Effect of Aloe vera Gel and Sodium Metabisulphite on Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor in Incision Wound of Rats.

An incision wound is a wound caused by being sliced. Two ingredients that play a key role in the wound-healing process are glucomannan and acemannan, which are rich in polysaccharides and growth hormones. Growth hormones stimulate fibroblast activity and proliferation. The present study involved 35 Sprague Dawley male rats, aged 2-3 months old and weighing 200-300 grams. The study comprised seven groups including, negative control group (G1), positive control (aquades, G2), betadine 10% (G3), gel base (0.5 mg, G4), gel base + sodium metabisulfite 0.2 gr (G5), gel base + Aloe vera 5% (G6), and gel base + Aloe vera 5% + sodium metabisulfite 0.2 gr (G7). Each group had five replications. Initially, a 4-cm incision was made on the dorsal skin of each rat. The study lasted 15 days with observations made on days 3, 7, and 15. After the observation period, the rats were anesthetized and then terminated to collect skin tissues for microscopic examination. The tissue samples were then stained immunohistochemically to assess fibroblast growth factor (FGF) expressions. The results showed that the highest FGF expression was observed in the 5% Aloe vera + 2% metabisulfite group (G7), while the lowest FGF expression was in the negative control group (G1). It is concluded that Aloe vera L. extract gel at 5% + 2% metabisulfite (G7) significantly enhances the expression of FGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]