining techniques such as H&E, Masson's trichrome, Van Gieson, and Weigert's, as well as immunohistochemistry. Results: Investigations revealed that vascularization normalized by day 14 of wound healing in animals treated with the polysilicon-siloxane-based preparation (PS), by day 21 in those treated with silicone (Sil), and persisted until day 28 in the betamethasone (BMt) and heparin-treated (Hep) groups. Collagen deposition and normalization of elastic fibers occurred rapidly in the PS group, followed by the Sil and BMt groups. At the same time, Hep- treated animals showed delayed collagen deposition, which was evident only by day 28. PS was the most effective in achieving favorable scar features, including reduced vascularity, appropriate pigmentation, improved pliability, and flatter scars. Sil and BMt significantly improved wound healing and scar characteristics, whereas Hep demonstrated limited effectiveness in accelerating healing and in normalizing scars. Conclusions: The results suggest that PS, Sil, and BMt-based preparations play a significant role in enhancing vascularization, collagen organization, and elastic fiber restoration during the wound-healing process. PS showed the fastest wound-healing outcomes, followed by Sil and BMt, while Hep showed minimal efficacy. These findings highlight the value of targeted therapeutic strategies in wound care and offer insights for optimizing treatment protocols to improve healing results. Further studies are recommended to investigate the precise mechanisms involved and to identify additional biomarkers related to tissue repair and inflammation resolution.References
Fibroblasts: These mesenchymal cells play a pivotal role in the proliferation and remodeling phases by synthesizing ECM proteins, mainly collagen and elastic fibers, which provide structural integrity to the wound. Fibroblasts also release growth factors that promote angiogenesis (e.g., VEGF and TGF-β) and keratinocyte proliferation.
Collagen: This major ECM protein is central to wound healing. Type III collagen is predominantly deposited early in the healing process, providing a temporary matrix that is later replaced by type I collagen during remodeling to restore strength.
Elastic Fibers: Elastic fibers, composed of elastin and fibrillin, are essential for tissue flexibility and resilience. Their organization during the later stages of healing ensures the skin's functional recovery.
Inflammatory Cells: Neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes play crucial roles in the inflammatory phase by clearing pathogens and debris, releasing signaling molecules, and transitioning the wound environment from inflammation to tissue repair.4-6
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