Introduction: Wound healing is a complex biological process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Royal jelly (RJ), a natural secretion from honeybees, has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. This study investigated the effects of oral RJ treatment on the expression of ANXA1 and ANXA2 genes, which play critical roles in cell migration and tissue repair, during skin wound healing in male BALB/c mice.
Methods: Animals and Experimental Design:
Twenty-five male BALB/c mice were divided into five groups:
Intact group (no wound, no treatment)
Control group (wound, no treatment)
3-5. Experimental groups (wound + oral RJ at 2.5, 10, or 40 mg/kg body weight for 9 days)
Wound Creation and Treatment:
Two full-thickness skin wounds (5 mm diameter) were made on the dorsal neck. Wound diameter was measured daily.
Histopathological Analysis:
Tissue samples were fixed, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) to assess:
Epithelialization
Collagen synthesis
Inflammatory cell infiltration
Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
Molecular Analysis:
Total RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and analyzed via real-time PCR to measure ANXA1 and ANXA2 expression, with β-actin as the reference gene.
Results: Wound Closure:
RJ-treated groups showed significant wound contraction compared to the control, with the 40 mg/kg dose being the most effective.
Histological Findings:
Increased epithelial regeneration, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis in RJ-treated groups.
Reduced inflammatory cell infiltration at higher RJ doses.
Gene Expression:
ANXA1 expression increased 13.5-fold in the 40 mg/kg group.
ANXA2 expression increased 9-fold in the same group.
Discussion
The findings suggest that RJ accelerates wound healing by:
Enhancing cell migration and proliferation via ANXA1 and ANXA2 upregulation.
Stimulating collagen synthesis, crucial for tissue strength.
Promoting angiogenesis, improving nutrient and oxygen supply to the wound.
The anti-inflammatory effects of RJ likely contribute to reduced scar formation, aligning with previous studies on RJ’s bioactive components (e.g., 10-HDA).
Conclusion: Oral RJ treatment significantly improves skin wound healing by modulating ANXA1 and ANXA2 expression, enhancing tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation. These findings support RJ’s potential as a natural therapeutic agent for impaired wound healing.
Recommendations for Future Research
Investigate RJ’s effects on chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers).
Explore topical RJ formulations for localized treatment.
Examine synergistic effects with other wound-healing compounds.