Nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol topical ointment in albino rats following full-thickness cutaneous burn wound

Background: Recent studies on resveratrol (RSV) have generated great interest, owing to its pleiotropic, health-promoting properties that have been documented not only in animals but also in humans to exhibit anti-neoplastic and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, anti-diabetic, protective role in cardiac diseases, and anti-ulcerative properties, among others. Aims: This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of topical RSV ointment on hematology, serum biochemistry, and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), following full-thickness cutaneous burn wound (BW). Methods: Four groups of 15 rats were arranged in groups A (negative control), B (positive drug control; BW + 1% silver sulphadiazine [SSD] cream), C (experimental group; BW + 5% RSV topical application), and D (positive wound control; BW with no topical application of ointment). The dorsum was shaved using a clipper, and 23.5 mm of BW was inflicted in groups B–D. Rats from groups B and C were treated twice daily for 21 days. Five rats from each group were anesthetized on days 5, 8, and 21, and blood samples were collected post-wounding (PW). Results: A statistically significant reduction in neutrophil and monocyte counts in the RSV-treated group was recorded (P < 0.05). Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities on day 5 were due to acute hepatic injury associated with burns but were normalized on days 8 and 21. Serum levels of urea and creatinine were lower in the RSV-treated group than in the SSD-treated group on days 5 and 8 post-treatment (PT). The RSV-treated group had a lower VEGF concentration in comparison to other groups. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that RSV suppresses neutrophil and monocyte counts in the peripheral circulation, thus acting as an anti-inflammatory compound. Similarly, RSV exhibited a nephroprotective effect by suppressing creatinine and urea levels. RSV reportedly suppressed the serum activity of VEGF, making it a good antineoplastic agent. Relevance for Patients: RSV formulation can be used to enhance BW healing in human patients through its anti-inflammatory effect. RSV can also ameliorate kidney dysfunction associated with BW in human patients.