Effects of parenteral fish-oil emulsion (Omegaven) on cutaneous wound healing in rats treated with dexamethasone

Background: The aim was to assess wound healing when parenteral fish-oil emulsion is given to rats receiving dexamethasone. Methods: For 5 days after skin wounding, group S (control; n = 7) received saline 1 mL/kg intraperitoneal (IP); group D (n = 7), dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg IP; and group DO (n = 9), dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg IP plus 1 mL/kg Omegaven (Fresenius Kabi, Austria). Wound specimens were assessed for hydroxyproline level, wound depth, histology (epidermal/dermal regeneration, granulation tissue thickness, and angiogenesis), and expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA). Results: Compared with D and DO specimens, controls had higher hydroxyproline (p .05 for all). Controls had higher TGF-β expression scores th...