Does metronidazole reduce lipid peroxidation in burn injuries to promote healing?

In our earlier study metronidazole, administered orally, promoted healing in partial thickness burn wounds. This prompted us to hypothesize that metronidazole might have influenced lipid peroxidation, since increased levels of lipid peroxide are seen in burn injuries. Thus, the present study was aimed at investigating if metronidazole had any antioxidant action in burned rats. The effects of metronidazole and antioxidants (Vitamins E and C) were assessed on the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and on epithelization in partial thickness burned-wound rats. Metronidazole and antioxidants significantly reduced the increased serum MDA levels in the 48h post burn. They also significantly hastened the epithelization process. The results suggest a line between ends of oxidative products and rate of epithelization. Metronidazole, if administered to patients with burns, besides offering protection against anaerobic infections, might also protect the patients from some aspects of burn induced oxidative stress.