Abstract
To detect whether chitin and sepia ink sponge (CS) can promote wound healing and elevate impact of CS on phagocytosis ability of macrophages. Forty-eight rats were assigned to four groups: Normal group (Normal), negative control group (Con), chitin and sepia ink sponge group (CS) and positive control Surgicel Gauze(r) group (SG). Deep second-degree burn model was created in rats. Wound area was recorded by digital imaging and determined using Image J software. Samples were collected and kept at -80oC on 3d, 7d, 14d and 21d for cytokines detecting. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, hydroxyproline (Hyp) and macrophage activity reflected by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparing to Con and SG, scabs in CS group fell off and basically healed on 21 day. TGF-β1, IL-6, MMP-1 and Hyp were significantly increased by CS and SG comparing to Con (p < 0.05), CS had more apparently adjustment on TGF-β1 and MMP-1 compared to SG; results in vitro indicated CS significantly promoted phagocytosis ability of macrophages reflected in TNF-α (p < 0.05). CS improved wound healing through exerting significant influences on secretion of kinds of cytokines and activating macrophages.
Highlights
Wound dressing is one of the most promising medical applications for chitin
The deacetylation of CS sponge used in this experiment is 33.5%
In CS group, it nearly reduced to normal level on day 21
Summary
Wound dressing is one of the most promising medical applications for chitin. The adhesive nature of chitin, together with the antifungal and bactericidal properties, and the permeability to oxygen, is a very important property associated with the treatment of wounds and burns[1]. Some studies have showed chitinbased dressing can improve repair of different tissues facilitate contraction of wounds, and regulate secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin[8], prostaglandin E, interleukin 1β and others[2]. It has been reported that chitin or its derivatives can activate macrophage to express a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokine and other mediators, by which modulate the wound healing process[3]. Sepia ink contains higher trace elements of vanadium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, cadmium, lead, and bismuth, especially calcium and strontium. It has been confirmed that trace elements are essential nutrients for tissue repair, immune, digestive function and other aspects of the role[4]. Chen et al.[6] reported that sepia ink can raise the leukocyte content of blood, by which can promote the phagocytic activity of macrophages
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