Acceleration of diabetic wound healing by collagen-binding vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic rat model

Abstract

Aims Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important active protein for the induction of angiogenesis and plays an important role in the tissue regeneration of diabetic wounds. In this study, we used collagen-binding VEGF in a diabetic rat model to investigate the effects of this new method. Methods We produced a fusion protein (CBD-VEGF) consisting of VEGF and a collagen-binding domain (CBD), which allowed VEGF to bind to collagen. The diabetic rat models were made by injected streptozocin (STZ) peritoneally and removed full thickness skin on the back. All the rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: PBS group ( n = 24), NAT-VEGF group ( n = 24), and CBD-VEGF group ( n = 24). After model establishment, the dissolved drugs were evenly given on the wounds using syringe. The healing rates were calculated and compared among the groups and the tissues of the wound were taken and evaluated for histological analysis. Results The CBD-VEGF group showed better result in wound healing rate, better vascularization and higher amount of VEGF in the wound granulation tissue compared with NAT-VEGF group and control. Conclusions Topical application of CBD-VEGF can promote diabetic wound healing in rat model, which could potentially provide a better therapeutic option for diabetic wounds.