Zinc-containing Mohs' paste affects blood flow and angiogenesis suppression

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Oncology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Mohs' paste, a combination of zinc chloride and zinc oxide starch, is clinically used for hemostasis in superficial malignancies.
• Understanding the local tissue effects of Mohs' paste is crucial for optimizing its clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate intramuscular zinc concentration in mice following Mohs' paste application.
• To evaluate the relationship between zinc concentration, blood flow, and angiogenesis within 24 hours.

Main Methods:

• Male C57BL/6 mice underwent unilateral hind limb surgery and received Mohs' paste (25%, 50%, 75%) or glycerin (control).
• Hind limb blood flow was measured using laser Doppler perfusion imaging.
• Intramuscular zinc and VEGF-A expression were quantified via ICP-MS and western blotting, respectively.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in blood flow were observed at 8 and 24 hours post-application, particularly with 50% Mohs' paste.
• Intramuscular zinc levels increased significantly with 50% and 75% concentrations at 8 hours.
• VEGF-A levels increased at 8 hours in the 25% and 50% groups, suggesting a complex angiogenic response.

Conclusions:

• Mohs' paste at concentrations over 50% critically suppresses blood flow and angiogenesis after 8 hours.
• The blood flow suppression mechanism appears independent of VEGF-A and may inhibit future angiogenesis.
• Findings support Mohs' paste's efficacy in hemostasis by suppressing blood flow, making it suitable for clinical hemostatic needs.