Beneficial Effects of Tilapia Fish Skin on Excisional Skin Wound Healing in a Type I Diabetic Rat Model

IntroductionProlonged hyperglycemia in diabetic patients often impairs wound healing, leading to chronic infections and complications. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of fresh Tilapia fish skin as a treatment to enhance wound healing in diabetic rats. MethodsThirty-nine healthy adult albino rats, weighing between 150 and 200 g, were divided into three groups: non-diabetic rats with untreated wounds [C-], diabetic rats with untreated wounds [C+], and diabetic rats treated with fresh Tilapia skin [TT]. The healing process was monitored through clinical observation, gross examination, and histopathological analysis. ResultsThe results demonstrated that the Tilapia skin treatment accelerated wound healing, as evidenced by complete reepithelialization, full epidermal cell differentiation, an intact dermo-epidermal junction, and a reorganized dermis with fewer blood vessels. ConclusionFresh Tilapia skin proved to be a safe and effective dressing for promoting wound healing and managing infection in diabetic wounds.