Zeynep D. Sahin-Inan, Department of Histology Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye
Kerim E. Öksüz, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sivas Cumhuriyet University; Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Science and Technology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University; Sivas, Türkiye
Begüm Kurt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye
Ceylan Hepokur, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye
Yener Ünal, Department of Statistics and Computer Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye
Objective: This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the histopathological and biochemical efficacy of vaginal gels (VGs) in healing lacerations resulting from vaginal trauma. The bioadhesive gel containing nanoparticles (n-HAp) represents a novel application in this field. Methods: VGs were synthesized using n-HAp and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). High-resolution FE-SEM images confirmed the presence of n-HAp, while XRD verified its structural properties. Four experimental groups were established: Control, Sham, VG, and VG/n-HAp. Tissue and blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, and 21. Results: Biochemical parameters such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated in serum samples. Histological evaluations included inflammation, granulation tissue formation, collagen and reticular fiber density, reepithelialization, and neovascularization. The VG/n-HAp group exhibited significantly faster healing and more pronounced inflammatory responses over time compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Overall, the addition of n-HAp to VGs accelerated both biochemical and histopathological recovery in a rat vaginal wound healing model.
Keywords: Bioadhesive gel. Vaginal wound model. Tissue repair. Nanomaterial.