Perlecan and vascular endothelial growth factor-encoding DNA-loaded chitosan scaffolds promote angiogenesis and wound
Megan S Lord1, April L Ellis2, Brooke L Farrugia1
1Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Abstract:
The repair of dermal wounds, particularly in the diabetic population, poses a significant healthcare burden. The impaired wound healing of diabetic wounds is attributed to low levels of endogenous growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), that normally stimulate multiple phases of wound healing. In this study, chitosan scaffolds were prepared via freeze drying and loaded with plasmid DNA encoding perlecan domain I and VEGF189 and analyzed in vivo for their ability to promote dermal wound healing. The plasmid DNA encoding perlecan domain I and VEGF189 loaded scaffolds promoted dermal wound healing in normal and diabetic rats. This treatment resulted in an increase in the number of blood vessels and sub-epithelial connective tissue matrix components within the wound beds compared to wounds treated with chitosan scaffolds containing control DNA or wounded controls. These results suggest that chitosan scaffolds containing plasmid DNA encoding VEGF189 and perlecan domain I have the potential to induce angiogenesis and wound healing.
Insights
This study shows that chitosan scaffolds loaded with DNA encoding perlecan domain I and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can significantly improve dermal wound healing in both normal and diabetic rats.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Diabetic wound healing is impaired due to low levels of growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
- This deficit hinders multiple phases of the natural wound repair process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of chitosan scaffolds loaded with plasmid DNA encoding perlecan domain I and VEGF189.
- To assess their potential in promoting dermal wound healing, especially in diabetic models.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan scaffolds were fabricated using freeze-drying techniques.
- Scaffolds were loaded with plasmid DNA encoding perlecan domain I and VEGF189.
- In vivo studies were conducted on normal and diabetic rat models.
Main Results:
- The loaded chitosan scaffolds significantly promoted dermal wound healing in both normal and diabetic rats.
- An increase in blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) was observed in the wound beds.
- Enhanced sub-epithelial connective tissue matrix components were present compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan scaffolds carrying plasmid DNA for VEGF189 and perlecan domain I show promise for inducing angiogenesis.
- This approach has the potential to effectively treat impaired dermal wound healing, particularly in diabetic patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
01:10Mechanism of Angiogenesis