Comparison of bovine colostrum-based and carnosine-based gels on wound healing in a rat full-thickness excisional model

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a bovine colostrum-based gel (CG) and a carnosine-based gel (BepanGel, BG) on wound healing in a full-thickness excisional wound model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 27) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 9 for each): Control (0.9% NaCl), CG, and BG. Four standardized full-thickness excisional wounds were created on the dorsal surface of each rat. Treatments were applied topically once daily for 14 days. Wound surface area measurements were performed on days 3, 7, and 14. Histopathological assessments and immunohistochemical analyses (Caspase-3, TGF-α, TNF-α, and VEGF expression) were conducted at each time point. RESULTS: By day 14, wound surface area values in the BG (0.059 ± 0.034) and CG (0.073 ± 0.063) groups were significantly lower than in the control group (0.128 ± 0.074; p < 0.05)(p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between BG and CG (p > 0.05). Histopathologically, epithelialization, fibrosis, and angiogenesis were significantly improved, while edema, hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltration were reduced in the treatment groups (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that BG and CG were associated with downregulation of Caspase-3 (BG: 0.50 ± 0.16; CG: 0.90 ± 0.16) and TNF-α (BG: 1.60 ± 0.16; CG: 1.20 ± 0.20), while upregulating VEGF (BG: 2.70 ± 0.15; CG: 2.60 ± 0.16) and TGF-α expression (BG: 2.20 ± 0.20; CG: 1.60 ± 0.16). CONCLUSION: Both colostrum-based and carnosine-based gels enhanced wound healing by promoting epithelial regeneration, collagen formation, and angiogenesis while modulating inflammation and apoptosis. BepanGel showed slightly superior performance in several parameters, suggesting its potential as an effective topical agent in wound management.