Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties, which prevents tissue damages induced by free radicals by their neutralization. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin E on burn wound healing in rats.

Methods: In this study, 16 mature male rats weighing 260±10g were used in two groups of 8 each. After induction of anesthesia and shaving their head hair, certain area of their back was exposed to 95°C water for 8 seconds to induce wet burn. The intervention group received water-soluble vitamin E (300mg/kg) through gavage for 15 consecutive days. The comparison of the changes of skin parameters between intervention and nonintervention groups was performed on the 16th day after burn. Data were analyzed by unpaired t-test. The significance level was considered to be p<0.05.

Results: Epithelialization and angiogenesis in burned skin were higher in the vitamin E-treated burn group compared to non-treatment, which was statistically significant (p<0.01). Also, the number of hair follicles was higher in the burn and vitamin E group compared to another group (p<0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the studied groups in the percentage of wound healing in different days.

Conclusion:The results of this study showed that vitamin E can be effective on wound healing indices, and consumption of vitamin E during burn time could accelerate the burn wound healing process.