Ascorbate formulation promotes wound healing in goat model: Insights into molecular dynamics through cytokine modulation and angiogenic marker expression.

BACKGROUND

The pursuit of scar-free wound healing is a major focus of biomedical research, with a pressing need for safe, accessible, and cost-effective therapeutic interventions.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the pre-clinical wound healing potential of a topical ascorbate-formulation using a full-thickness excision wound goat model.

METHODS

A topical formulation was prepared, characterized for rheological properties, and assessed for long-term stability under accelerated conditions. Eighteen goats were randomly and equally assigned to three groups: sham-operated (untreated), nitrofurazone-treated (reference standard), and ascorbate formulation-treated. The excision wounds were treated once daily for 28 days. Wound healing was assessed through planimetric, hematological, biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses.

RESULTS

The ascorbate formulation is semisolid in nature and exhibited mechanical stability for up to 10 months under accelerated conditions. Treatment significantly accelerated wound contraction and shortened the epithelization period (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis revealed increased hydroxyproline and collagen content, along with reduced lipid peroxidation, in the formulation group (p < 0.05). Altered hematological parameters (Hb, PCV, neutrophil count) were significantly restored with treatment. At the molecular level, the formulation downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) while enhancing the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p < 0.05). Histological assessment demonstrated restoration of normal skin architecture and significant upregulation of VEGF expression. Clinical trials in cattle further confirmed the strong wound healing efficacy of the formulation.

CONCLUSION

The ascorbate-based topical formulation demonstrated significant wound healing efficacy through collagen regeneration, antioxidative effects, modulation of inflammatory response, and promotion of angiogenesis. These findings support its potential as a cost-effective and clinically translatable therapy for improved wound management.