L-Borneol promotes skin flap survival by regulating HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway

The clinical application of skin flaps in surgical reconstruction is frequently impeded by the occurrence of distant necrosis. L-Borneol exhibits myogenic properties in traditional Chinese medicine and is used in clinical settings to promote wound healing and conditions such as stroke. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism by which borneol exerts its protective effects on skin flap survival remains unclear.

To explore the potential of L-borneol to promote skin flap survival and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: a high-dose (200 mg/kg L-borneol per day), a low-dose (50 mg/kg/day), and control group (same volume of solvent). In each rat, a modified rectangular McFarlane flap model measuring 3 × 9 cm was constructed. Daily intragastric administration of L-borneol or solvent was performed. The flap was divided into three square sections of equal size, namely Zone I (the proximal zone), Zone II (the intermediate zone), and Zone III (the distal zone). The survival rate was quantified, and the histological state of each flap was evaluated on the seventh day following the surgical procedure. The assessment of angiogenesis was conducted using lead oxide/gelatin angiography, whereas the evaluation of blood flow in the free flap was performed using laser Doppler flow imaging. Superoxide dismutase activity was detected using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 method. The quantities of vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α were determined using immunohistochemistry. The levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), and BCL-2-associated X (BAX) were determined by Western blotting technique.

Flap survival rate significantly improved and neutrophil recruitment and release were enhanced after treatment with the compound. Angiogenesis was promoted. L-borneol protected against oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase activity and decreasing malondialdehyde content. It downregulated the hypoxia-inducible factor nuclear transcription factor-κB pathway, leading to the inhibition of several inflammatory factors. Simultaneously, it facilitated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and BCL-2.

The study shows that L-borneol may promote skin flap survival by inhibiting HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway.