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Updated: May 27, 2026
A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Published on: February 17, 2023
Aminated β-1,3-D-glucan has a dose-dependent effect on wound healing in diabetic db/db mice
Margrete Berdal1, Hege I Appelbom, Jorunn H Eikrem
1Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway. margrete.berdal@uit.no
Abstract:
Inflammatory responses are common in diabetes and are operative in angiopathy, neuropathy, and wound healing. There are indications of incomplete macrophage activation in diabetes and reduced expression of growth factors. We have previously found that up to 15 topical applications of the macrophage-stimulant, aminated β-1,3-D-glucan (AG), improved wound healing in db/db mice. The present open-label study was undertaken to examine dose-dependent effects of AG over 40 days in db/db mice. AG was given as a single dose (group 1), one dose every 10th day (group 2), five initial doses on consecutive days (group 3), and ≥15 doses (group 4). Controls were db/db mice receiving platelet-derived growth factor + insulin-like growth factor-1 (group 5), topical placebo (NaCl 9 mg/mL) and insulin (group 6), placebo (group 7), and a nondiabetic group receiving placebo (group 8). Seven to 14 animals were allocated to each group. Percentage wound closure 17 days after surgery in groups 1 and 2 were (mean ± standard error of the mean) 25.5 ± 5.3 and 32.2 ± 6.3, respectively. Corresponding closure in groups 3, 4, and 5 was 55.7 ± 5.0, 57.3 ± 5.0, and 55.6 ± 4.8, respectively (p < 0.05 vs. groups 1 and 2). Groups 6, 7, and 8 closed 32.0 ± 4.5, 38.2 ± 5.3, and 98.5 ± 0.4%, respectively. Significant association between the number of AG-dosages and wound closure indicates dose-related effects in db/db mice.
Insights
Aminated β-1,3-D-glucan (AG) significantly improved wound healing in diabetic mice. Multiple AG applications demonstrated dose-dependent effects, enhancing closure compared to single or infrequent doses.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Immunology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired inflammatory responses, affecting wound healing.
- Macrophage activation is often incomplete in diabetic conditions, leading to reduced growth factor expression.
- Previous studies indicated topical aminated β-1,3-D-glucan (AG) enhances wound healing in diabetic mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of aminated β-1,3-D-glucan (AG) on wound healing in diabetic (db/db) mice over 40 days.
- To compare the efficacy of varying AG application frequencies and total doses.
- To establish a relationship between AG dosage and wound closure rates.
Main Methods:
- An open-label study involving db/db mice with induced wounds.
- Groups received different topical AG application regimens: single dose, every 10 days, five initial consecutive doses, or ≥15 doses.
- Control groups included growth factors, placebo, and non-diabetic mice.
Main Results:
- Wound closure was significantly higher in groups receiving multiple AG applications (≥5 doses) compared to single or infrequent doses (p < 0.05).
- Groups with five or more AG doses showed wound closure rates of approximately 55-57%, comparable to growth factor controls.
- A significant positive association was observed between the number of AG dosages and the percentage of wound closure.
Conclusions:
- Topical aminated β-1,3-D-glucan (AG) demonstrates dose-dependent efficacy in promoting wound healing in diabetic mice.
- More frequent and higher cumulative doses of AG lead to significantly improved wound closure.
- AG represents a promising therapeutic agent for enhancing wound healing in diabetic complications.
