Skin wound healing assessment via an optimized wound array model in miniature pigs
Ting-Yung Kuo1,2, Chao-Cheng Huang3,4, Shyh-Jou Shieh5,6
1Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Scientific Reports
|January 11, 2022
Summary
Developing a reliable dorsal wound model in Lanyu pigs is crucial for testing new wound healing therapies. This study establishes optimal wound size and spacing to effectively differentiate treatment outcomes, adhering to the 3R principles.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Animal Models
Background:
- An urgent need exists for validated animal models to evaluate wound dressings, cell therapies, and pharmaceutical agents.
- Minipigs offer physiological similarities to humans, making them suitable for translational research.
- Previous wound models lacked sufficient standardization for differentiating intervention efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a systematic and reliable dorsal wound healing system in Lanyu pigs.
- To establish golden standards for wound size and inter-wound distance for effective intervention differentiation.
- To ensure the model aligns with the 3R principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
Main Methods:
- Dorsal wounds of varying sizes (0.07-100 cm²) were created in Lanyu pigs.
- Inter-wound distances were systematically varied, and blood flow signals were monitored.
- Partial- (0.23 cm) and full-thickness (0.6 cm) wounds were assessed for re-epithelialization and histological healing.
- Tensile strength and histological assessments were performed at 6 months post-wounding.
Main Results:
- The thoracolumbar region of Lanyu pigs is suitable for dorsal wound arrays.
- An inter-wound distance greater than 4 cm is recommended to avoid blood flow signal interference.
- Wound sizes of at least 4 cm × 4 cm are optimal for differentiating interventions.
- Partial- and full-thickness wounds showed complete re-epithelialization by days 13 and 18, respectively.
- Tissue healing resembling normal skin was observed after 6 months, confirmed by histological and tensile strength assessments.
Conclusions:
- A standardized dorsal wound model in Lanyu pigs has been established.
- Specific parameters for minimum wound size (≥4 cm × 4 cm) and inter-wound distance (>4 cm) enhance the model's reliability.
- This model provides a robust platform for evaluating the efficacy of various wound healing interventions, supporting the 3R principles.
