Spirulina protein promotes skin wound repair in a mouse model of full-thickness dermal excisional wound

Abstract

The skin protects body from environmental damage. Skin wounds lead to microbial infection and harmful agent injury. Thus, wound repair is crucial for the recovery of the normal function of skin tissue. The present study investigated the promoting effects of spirulina protein (SPcP) in mice on skin wound repair and also aimed to elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. The results revealed that SPcP promoted the skin wound repair in a mouse model of full-thickness excisional wounds. SPcP induced an increase in the expression level of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOd) and catalase (cAT) were enhanced by SPcP treatment in the granulation tissue. In addition, SPcP decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MdA) in the granulation tissue. Western blot analysis revealed that SPcP enhanced the phosphorylation and activation of protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Moreover, the expression level of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was increased in the SPcP-treated groups. The phosphorylation level of Smad2 was also increased by treatment of SPcP. Furthermore, SPcP promoted the expression of collagen in the granulation tissue. Taken together, these findings indicate that SPCP exerts a promoting effect on skin wound repair. The Akt, ERK and TGF-β1 signaling pathways are involved in this process.

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“…Wound healing begins immediately after injury with an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators and cells. This is followed by an increase in proliferation, transdifferentiation, and migration of fibroblasts to the injured site, production of dermal and epidermal cells, and synthesis of collagen and the extracellular matrix to re-establish the skin barrier [133]. The role of Spirulina extracts in fibroblast proliferation and wound healing has been described for years [128,132,133].…”

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“…It was found that Spirulina protein enhances wound repair stimulating PI3K/Akt and EGFR/ERK pathways, which regulate cell cycle, proliferation, and migration. Furthermore, it inhibits the excessive formation of ROS, increasing SOD and CAT activity and reducing lipid peroxidation in tissue granulation 41 …”

“…Furthermore, it inhibits the excessive formation of ROS, increasing SOD and CAT activity and reducing lipid peroxidation in tissue granulation. 41 A pectin isolated from S. maxima (SmP) demonstrated to also take part in wound-healing activity. Beyond in vitro, this was showed in vivo in zebrafish models.…”

“…42 Linked to that, it could be inferred that Spirulina has a role in wound healing that goes beyond accelerating the process, but it makes the phases to go in an ordered and healthier manner. Liu et al 41 had demonstrated that on the 9th day, SPCP treatment enhanced pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ and α-SMA levels, indicating that Spirulina protein induces myofibroblasts activation for ECM deposition. 41 Although it is crucial for wound healing, the excessive TGFβ and myofibroblasts at later stage can lead to scars, fibrosis and delay the complete repair process.…”

“…Liu et al 41 had demonstrated that on the 9th day, SPCP treatment enhanced pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ and α-SMA levels, indicating that Spirulina protein induces myofibroblasts activation for ECM deposition. 41 Although it is crucial for wound healing, the excessive TGFβ and myofibroblasts at later stage can lead to scars, fibrosis and delay the complete repair process.…”