Effect of pcDNA3.1(+)-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor gene on the survival of skin flap

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of PcDNA3.1 ( + )-mediated gene therapy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) delivered into the subcutaneous space to treat experimental skin flaps in rats.Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups ( n =10each).In pcDNA3.1 ( + )-VEGF group,rats were given subcutaneous injections of pcDNA3.1 ( + )-VEGF 30 μg/100 μL; In VEGF group,rats were given subcutaneous injections of VEGF 100 ng/100 μL;In NS group,rats were given subcutaneous injections of normal saline.Pedicled flap (7 cm× 3 cm) of full thickness was made on rats back in each group 48 h after subcutaneous injections.The survival rate was measured and immunohistochemical examinations were done 10 days after operation.Results The survival rate of the flap in pcDNA3.1-VEGF group was increased significantly as compared with the other two groups (P＜0.01).Immunohistochemical staining showed that VEGF was highly expressed in the pcD-NA3.1 ( + )-VEGF group.Conclusion Subcutaneous injections of pcDNA3.1 ( + )-VEGF efficiently improve the survival of ischemic skin flap. Key words: Vascular endothelial growth factor; Skin flap; Gene therapy