Effect of Ascophyllan from Brown Algae Padina tetrastromatica on Cell Migration and Extracellular Matrix Stabilisation in Burn Wounds

Abstract

Background: Burn injuries are the most common injuries and a major health problem affecting communities worldwide. Many alternative therapies are used as treatment for burns. The healing efficacy of sulphated polysaccharide ascophyllan was evaluated and studied its mechanism of action on experimental burn wounds in rats. Methods: Ascophyllan fractions were extracted from marine brown algae Padina tetrastromatica (Dictyotaceae) and evaluated its burn wound healing potential. Full thickness burn wounds induced in male albino rats were used for in vivo study and evaluated wound healing parameters. Results: The results showed that Ascophyllan Fraction 3 (AF3) had no cytotoxic effect and it increases cell migration and production of VEGF in fibroblasts. AF3 significantly reduced in vitro secretion of cytokines in blood mononuclear cells treated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In vivo study showed that AF3 (5%) has significant wound healing activity in albino rats and this dose was used for studying the healing mechanism. The reference control used for the study was povidone-iodine ointment. Wound area contraction and reepithelialisation was faster in AF3 (5%) administered group. When applied topically, AF3 (5%) increased hydroxyproline and hexosamine content at the wound site. Uronic acid, DNA and proteins levels were also increased. Compared to the control groups, AF3 (5%) treatment showed an increase in neovascularization and fibroblast proliferation as evidenced by histopathology of granulation tissue. Conclusion: Sulphated polysaccharide ascophyllan is beneficial for the wound environment as it enhances the healing process and suggested the safe usage of this algal polysaccharide as an alternative for replacing current synthetic wound healing agents in medicine.