Discussion
These findings provide a novel theoretical basis for managing wounds in diabetic individuals, indicating the broad potential of dietary nitrate in future clinical applications.
Methods
In this study, we established a diabetic rat wound model. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8): the Con group, the Con + Nitrate group, the STZ group, the STZ + NaCl group, the STZ + rhEGF group, and the STZ + Nitrate group. Skin wound healing was assessed on the day of surgery and on postoperative days 3, 7, 10, and 14. Specimens were taken on days 7 and 14 post-surgery for relevant tests.
Results
We found that dietary nitrate could accelerate skin wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and increasing blood perfusion. Significantly, dietary nitrate also regulated glucose and lipid metabolism and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.