Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods, we aimed to examine the dose-dependent effects of chronic caffeine consumption on the recovery of burn wounds in an in vivo rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five rats were randomly assigned to a high-dose group (20 mg/kg per day for eight weeks; n=15), a low-dose group (10 mg/kg per day for eight weeks; n=15), or a control group (n=15). The burn model was created in rats. The groups were separated into three subgroups (n=5) based on the day after injury (7(th), 14(th), or 21(st) day). The wound area, wound closure percentage, and histopathological and immunohistochemical reactivity were evaluated. RESULTS: Successful wound healing was noted in rats treated with low doses of caffeine, similar to the control group. Pathology revealed low re-epithelization, low inflammation, and high granulation in the high-dose group. In addition, there was a significant difference between the control and high-dose groups regarding the immunohistochemical reactivity of αVβ3 integrin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that chronic caffeine consumption in rats adversely affects the recovery process of wounds in a dose-dependent manner. This effect may occur through delayed wound healing via the molecules MMP-9, αVβ3 integrin, and VEGF. Treatment that modulates these molecules can lead to enhanced and quicker recovery of damaged skin in coffee lovers.