Effects of Bezafibrate on the Survival of Random Skin Flaps in Rats

Background Bezafibrate is widely used in clinics for its comparable angiogenic effect. Our research is to investigate the effect of bezafibrate on random skin flap survival. Materials and Methods The "McFarlane flap" rat models were established in 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats which were divided into two groups. The treatment group was given bezafibrate (400 mg/kg/day; gavage administration), and the control group received the vehicle. The flap surviving area was measured after 7 days, and the tissue samples were taken for histological analysis and edema measurement. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was determined using immunohistochemical methods. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were examined with kits. Results Seven days after the operation, the surviving area in the treatment group was larger than in the control group (p < 0.01). The expression of VEGF was increased in the treatment group compared with that in the control group. And the activity of SOD was lower in the treatment group compared with those in the control group (p < 0.01). However, tissue edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and MDA level were markedly lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion Bezafibrate improves the survival of random skin flaps effectively.