The effects of valproic acid on skin healing: experimental study in rats

Abstract

To recognize the effects of valproic acid (VPA), an epigenetic drug, on the skin healing process. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the experiment treated with VPA (100 mg/kg/day); and the control, with 0.9% sodium chloride by gavage. Skin healing was studied in three moments (the third, the seventh, and the 14th day), evaluating the parameters: inflammatory reaction and its intensity (anti-LCA), angiogenesis (anti-CD34), collagen I and III (anti-collagen I, anti-collagen III and Picrosirius-red F3BA) and myofibroblasts (anti-alpha-AMS). Results: The inflammatory reaction was acute or sub-acute in both groups on the third day. On the seventh and the 14th day, chronic predominated in the control (p=0.006), and sub-acute in the experiment (p=0.020). There was a greater number of leukocytes in the group treated only on the third day (p=0.036). The number of vessels was lower in the treated group at the three times (p3=0.002, p7<0.001, and p14=0.027). Myofibroblasts were rare in the third day and moderate quantity in the remaining periods. Collagen I density was higher in the control at the three times (p<0.001) and collagen III in the treated group (p<0.001). Conclusion: VPA led to a more intense inflammatory reaction, decreased angiogenesis and collagen deposition, especially type I collagen.

Effects of valproic acid on wound healing of the abdominal wall musculoaponeurotic layer: an experimental study in rats

“…In another experiment using intraperitoneal administration, the results were similar 44 . However, in a study of our line of research on cutaneous healing, we noticed that the administration of VPA promoted a decrease in angiogenesis and collagen deposition, especially type-I collagen 47 .…”

Reversible bilateral postauricular adult seborrheic dermatitis due to sodium valproate-valproic acid combination

“…Few studies have reported the influence effect of VPA on skin healing, with controversial results. On the other hand, SV-VPA causes cutaneous drug eruptions [8]. Cutaneous drug eruptions associated with SV-VPA can range from hyperpigmentation [9] to severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome [10].…”