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The influence of intestinal flora on wound healing in mice
1Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-ken, Japan.
Abstract:
The wound healing process was analyzed using male ICR germ-free (Gf) mice and their conventionalized (Cvz) counterparts to determine whether intestinal flora has any influence on the wound healing of a host. A longitudinal skin incision of about 35 mm was made in the dorsum of each mouse, and six interrupted sutures with 5-0 monofilament nylon thread laid for wound closure. Mice from both groups were killed on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th postoperative days, and the tensile strength of the healing wound and hydroxyproline (HP) concentration in the biologically active zone were measured as parameters of wound healing. The daily nitrogen balance and urinary creatinine excretion were also measured for 8 days. The Cvz mice showed greater tensile strength of the wound on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days, and a higher ratio of HP concentration, being wound tissue/control tissue, than their counterparts. The Cvz mice also thrived more prominently than the Gf mice, showing a positive nitrogen balance with limited urinary creatinine excretion. These results suggest the enhancing effect of normal intestinal flora on wound healing, probably through the beneficial nutritional effects supplied by the bacteria.
Insights
Intestinal flora significantly enhances wound healing. Conventionalized mice with gut bacteria exhibited improved wound tensile strength and hydroxyproline levels compared to germ-free mice, suggesting a nutritional benefit.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Intestinal flora plays a crucial role in host health and metabolism.
- The specific impact of gut microbiota on wound healing remains underexplored.
- Understanding this relationship can reveal novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of intestinal flora on the host's wound healing process.
- To compare wound healing parameters in germ-free and conventionally-raised mice.
Main Methods:
- Surgical skin incisions were created in male ICR germ-free (Gf) and conventionalized (Cvz) mice.
- Wound tensile strength and hydroxyproline concentration were measured on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14.
- Nitrogen balance and urinary creatinine excretion were monitored for 8 days.
Main Results:
- Cvz mice demonstrated significantly greater wound tensile strength on days 3 and 7 compared to Gf mice.
- A higher ratio of hydroxyproline concentration (wound tissue/control tissue) was observed in Cvz mice.
- Cvz mice exhibited improved overall thriving, indicated by positive nitrogen balance and reduced urinary creatinine excretion.
Conclusions:
- Normal intestinal flora enhances wound healing in mice.
- This enhancement is likely mediated by beneficial nutritional effects provided by gut bacteria.
- The findings highlight the importance of gut microbiota in host tissue repair mechanisms.