Effect of snail mucus on angiogenesis during wound healing [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Background: AAngiogenesis is the process through which new blood vessels are formed from existing ones. This process plays an important role in supplying the oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism and eliminating cell debris during wound healing. Snail mucus can bind to several factors that stimulate angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor. The aim of this study is to observe changes in angiogenesis during the healing of wounds topically applied with snail mucus.

Methods: Punch biopsy was performed on the back of male Wistar rats to obtain four wounds, and different concentrations of snail mucus were applied to each of these wounds. The animals were sacrificed on days 2, 4, and 7 to observe the extent of angiogenesis during wound healing by microscopy.

Results: Two-way ANOVA showed differences in number of blood
vessels formed (p = 0.00) and day of observation (p = 0.00) between groups. Post hoc Tukey’s HSD test showed that 24% snail mucus treatment does not significantly affect wound healing (p = 0.488); by contrast, treatment with 48% and 96% snail mucus demonstrated significant effects on angiogenesis (p = 0.01). Spearman’s test showed interactive effects between snail mucus concentration and day of
observation on the extent of angiogenesis (p = 0.001, R = 0.946).

Conclusion: Topical application of snail mucus gel can increase angiogenesis during wound healing in Wistar rat skin.