Evaluating the Effect of Argon and Helium Atmospheric Cold Plasma Jets on Wound Healing in Rats: A Comparative Histopathological and Biochemical Analysis

Abstract

Background: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising therapy for wound healing to deliver controlled doses of reactive species to tissues. Argon and helium, as gases used in CAP, are noted for their unique properties and therapeutic potential. Objectives: This study compared the effects of argon and helium atmospheric cold plasma jets on wound healing in a rat model, assessing histopathological changes and biochemical parameters. Methods: This randomized, controlled experimental study involved 18 male Wistar rats randomly assigned to control, helium-treated, and argon-treated groups. Wounds were created between the shoulders under anesthesia, treated with respective plasmas, and monitored for healing progress through macroscopic and microscopic evaluations. Results: Hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) levels were significantly higher in experimental groups compared to controls (P < 0.05), while mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was lower (P < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were highest in helium-treated and lowest in argon-treated rats (P < 0.05). Argon-treated rats showed enhanced IL-6, hyperemia, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization, with lower TNF-α and necrotic layer thickness than other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Both argon and helium atmospheric cold plasma jets enhanced wound healing in rat models, demonstrating superior efficacy in promoting angiogenesis and re-epithelialization processes.