Effects of Silk Sericin on Incision Wound Healing in a Dorsal Skin Flap Wound Healing Rat Model

Abstract

BackgroundThe wound healing process is complex and still poorly understood. Sericin is a silk protein synthesized by silk worms (Bombyx mori). The objective of this study was to evaluate in vivo wound healing effects of a sericin-containing gel formulation in an incision wound model in rats.Material/MethodsTwenty-eight Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 4 groups (n=7). No intervention or treatment was applied to the Intact control group. For other groups, a dorsal skin flap (9×3 cm) was drawn and pulled up with sharp dissection. The Sham operated group received no treatment. The Placebo group received placebo gel without sericin applied to the incision area once a day from day 0 to day 9. The Sericin Group 3 received 1% sericin gel applied to the incision area once a day from day 0 to day 9. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was applied for histological analysis and Mallory-Azan staining was applied for histoimmunochemical analysis of antibodies and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), and desmin was applied to paraffin sections of skin wound specimens. Parameters of oxidative stress were measured in the wound area.ResultsEpidermal thickness and vascularization were increased, and hair root degeneration, edema, cellular infiltration, collagen discoloration, and necrosis were decreased in Sericin group in comparison to the Placebo group and the Sham operated group. Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased, but superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were increased in the sericin group.ConclusionsWe found that sericin had significant positive effects on wound healing and antioxidant activity. Sericin-based formulations can improve healing of incision wounds.

The Effects of Sildenafil and/or Nitroglycerin on Random-pattern Skin Flaps After Nicotine Application in Rats

“…3A). Ersel et al 51 measured the normal epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin in rats, which was 40 ± 1.2 μm, and this finding indicates that, in the current study, combined, sildenafil and NTG treatment increased the epidermal thickness to approach the normal values (Fig. 3A).…”

Does sericin pleurodesis increase the basic fibroblastic growth factor and high-sensitive c-reactive protein levels in rat plasma?

“…The predominant amino acid in the structure of the sericin protein is serine amino acid and as such, sericin contains strongly polar side groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino groups that enable easy cross-linking, and copolymerization that improves both biocompatibility and biodegradation [13,14]. Sericin has many applications, including as an anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, antioxidant and as an additive to cell culture media, and has a healing effect on wounds [1,2,8,[13][14][15][16]. Sericin has good hydrophilic properties that are widely used in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetic sectors.…”

“…Sericin has good hydrophilic properties that are widely used in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetic sectors. Furthermore, it is useful in the wound healing process and can be used as a wound dressing and healing agent [16][17][18]. Ersel et al evaluated the in vivo wound healing effects of a gel formulation containing sericin in rats [16].…”

“…Furthermore, it is useful in the wound healing process and can be used as a wound dressing and healing agent [16][17][18]. Ersel et al evaluated the in vivo wound healing effects of a gel formulation containing sericin in rats [16]. The epidermal thickness and vascularization of the skin increased, whereas hair root degeneration, edema, cellular infiltration, collagen discoloration, and necrosis decreased more in the sericin group than in the control group [16].…”

“…Ersel et al evaluated the in vivo wound healing effects of a gel formulation containing sericin in rats [16]. The epidermal thickness and vascularization of the skin increased, whereas hair root degeneration, edema, cellular infiltration, collagen discoloration, and necrosis decreased more in the sericin group than in the control group [16]. They also noted that levels of antioxidative activity increased in the sericin-treated animals [16].…”