Topical 1% propranolol cream promotes cutaneous wound healing in spontaneously diabetic mice

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a constant threat to diabetic patients and can lead to amputations and even death. Intralesional administration of propranolol in diabetic wounds has not been reported previously. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of propranolol cream in diabetic wounds. Fifty-six spontaneously diabetic mice were divided into the propranolol group and the control group. After preparing full-thickness wounds on the back of the mice, 1% propranolol cream was topically applied to wounds in the experimental group and 0% propranolol cream in controls. The wound sizes were measured and calculated against the original area. The wounds were analyzed up to 21 days after injury. At all evaluation time-points, the wound size (%) in the propranolol group was significantly smaller than in the controls. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) protein expression increased in the experimental vs.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was significantly lower in the experimental vs. control group whereas NG2 proteoglycan was increased throughout the study. However, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9 expression was at first significantly higher in the experimental vs. control group then the MMP-9 protein level in the control group increased and surpassed that in the experimental group. In conclusion, intralesional administration of 1% propranolol cream promotes reepithelialization and regulates abnormal angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Propranolol cream may become a new drug for the treatment of DFUs.