Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shuxuetong Injection on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats

Abstract

Background. A Shuxuetong injection is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat “blood stasis and stagnation” (yu xue yu zhi). We investigated the effect of such injection on the survival of random skin flaps. Methods. McFarlane flaps were established in 60 rats divided into two groups. Postoperative celiac injections were given to both groups for 7 days. Shuxuetong was injected into the test group, and saline was injected into controls. On day 7, tissues were stained with H&E (hematoxylin-eosin) stain, immunohistochemically evaluated, and the expression levels of xanthine oxidase were determined. Result. The mean area of flap survival in the test group was significantly higher than in controls. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and superoxide dismutase, and microvessel development, were markedly increased in the test group, and the malondialdehyde level was reduced. Conclusion. Shuxuetong promotes random skin flap survival.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Huangqi Injection (Radix astragali) on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats

“…To quantify the survival area, flaps were photographed and measured by graph paper. Results were expressed as proportions of viable area by the weight of the graph paper, calculated using the following formula 7 :…”

“…To date, several pharmacological agents have been investigated for their effectiveness in preventing or reversing ischemia in skin flaps, such as vinpocetine, 4 polydeoxyribonucleotide, 5 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), 6 in addition to the traditional Chinese medicine Shuxuetong. 7 Huangqi has been used for thousands of years in China and East Asia. 8 Huangqi injection 9 involves preparation of an extract of Radix astragali: the major component is astragalosides, but other pharmacological ingredients include polysaccharides, flavones, and amino acids.…”

Effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate on random skin flap survival in rats: An experimental study

“…In addition, certain studies have confirmed that VEGF promotes revascularization (17,18), thus enhancing the survival of skin flaps. Numerous studies have focused on herbal remedies to improve the survival of skin flap by inhibiting ischemia-reperfusion injury, reducing inflammatory reaction and accelerating angiogenesis, with specific examples including Xuebijing, Shuxuetong and Huangqi (3,19,20).…”

Beneficial effects of Xuebijing injection on random skin flap survival in rats

“…Local random-pattern skin flaps are segments of skin taken from a donor area and commonly used in plastic surgery for reconstruction after trauma and surgical procedures [1,2]. Nevertheless, the current challenge is distal necrosis, increasing the cost of treatment and hospitalization.…”