Collagen-based hydrogel derived from amniotic membrane loaded with quercetin accelerates wound healing by improving stereological parameters and reducing inflammation in a diabetic rat model

In clinical practice, there is a demand for innovative wound healing methods to tackle full thickness skin injuries, especially in those with diabetes. In this study, we examined if collagen-based hydrogel from amniotic membrane (CHAM) loaded with quercetin could enhance healing in diabetic rats. Sixty diabetic rats were randomly divided into the control group, CHAM group, quercetin group, and CHAM+Quercetin group. Sampling took place on days 4 and 8 for additional evaluations. Our findings showed that the rates of wound contraction, volumes of new epidermis and dermis, fibroblast and blood vessel counts, collagen deposition, and concentrations of TGF-beta 1 and VEGF cytokines were significantly higher in the treatment groups compared to the control group, with these changes being more pronounced in the CHAM+Quercetin group. This is while the counts of neutrophils and macrophages, along with the concentration levels of IL-6, IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha cytokines dropped more noticeably in the CHAM+Quercetin group in comparison to the other groups. In summary, it was determined that the combination of CHAM and quercetin significantly enhances diabetic wound healing.