Effect of taspine hydrochloride on KGF signal pathway in skin wound healing in rats

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of taspine hydrochloride and the regulatory involvement of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal on skin wound healing in rats. Methods: Wound model rats were assigned to 3 groups (n = 15 each): untreated control, taspine hydrochloride high-dose treatment, and taspine hydrochloride low-dose treatment groups. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) were determined using qPCR, while immunoblot assay was used to assess protein levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and other inflammatory factors. Results: There were significantly down-regulated levels of KGF, KGFR, TGF-β1, VEGF, EGF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in control group on the first day, relative to high- and low-dose taspine hydrochloride treatment groups (p < 0.05). Wound repair took more time in control rats than in the 2 taspine HCL-treatment rats. However, healing time was significantly shorter in rats given higher level of taspine HCL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Taspine hydrochloride down-regulates the high expression of FGF and inhibits inflammatory response in rats with skin trauma. Moreover, it accelerates skin wound healing. These findings support the clinical application of taspine hydrochloride for skin wound healing.