Effect of Selenium on Connexin Expression, Angiogenesis, and Antioxidant Status in Diabetic Wound Healing

This study was done to analyze the effect of selenium on antioxidant status and expression of different connexins in diabetic wound healing. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxide, and connexins were analyzed in wound tissues taken from diabetic and non-diabetic mice before and after sodium selenite administration. The mRNA transcript levels of Cx 26, 30.3, 31, 31.1, and 43 were significantly elevated in diabetic wounds as compared to the non-diabetic wounds. After selenium administration, the expression of connexins along with serum glucose decreases more significantly in diabetic wounds as compared to non-diabetic wounds. In diabetic wounds, the low levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and extracellular superoxide dismutase were restored to normal level following selenium administration. The lipid peroxidation decreased significantly in diabetic mice post-selenium administration. The histopathological analysis revealed that administration of selenium improves angiogenesis at the wound site. The results of this study demonstrate that selenium, acting as an essential component of the antioxidant system, normalizes the antioxidant status, and as an insulin mimetic compound, downregulates connexin expressions and induces angiogenesis. Together, these effects of selenium accelerate wound healing in diabetic conditions.