Effects of negative ions on wound healing in normal and Akita diabetic mice

Abstract

Negative ions exert various effects. The present study investigated whether negative ions from a negative potential therapy device affect skin wound healing in normal mice (Experiment 1) and Akita diabetic mice (Experiment 2). Two circular skin wounds of 8 mm in diameter were created on the right and left sides of the backs of mice, which were divided into two groups: a negative ion exposure group and non-exposure group. In experiment 1, wound properties were examined under an optical microscope. The results obtained showed a similar healing process in both groups, with no significant differences in wound area reductions. Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in wound area reductions between the two groups in experiment 2. On day 10 after wounding in experiment 1 and on day 13 in experiment 2, the wound area had decreased to approximately 20% of the original wound area. Among the histological findings obtained in experiment 1, no significant differences were observed in angiogenesis or collagen fiber development between the two groups. Therefore, the efficacy of negative ions for promoting skin wound healing remains unclear.