Evaluation of gene expression levels in diabetic rat skin wound healing treated with chitosan/curcumin nanoparticles-loaded sodium alginate/chitosan hydrogels.

Diabetic wounds exhibit delayed healing, necessitating innovative treatments. This study investigates the wound healing potential of curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles embedded in a sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogel (H/CS-CUR) through in vitro and in vivo assessments. Surface morphology, swelling capacity, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of the hydrogels were evaluated. The H/CS-CUR demonstrated sustained release over time and a remarkable swelling capacity of 2075 % within the first 15 min. The H/CS-CUR exhibited higher antibacterial activity compared to the sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogel (H). The expression levels of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 for H/CS-CUR were higher than those for H, indicating enhanced immune response and improved wound healing. In vivo studies demonstrated that H/CS-CUR-treated group accelerated wound closure in diabetic rats compared to the control group. The H/CS-CUR group showed a significant decrease in myeloperoxidase levels compared to the control group, indicating a significant anti-inflammatory effect. The H/CS-CUR group exhibited higher epidermal thickness, dermal thickness, granulation tissue formation, and vessel density compared to other groups in diabetic rats. Expression levels of IGF-1, TGF-β1, and VEGF were higher in H/CS-CUR group, promoting tissue repair, and angiogenesis. Additionally, decreased IL-6 expression suggested anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that H/CS-CUR hydrogel can be an effective wound dressing for accelerated diabetic wound healing.