The Modulatory Effect of an Ethanolic Extract of Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) on the Proliferation and Migration of Hyperglycemic Fibroblasts in an In Vitro Diabetic Wound Model

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is associated with chronic wound‐healing problems that significantly impact patients’ quality of life and substantially increase expenditure on healthcare. Therefore, the identification of compounds that can aid healing is justified. Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) has been used in folk medicine for curative purposes; however, the causal mechanisms underlying its healing effects remain to be elucidated. In this study, the effect of the ethanolic extract of A. cordifolia was evaluated in an in vitro healing model using fibroblasts cultivated under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic environments. The extract was predominantly composed of phytol and exhibited genoprotective activity. Fibroblast migration attenuated the adverse effects of hyperglycemia, favoring cell proliferation. Collagen levels were significantly increased in ruptured fibroblasts under both standard and hyperglycemic environments. The phytogenomic effect of the extract on three genes related to extracellular matrix formation, maintenance, and degradation showed that A. cordifolia increased the expression of genes related to matrix synthesis and maintenance in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic individuals. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of genes related to matrix degradation. Overall, this is the first study to demonstrate the effectiveness of A. cordifolia in wound healing, elucidating possible causal mechanisms that appear to be based on the genoprotective effect of this plant on the migratory and proliferative phases of the wound healing process; these effects are probably related to phytol, its main constituent.