Therapeutic Effects of Bromelain on Diabetic Wound Healing: Analysis of Cytokine Levels TNF-α, IL-10, Collagen, Epithelial Thickness, and Angiogenesis in Wistar Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11942Keywords:
Bromelain, Diabetic wound healing, TNF-α, IL-10, Collagen, Epithelial Thickness, Angiogenesis, Bromelain, Diabetic wound healing, TNF-α, IL-10, Collagen, Epithelial thickness, AngiogenesisAbstract
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause resident microglial cells to become activated and transform into an amoeboid form. Activated microglial cells then produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and other pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic substances, significantly promoting the progression of DM. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from Ananas comosus, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, indicating its potential as a topical therapeutic agent for diabetic wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical bromelain on diabetic wound healing in Wistar rats by assessing TNF-α, IL-10, collagen deposition, epithelial thickness, and angiogenesis. Materials and methods: A post-test-only controlled experimental design was employed. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), aged 2 - 3 months and weighing 150 - 200 g, were randomly assigned to 6 groups. Data were analyzed statistically, and hypothesis testing using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results and discussion: The calculation of the average value of the DM group with bromelain enzyme cream intervention compared to the DM group without intervention which was used as a negative control resulted in a decrease in TNF-α of around 15.66% and an increase in IL-10 of around 31.26%. Histopathological analysis showed greater collagen deposition, thicker epithelium, and enhanced angiogenesis in bromelain-treated groups compared with controls (p < 0.05). These results indicate that bromelain accelerates diabetic wound healing through immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. Conclusions: Bromelain enzyme has potential as an alternative topical therapy for anti-inflammatory and wound healing in DM.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Topical bromelain reduced TNF-α levels and increased IL-10 levels in diabetic wound tissue
- Bromelain treatment increased collagen deposition and epithelial thickness in Wistar rats with diabetic wounds
- Angiogenesis was significantly enhanced in bromelain-treated diabetic wounds compared to controls
- Bromelain accelerated diabetic wound healing through immunomodulatory and tissue regenerative mechanisms
- Bromelain demonstrated potential as a topical therapeutic agent for diabetic wound management
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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