Histhopathologic Evaluation of Curative Impact of Aloe vera L. Fresh Gel on Healing of Eexperimental Infected Full-Thickness Open Wounds Induced with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in Dogs

Abstract

Objective- to consider the influence of <em>Aloe vera L</em> fresh gel on healing process histopathologically.<br /> Design- Experimental study<br /> Animals- Five adult male mixed breed dogs aged 2-4 years<br /> Procedures- Eight symmetrical full-thickness wounds were surgically created on the back of all five dogs under general anesthesia and sterile condition. After wound creation, 1 ml fluid containing 10⁵CFU of <em>S. aureus</em> was inoculated on each wound. Right wounds were covered with 1 ml <em>Aloe vera</em> fresh gel whereas the left wounds were not received any therapeutic material. Wounds' biopsies were assessed on days 7, 15, 21 and 28 in treatment and control groups.<br /> Results- In microscopic examinations density of collagen fibers in the superficial (<em>P</em> = 0.039) and deep (<em>P</em> = 0.042) sections of 28-days old wounds were significantly higher in treatment group compared to control group. Also these fibers had more diameter and better alignment in treatment group. No significant differences (<em>P</em> > 0.05) were seen in other indices including fibrocytes, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells between treatment and control wounds.<br /> Conclusions and Clinical Relevance- It seems that <em>Aloe vera</em> in addition to antibacterial effects, probably exerts its main effects on the characteristics of collagen fibers. These positive effects could cause the improvement of quality and quantity of collagen fibers and their structures.