Effects of human amniotic membrane on the angiogenesis and healing of ischemic wounds in a rat model

Although the human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been demonstrated to promote angiogenesis, its efficacy in healing ischemic wounds remains unknown. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the potential of hAM as a dressing for treating ischemic wounds. The inferior abdominal wall arteries and veins of male rats were divided, and an ischemic wound was created on each side of the abdominal wall. Of the two ischemic wounds created, only one was covered with hAM, and its wound healing effect was determined by measuring the wound area. Angiogenesis was assessed by measuring microvessel density (MVD). On day 5, the mean wound area changed from 400 mm² to 335.4 (260-450) mm² in the hAM group and to 459 (306-570) mm² in the control group (p = 0.0051). MVD was 19.0 (10.4-24.6) in the hAM group and 15.1 (10.6-20.8) in the control group (p = 0.0026). No significant differences in local pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were observed between the two groups. Histological examination revealed no rejection of the transplanted hAM. Therefore, the hAM may serve as a novel wound dressing that can promote angiogenesis and healing in ischemic wounds.