This study explores the wound-healing potential of azilsartan gel through molecular docking and in vivo validation, focusing on its interaction with key burn-related targets.
Methods
Molecular docking analysis was performed using AMDock to evaluate binding interactions between azilsartan and inflammatory mediators, including Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP). A 1% azilsartan gel was formulated and tested in a rat model of thermal injury involving 40 male Wistar rats divided into four groups: negative control (no burn), positive control (untreated burns), azilsartan-treated, and silver sulfadiazine-treated. Treatments were applied topically, and animals were euthanized on days 7, 14, and 21 for evaluation. Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC), hs-CRP, interleukin 10 (IL-10), VCAM-1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, while burn tissues underwent macroscopic and histological examination.
Results
Docking analysis demonstrated strong binding affinities between azilsartan and several inflammatory mediators, particularly VCAM-1 and CRP, suggesting a multi-target mechanism of action. Azilsartan significantly reduced hs-CRP, TNF-α, VCAM-1, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) on days 14 and 21 compared to untreated controls. Histological analysis revealed enhanced re-epithelialization and improved tissue architecture in the azilsartan group.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that topical azilisartan gel has significant anti-inflammatory and healing effects, supporting its potential application in burn wound treatment beyond its traditional use as an antihypertensive.
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