Evaluation of a Probiotic Gel for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Infections Introduction:
Evaluation of a Probiotic Gel for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Infections Introduction:
Narjes Mohammadi Bandari,1Mohammad Abootaleb,2,*
1. Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran-North Branch (ABRII), Raika Gene Pharmed Technology Unit (company), Rasht, Gilan Province, Iran 2. Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran-North Branch (ABRII), Raika Gene Pharmed Technology Unit (company), Rasht, Gilan Province, Iran
Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and severe complication of diabetes, often leading to infection, prolonged hospitalization, and even amputation. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant challenge in managing DFUs. Probiotics, known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offer a potential alternative therapeutic approach to enhance wound healing and prevent infections. This study investigates the effectiveness of a topical probiotic and aloe vera gel in treating DFUs and related infections in laboratory animals.
Methods: Thirty Albino Wistar rats were purchased from the animal shelter of the Pasteur Institute of Iran, weighing 250-300 grams. In this study, the mice were divided into five groups of six and were identified based on the painted area: 1. Control group; in this group, no medicinal substance was used. 2. In this group, the supernatant mix of Lactobacillus casei bacteria and the Aloe Vera plant was used for treatment. 3. L. casei supernatant was used for treatment in this group. 4. In this group, the supernatant of the aloe vera plant was used for treatment. During the four-week treatment period, the supernatant of L. casei and Aloe vera was inoculated into the wounds caused by diabetes and Staphylococcus aureus infection in the form of a gel every day, and the healing of diabetic wounds was observed qualitatively and finally. Histological examinations were evaluated.
Results: The effect of treatment on fibroblast cells showed that the group treated with probiotic gel and aloe vera had more fibroblast cells than the untreated group. In addition, this supernatant increased the rate of fibroblast cells, re-epithelialization in the wound area, and increased the thickness of the epidermis and dermis layers.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that a topical probiotic and aloe vera gel is effective in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers and reducing the risk of bacterial infections. The probiotic and aloe vera formulation demonstrated both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to improved wound healing outcomes. The probiotic and aloe vera gel was safe and well tolerated, highlighting its potential as a promising adjunct therapy for managing diabetic foot ulcers. To confirm these results and discover the therapeutic benefits of this type of probiotic-plant gel in diabetic wound management, research on patients and longer follow-up periods are recommended.