Analysis of VEGF AND TGFB1 proteins in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, during treatment of formulations of Aloe Vera, Henna, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Myrrha

Background and objectivesAmong the most important factors in wound healing pathways are transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Botanicals are traditionally used for healing of different types of wounds. In this study, one mixture of plant materials such as Adiantum capillus-veneris, Commiphora molmol, Aloe Vera, and Henna were used to treatment of wound in diabetic and non-diabetic rats.MethodsThe dried leaves and resins were crumbled into a powder and mixed in equal parts with Vaseline. This mixture has been used as an ointment on the induced wounds in 60 diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Localization of TGFb1 and VEGF proteins as important healing markers were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the level of TGFβ1 and VEGF proteins were detected by Western blotting.ResultsImmunohistochemical and Western blot analysis revealed that, VEGF in diabetic rats that treated with herbal mixture were significantly (p < 0.05) increased as compared with diabetic rats that treated with Vaseline at 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment. TGFβ1 in diabetic rats, treated with herbal mixture compared with diabetic rats treated via Vaseline showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference at 7, 14 and 21 days post wounding. TGFβ1 was significantly different (p < 0.05) between diabetic and non-diabetic rats treated with the herbal mixture at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that the mentioned herbal extracts might be effective in wound healing through the improvement in the amont of TGFβ1and VEGF-A proteins in wound site of diabetic rats.