Topical application of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A accelerates the wound healing in streptozotocin induced T1DM rats

Research on traditional Chinese medicine as an effective drug for promoting wound healing

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The incidence of skin trauma is high and the repair process is complex, often leading to poor healing and other issues, which can result in significant economic and social burdens. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a valuable resource with proven effectiveness and safety in wound repair, widely utilized in clinical practice. A systematic analysis of wound healing with a focus on TCM research progress holds both academic and clinical importance.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews the research progress of TCM in promoting wound healing, and provides basic data for the development of innovative drugs that promote wound healing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article provides a review of the literature from the past decade and conducts a thorough analysis of various databases that contain reports on the use of TCM for wound repair. The data for this systematic research was gathered from electronic databases including CNKI, SciFinder, and PubMed. The study explores and summarizes the research findings and patterns by creating relevant charts.

RESULTS

This study reviewed the mechanism of wound healing, experimental TCM methods to promote wound healing, the theory and mode of action of TCM to promote wound healing, the active ingredients of TCM that promote wound healing, the efficacy of TCM formulae to promote wound healing, and the potential toxicity of TCM and its antidotes. This study enriched the theory of TCM in promoting wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Skin wound healing is a complex process that can be influenced by various internal and external factors. This article offers a theoretical foundation for exploring and utilizing TCM resources that enhance wound repair. By analyzing a range of TCM that promote wound healing, the article highlights the clinical importance and future potential of these medicines in promoting wound healing.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Promotes HaCaT Cell Proliferation and Migration by Regulating HBEGF/EGFR and PI3K/AKT Pathways and Circ_0084443

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on human immortalized keratinocyte cell proliferation and migration.

METHODS

HaCaT cells were treated with HSYA. Cell proliferation was detected by the cell counting kit-8 assay, and cell migration was measured using wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HBEGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Circ_0084443-overexpressing HaCaT cells and empty plasmid HaCaT cells were constructed using the lentiviral stable transfection and treated with HSYA. The expression of circ_0084443 was detected by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

HSYA (800 µmol/L) significantly promoted HaCaT cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). It also increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of HBEGF, EGFR, PI3K, AKT, mTOR and HIF-1α, and increased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, HSYA promoted HaCaT cell proliferation and migration via the HBEGF/EGFR and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways (P<0.01). Circ_0084443 attenuated the mRNA expression levels of HBEGF, EGFR, PI3K, AKT, mTOR and HIF-1α (P<0.05). HSYA inhibited the circ_0084443 expression, further antagonized the inhibition of circ_0084443 on HBEGF, EGFR, PI3K, AKT, mTOR and HIF-1α, and promoted the proliferation of circ_0084443-overexpressing HaCaT cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, HSYA could not influence the inhibitory effect of circ_0084443 on HaCaT cell migration (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

HSYA played an accelerative role in HaCaT cell proliferation and migration, which may be attributable to activating HBEGF/EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, and had a particular inhibitory effect on the keratinocyte negative regulator circ_0084443.

The mechanism of Semen Persicae-Flos Carthami in treating hypertrophic scar: A study based on network pharmacological analysis and in vitro experiments

Traditional medicine believes that hypertrophic scar (HS) falls into the category of "blood stasis". Chinese herbs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, activating meridians, and relieving pain are usually selected to treat HS by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Both Semen Persicae (SP) and Flos Carthami (FC) are confirmed to be effective for HS. Clinically, SP and FC are often used in combination with each other. However, the pharmacodynamic mechanism and molecular target of SP-FC in the treatment of HS are still unclear. Therefore, this study is intended to explore the mechanism and target of SP-FC in the treatment of HS through network pharmacology combined with in vitro cell and molecular biology experiments. Target genes of SP-FC were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and targets of HS-related diseases were searched from databases such as Disgenet and GeneCards. Based on the targets searched and obtained, a Venn diagram was plotted to acquire common targets of SP-FC-HS. Next, STRING 11.0 was employed for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of common targets; and cytoscape 3.9.0 for connection relationship analysis of PPI and plotting of a "drug-component-target" network diagram. Besides, a modified explant culture method was applied to separate primary hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs); MTT assay to detect cell viability of HSFs after treatment by SP-FC for 24 h; Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining combined with flow cytometry to test apoptosis; western blot to check the protein expression level of p53; and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR to determine mRNA level of p53. In the analysis of network pharmacology, 269 pharmacological targets of SP, 449 pharmacological targets of FC, and 2569 targets of HS-related diseases were screened from the databases. After plotting the Venn diagram, 116 common targets of SP-FC-HS were acquired. In vitro experiments showed that the expression of p53 in HSFs was decreased. SP-FC significantly reduces the viability of HSFs, increases p53 levels in HSFs, and promotes apoptosis. SP-FC can reduce scar formation by promoting p53 expression.

Underlying Mechanism of Traditional Herbal Formula Chuang-Ling-Ye in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

BACKGROUND

Chuang-Ling-Ye (CLY) has been clinically proven to be an effective Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of CLY in relation to DFU using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, relevant targets of CLY against DFU were obtained from TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction database and GEO database. Then, topological analysis was employed by Cytoscape to screen the top 6 core active ingredients and the top 8 hub targets. Furthermore, the OmicShare Tools were applied for gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, the results of network pharmacology were verified by molecular docking method.

RESULTS

CLY has 61 active compounds and 361 targets after de-duplication, and the top 8 hub targets were EGFR, TP53, CCND1, IL-1B, CREBBP, AR, PTGS2 and PGR. GO enrichment analysis is mainly related to signal transducer activity, receptor activity, and molecular transducer activity. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these shared targets were primarily focused on AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, HIF-1 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that physciondiglucoside, 2-cinnamoyl-glucose and kinobeon A were well bound with EGFR, IL-1B, AR and PTGS2.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that CLY has anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of DFU through various constituents, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, which provides a valuable point of reference for future investigations on CLY.

Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals the Cellular and Genetic Heterogeneity of Skin Scar to Verify the Therapeutic Effects and Mechanism of Action of Dispel-Scar Ointment in Hypertrophic Scar Inhibition

Hypertrophic scarring (HS), caused by excessive fibrosis of injured skin, imposes a psychological burden and creates a source of distress that impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. However, the gold standard for HS treatment has not yet been determined due to the complicated and difficult nature of the routines and procedures involved. Previous studies have indicated that the topical application of certain active components found in traditional Chinese medicines shows potential as a therapeutic alternative for scars. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed to determine cellular heterogeneity and identify marker genes and mechanisms associated with HS. It was found that fibroblasts comprise the largest proportion of HS cell types. The marker genes that were highly expressed in fibroblasts were extracellular matrix (ECM)-related, whereas ECM-receptor interactions and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathway were also found to be active. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which was applied to identify the molecular compounds of Dispel-Scar Ointment (DSO), revealed 74 effective chemical components belonging to 14 types of constituents, such as flavonoids, tanshinones, salvianolic acids, glycosides, and phthalides. Furthermore, in vivo studies using rat scar models showed that the topical application of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ligusticum chuanxiong, peach kernel, safflower, and motherwort exerted beneficial effects on fibroblasts. DSO promoted scar maturation and reduced scar areas, its efficacy being similar to that of topically applied silicone. Functional studies using immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that DSO may target the TGF-β/Smad pathway to inhibit collagen synthesis and promote ECM remodelling. However, further in vitro mechanistic research and single-drug prescription studies may be required to identify the specific effective compound or active ingredient of DSO, which would provide more substantial evidence regarding the potential therapeutic value of traditional herbs in HS.

Botanical Drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine With Wound Healing Properties

Chronic and unhealed wound is a serious public problem, which brings severe economic burdens and psychological pressure to patients. Various botanical drugs in traditional Chinese medicine have been used for the treatment of wounds since ancient time. Nowadays, multiple wound healing therapeutics derived from botanical drugs are commercially available worldwide. An increasing number of investigations have been conducted to elucidate the wound healing activities and the potential mechanisms of botanical drugs in recent years. The aim of this review is to summarize the botanical drugs in traditional Chinese medicine with wound healing properties and the underlying mechanisms of them, which can contribute to the research of wound healing and drug development. Taken together, five botanical drugs that have been developed into commercially available products, and 24 botanical drugs with excellent wound healing activities and several multiherbal preparations are reviewed in this article.

Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process

Natural substances have traditionally been used in skin care for centuries. There is now an ongoing search for new natural bioactives that not only promote skin health but also protect the skin against various harmful factors, including ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Free radicals, by disrupting defence and restoration mechanisms, significantly contribute to skin damage and accelerate ageing. Natural compounds present in plants exhibit antioxidant properties and the ability to scavenge free radicals. The increased interest in plant chemistry is linked to the growing interest in plant materials as natural antioxidants. This review focuses on aromatic and medicinal plants as a source of antioxidant substances, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and macromolecules (including polysaccharides and peptides) as well as components of essential oils, and their role in skin health and the ageing process.

Pharmacological Actions, Molecular Mechanisms, Pharmacokinetic Progressions, and Clinical Applications of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in Antidiabetic Research

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a nutraceutical compound derived from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), has been shown as an effective therapeutic agent in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Our previous study showed that the effect of HSYA on high-glucose-induced podocyte injury is related to its anti-inflammatory activities via macrophage polarization. Based on the information provided on PubMed, Scopus and Wanfang database, we currently aim to provide an updated overview of the role of HSYA in antidiabetic research from the following points: pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetic progressions, and clinical applications. The pharmacokinetic research of HSYA has laid foundations for the clinical applications of HSYA injection in diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy. The application of HSYA as an antidiabetic oral medicament has been investigated based on its recent oral delivery system research. In vivo and in vitro pharmacological research indicated that the antidiabetic activities of HSYA were based mainly on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms via JNK/c-jun pathway, NOX4 pathway, and macrophage differentiation. Further anti-inflammatory exploration related to NF-κB signaling, MAPK pathway, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway might deserve attention in the future. The anti-inflammatory activities of HSYA related to diabetes and diabetic complications will be a highlight in our following research.

Compendium of Conventional and Targeted Drug Delivery Formulation Used for the Treatment and Management of the Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that involves the restoration of normal physiology and functioning of injured tissue. The process of wound healing is primarily regulated by various cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and growth factors at the molecular level. Any intervention in the normal wound healing process leads to further tissue damage, which in turn leads to delayed wound healing. Several natural, synthetic drugs and their combinations were used to restored and accelerate the wound healing process. However, the conventional delivery carriers were not much effective, and thus, nowadays, nanocarriers are gaining much popularity since they are playing a pivotal role in drug delivery. Since nanocarriers have their own applicability and benefits (enhance the bioavailability, site-specific targeting) so, they can accelerate wound healing more efficiently. This review briefly discussed about the various events that take place during the wound healing process with emphasis on various natural, synthetic, and combination drug therapy used for accelerating wound healing and the role of nanotechnology-based approaches in chronic wound healing.

Therapeutic candidates for keloid scars identified by qualitative review of scratch assay research for wound healing

The scratch assay is an in vitro technique used to analyze cell migration, proliferation, and cell-to-cell interaction. In the assay, cells are grown to confluence and then ‘scratched’ with a sterile instrument. For the cells in the leading edge, the resulting polarity induces migration and proliferation in attempt to ‘heal’ the modeled wound. Keloid scars are known to have an accelerated wound closure phenotype in the scratch assay, representing an overactivation of wound healing. We performed a qualitative review of the recent literature searching for inhibitors of scratch assay activity that were already available in topical formulations under the hypothesis that such compounds may offer therapeutic potential in keloid treatment. Although several shortcomings in the scratch assay literature were identified, caffeine and allicin successfully inhibited the scratch assay closure and inflammatory abnormalities in the commercially available keloid fibroblast cell line. Caffeine and allicin also impacted ATP production in keloid cells, most notably with inhibition of non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption. The traditional Chinese medicine, shikonin, was also successful in inhibiting scratch closure but displayed less dramatic impacts on metabolism. Together, our results partially summarize the strengths and limitations of current scratch assay literature and suggest clinical assessment of the therapeutic potential for these identified compounds against keloid scars may be warranted.

LncRNA MALAT1 inhibits hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury via targeting the microRNA-320a/RAC1 axis

Angiogenesis is believed to protect against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cell injury. MALAT1 and microRNA-320a (miR-320a) are involved in cancer angiogenesis. To investigate the function of the MALAT1/miR-320a axis in H/R-induced cell injury, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell migration, cell adhesion and tube formation assays. The expression of MALAT1 and miR-320a was revealed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The direct binding relationship between miR-320a and MALAT1 was detected by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays. The data indicated that H/R induces angiogenesis injury and that the expression of MALAT1 was augmented in H/R-stimulated HUVECs. Overexpression of MALAT1 alleviated H/R-stimulated HUVEC dysfunction, whereas silencing of MALAT1 exerted the opposite effects. MALAT1 also reduced miR-320a levels in HUVECs. Overexpression of miR-320a repressed the function of MALAT1 on H/R-stimulated HUVECs, whereas inhibition of miR-320a exerted the opposite effect. Additionally, miR-320a inhibition alleviated H/R-stimulated HUVEC injury via RAC1. Taken together, this investigation concluded that MALAT1 represses H/R-stimulated HUVEC injury by targeting the miR-320a/RAC1 axis.

Topical application of HA-g-TEMPO accelerates the acute wound healing via reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting angiogenesis

During the occurring of cutaneous trauma, increasing oxidative stress response in wound site retards the progress of proliferation phase, impeding sequent efficient wound repair. At the same time, high-quality healing also requires adequate new blood vessels in order to furnish the wound site with a nutrient and oxygen-sufficient environment. Here we synthesized a novel hyaluronic acid (HA) material modified with a peroxidation inhibitor 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (ATEMPO) for prevention of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promotion of angiogenesis after full-thickness skin excision in rats. Amines in ATEMPO attaching with carbonyls in HA chains was fabricated through N-acylation. The HA-g-TEMPO exerted a ROS-scavenging and angiogenesis-promoting function in vitro. In acute wound rat model, the wound closure efficacy was significantly improved to almost 55% at day 6 in comparison to 49% of HA, and wound sites in initial wound phase was also narrowed down sharply. Moreover, initially formed blood vessels were found in wound sites, further proved the angiogenesis-promoting function of HA-g-TEMPO. More interestingly, wound sites demonstrated an exciting regenerative healing effect which was characterized by marked skin appendages as well as reduced scarring. Therefore, this strategy showed a promising future that could be considered as a reliable and effective method to cutaneous wound healing.

Human foreskin-derived dermal stem/progenitor cell-conditioned medium combined with hyaluronic acid promotes extracellular matrix regeneration in diabetic wounds

BACKGROUND

Diabetic wounds remain a challenging clinical problem, which requires further treatment development. Published data showed that dermis-derived stem/progenitor cells (DSPCs) display superior wound healing in vitro. The beneficial effects of DSPCs are mediated through paracrine secretion, which can be obtained from conditioned medium (CM). Hyaluronic acid (HA) is especially suitable for skin regeneration and delivering bioactive molecules in CM. This study investigated the effect of human foreskin-derived dermal stem/progenitor cell (hFDSPC)-CM combined with HA on a diabetic mouse model and relevant mechanism in vitro.

METHODS

hFDSPCs and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were identified, and the respective CM was prepared. PBS, HA, hFDSPC-CM combined with HA, or hADSC-CM combined with HA was topically applied to mice. HE, CD31, CD68, CD86, and CD206 staining was performed to evaluate gross wound condition, angiogenesis, and inflammation, respectively. Masson and Picrosirius red staining was performed to evaluate collagen deposition and maturation. The effects of hFDSPC-CM and hADSC-CM on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and fibroblasts were evaluated in vitro using CCK-8 and EdU assays to determine cell viability and proliferation, respectively. The scratch assay was performed to evaluate cell migration. Tube formation assay was performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to confirm angiogenesis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolic balance-related genes and proteins, such as collagen I (COL 1), collagen III (COL 3), fibronectin (FN), α-SMA, matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinases 3 (MMP-3), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), were analysed.

RESULTS

hFDSPC-CM combined with HA showed superior wound closure rate over hADSC-CM. Histologically, the hFDSPC-CM combined with HA group showed significantly improved re-epithelialisation, angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, collagen regeneration, and maturation compared to hADSC-CM combined with HA group. In vitro assays revealed that hFDSPC-CM displayed significant advantages on cell proliferation, migration, and ECM regeneration through a TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway compared with hADSC-CM.

CONCLUSIONS

hFDSPC-CM combined with HA was superior for treating diabetic wounds. The underlying mechanism may promote proliferation and migration of epidermal cells with fibroblasts, thus leading to ECM deposition and remodelling. Reduced inflammation may be due to the above-mentioned mechanism.

Transcriptome analysis of flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower flowers grown under different light intensities

Background

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a domesticated species with a long history of cultivation and widespread distribution across the globe, and light plays an important role in controlling its distribution boundary. Flowers from safflower have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine because of their ability to improve cerebral blood flow. Flavonoids are the main active compounds in safflower and have many pharmacological effects. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between different light intensities and flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower flowers cultivated in greenhouse.

Methods

The transcriptome of safflower flowers grown under different light intensities were sequenced through BGISEQ-500 platform. After assembled and filtered, Unigenes were annotated by aligning with seven functional databases. Differential expression analysis of two samples was performed with the DEseq2 package. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related with flavonoids biosynthesis were analyzed by Real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Flavonoids accumulation in flowers were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and spectrophotometer.

Results

Transcriptome analysis of safflower flowers cultivated under different light intensities was performed. A total of 99.16 Gb data were obtained, and 78,179 Unigenes were annotated. Among the DEGs, 13 genes were related to flavonoid biosynthesis. The differential expressions of seven key genes were confirmed by RT-PCR. In addition, the levels of some flavonoids were measured in safflower flowers grown under different light intensities. CtHCT3 gene expression showed a significantly negative correlation with kaempferol content in safflower grown under different light intensities.

Conclusion

Our results strongly suggested that the reduction in light intensity in a suitable range promoted flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower flowers. We suggest that the expressions of HCT genes played an important role in flavonoid accumulation in safflower flowers. Our study lays a foundation for further research on the effects of light on flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower.

Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants

Cutaneous wound healing is the process by which skin repairs itself. It is generally accepted that cutaneous wound healing can be divided into 4 phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. In humans, keratinocytes re-form a functional epidermis (reepithelialization) as rapidly as possible, closing the wound and reestablishing tissue homeostasis. Dermal fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed and proliferate, creating “granulation tissue” rich in extracellular matrix proteins and supporting the growth of new blood vessels. Ultimately, this is remodelled over an extended period, returning the injured tissue to a state similar to that before injury. Dysregulation in any phase of the wound healing cascade delays healing and may result in various skin pathologies, including nonhealing, or chronic ulceration. Indigenous and traditional medicines make extensive use of natural products and derivatives of natural products and provide more than half of all medicines consumed today throughout the world. Recognising the important role traditional medicine continues to play, we have undertaken an extensive survey of literature reporting the use of medical plants and plant-based products for cutaneous wounds. We describe the active ingredients, bioactivities, clinical uses, formulations, methods of preparation, and clinical value of 36 medical plant species. Several species stand out, including Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, and Paeonia suffruticosa, which are popular wound healing products used by several cultures and ethnic groups. The popularity and evidence of continued use clearly indicates that there are still lessons to be learned from traditional practices. Hidden in the myriad of natural products and derivatives from natural products are undescribed reagents, unexplored combinations, and adjunct compounds that could have a place in the contemporary therapeutic inventory.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A attenuates high glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell dysfunction

High glucose (HG) induces vascular injury in diabetes. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) has been used to ameliorate ischemic cardiovascular diseases in China for many years. In the present study, we assessed whether HSYA has a potential protective role in HG-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury. Cell viability was determined with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining assay. The endothelial cell permeability was measured with a permeability assay. Cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor levels were detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured with a DCF-DA assay. Protein expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) was measured by Western blotting. Our data indicated that HG increases HUVEC apoptosis, vascular permeability, monocyte adhesion, the level of CAMs, the formation of ROS, and NOX4 expression. Our data revealed that HG increases vascular injury, which is attenuated by HSYA. Because vascular inflammation has a key role in the development of diabetes mellitus, our results implied that HSYA is considered as a potential agent for diabetic vascular injury treatment.

Co-delivery of deferoxamine and hydroxysafflor yellow A to accelerate diabetic wound healing via enhanced angiogenesis

Nonhealing chronic wounds on foot induced by diabetes is a complicated pathologic process. They are mainly caused by impaired neovascularization, neuropathy, and excessive inflammation. A strategy, which can accelerate the vessel network formation as well as inhibit inflammatory response at the same time, makes it possible for effective diabetic ulcers treatment. Co-delivery of multiple drugs with complementary bioactivity offers a strategy to properly treat diabetic wound. We previously demonstrated that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) could accelerate diabetic wound healing through promoting angiogenesis and reducing inflammatory response. In order to further enhance blood vessel formation, a pro-angiogenic molecular called deferoxamine (DFO) was topically co-administrated with HSYA. The in vitro results showed that the combination of DFO and HSYA exerted synergistic effect on enhancing angiogenesis by upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) expression. The interpenetrating polymer networks hydrogels, characterized by good breathability and water absorption, were designed for co-loading of DFO and HSYA aiming to recruit angiogenesis relative cells and upgrade wound healing in vivo. Both DFO and HSYA in hydrogel have achieved sustained release. The in vivo studies indicated that HSYA/DFO hydrogel could accelerate diabetic wound healing. With a high expression of Hif-1α which is similar to that of normal tissue. The noninvasive US/PA imaging revealed that the wound could be recovered completely with abundant blood perfusion in dermis after given HSYA/DFO hydrogel for 28 days. In conclusion, combination of pro-angiogenic small molecule DFO and HSYA in hydrogel provides a promising strategy to productively promote diabetic wound healing as well as better the repair quality.