Comparison of the Effect of Local and Systemic Injection of Resveratrol on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats

Purpose. To compare the effect of local and systemic injection of resveratrol (RSV) on open cutaneous wound healing. Materials and Methods. Open cutaneous wounds were created in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Group 1 (n = 6) was given intraperitoneal RSV (0.5 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. Group 2 (n = 6) was given local subcutaneous RSV (0.5 mg/kg) on the wound once daily for 14 days. Group 3 (n = 6) did not receive any pharmacologic agent. Biopsy specimens were obtained on postoperative days (PODs) 7, 14, and 21 and were examined histologically. Wound closure time was recorded. All rats were sacrificed on POD 30 for tensile strength analysis. Results. The histological scores for collagen deposition, chronic inflammation, and granulation were higher in the systemic and local RSV treatment groups than in the control group. Neovascularization scores significantly increased on PODs 14 and 21 in the local RSV treatment group compared with those in the systemic RSV and control groups. Systemic and local RSV administrations significantly enhanced wound healing and increased the tensile strength of the skin in rats. Conclusion. Local subcutaneous application of RSV may have a better therapeutic effect than the systemic application of RSV in terms of neovascularization to promote wound healing.