Toxicity study of rats treated by plasma-activated solution
Fanfan Chen1, Houyu He1, Liyun Wang1
1Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, PR China.
Heliyon
|December 25, 2023
Summary
Plasma-activated solution (PAS) showed no adverse effects in rats after multiple subcutaneous injections. This study provides a scientific basis for using PAS in treating skin diseases by demonstrating its safety and potential to stimulate growth factors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Plasma Medicine
Background:
- Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) offers effective skin disease treatment.
- Plasma-activated solution (PAS) mimics CAP's biological effects.
- Limited toxicological data exists for PAS in mammals via subcutaneous injection.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate PAS effects on rat skin, blood, and vital organs after subcutaneous injection.
- Assess potential toxicological impacts of PAS administration.
- Investigate PAS's safety profile for future dermatological applications.
Main Methods:
- PAS prepared by irradiating phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with CAP.
- Rats received subcutaneous injections of PBS or CAP-treated PBS every 48 hours for 10 cycles.
- Histopathological examination, RNA sequencing, and western blotting were employed.
Main Results:
- No adverse effects or structural changes observed in skin or vital organs.
- PAS treatment did not induce DNA damage or cancerous changes.
- Increased expression of growth factors (TGF-β, VEGFA) linked to TGF-β signaling and angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous PAS injections demonstrated no significant toxicity in rats.
- PAS is safe for local skin tissues and major organs.
- Findings support PAS as a viable therapeutic agent for skin diseases.
