Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2025

Rat Burn Model to Study Full-Thickness Cutaneous Thermal Burn and Infection
Published on: August 23, 2022
Analysis of microbial environment changes in wound healing of pressure ulcers in rats promoted by moist exposed burn
Shenghua Chen1,2, Mingheng Chen3, Yuyang Han1,2
1Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
This study explored the effects of Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO) on the healing process of pressure-induced wounds. Using a stage IV pressure ulcer model established in 42 rats, divided equally into a control gel group and an MEBO group, we investigated the efficacy of MEBO through topical application. The control group received Carbomer gel, while the MEBO group was treated with MEBO until complete wound healing. Results showed that MEBO significantly accelerated wound healing compared to the control group. Histological analysis, including hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining, revealed enhanced epithelialization and collagen deposition in the MEBO group. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that MEBO reduced microbial diversity at the wound site and reshaped the microbial composition. Notably, The increased abundance of Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus, coupled with a reduction in Pseudomonas, may reflect a shift in the wound microbiome that could be conducive to healing. However, the exact role of these microbial shifts in promoting wound healing requires further investigation, as microbial dynamics in wound environments are complex and context-dependent. These findings suggest that MEBO facilitates wound healing by optimizing the wound microbiome, thereby offering a promising therapeutic approach for managing pressure ulcers.
Insights
Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO) significantly accelerates pressure ulcer healing in rats by improving collagen deposition and optimizing the wound microbiome. This suggests MEBO is a promising treatment for pressure ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Wound Healing Research
- Microbiome Studies
Background:
- Pressure ulcers, particularly stage IV, present significant challenges in wound management.
- Understanding the role of the microbiome in wound healing is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO) in promoting the healing of stage IV pressure ulcers.
- To analyze the impact of MEBO on wound healing histology and the wound microbiome composition.
Main Methods:
- A stage IV pressure ulcer rat model was used, with 42 rats divided into a control (Carbomer gel) and MEBO treatment group.
- Topical MEBO application was administered until complete wound healing.
- Histological analyses (HE and Masson's trichrome staining) and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed.
Main Results:
- MEBO significantly accelerated wound healing compared to the control group.
- Histological examination showed enhanced epithelialization and collagen deposition in the MEBO-treated group.
- 16S rRNA sequencing revealed reduced microbial diversity and a shift in microbial composition, with increased Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus, and decreased Pseudomonas.
Conclusions:
- MEBO demonstrates efficacy in accelerating pressure ulcer healing.
- The therapeutic effect of MEBO may be partly attributed to its ability to modulate the wound microbiome.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which microbial shifts induced by MEBO contribute to enhanced wound healing.

