Age estimation of skin incised wounds: a combined biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical approach in a rat model.

Accurate determination of wound age is crucial in forensic investigations, aiding in crime scene analysis and establishing the cause of death. However, this remains a challenging task in medicolegal practice. This study aimed to investigate the temporal dynamics of skin incised wound healing in adult male albino rats by employing biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were utilized. Six served as controls, while the remaining thirty were equally divided into five groups. Standardized incisions were inflicted, and the animals were euthanized at predetermined time points (1, 3-, 5-, 7- and 14-days post-wounding). Blood and skin samples were collected for subsequent biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations, including morphometric analysis. Significant elevations in Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) were observed, peaking at days 1 and 3 post-wounding, respectively. Indicators of the wound repair process were detected 3-, 5- and 7-days post-wounding and a scab covering the wound surface was detected until the 7th day and completely detached at 14 days post-wounding. Collagen fiber deposition demonstrated a significant increase, reaching its peak at day 14 post-wounding. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), peaking at day 7 post-wounding. The observed temporal changes in biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters during skin incisional wound healing in rats provide valuable insights that may contribute to the development of more accurate methodologies for wound age estimation in forensic contexts.