LiCl Containing Thermosensitive Formulation Improves Hemostasis, Wound Healing, and Hair Regrowth

Abstract

Lithium is clinically used for the treatment of the bipolar manic disorder. In this study, we have evaluated its role in the wound healing process on the basis of our previous microarray studies where many genes related to wound healing were upregulated. Formulations containing LiCl, poloxamer 407 (P407), alginate, and serum were prepared so as to make them “active” thermosensitive preparation, which may participate in different phases of wound healing. The formulations were analyzed for their physical properties, hemostasis, healing, hair regrowth, and expression of genes related to wound healing. The formulations showed a thermoreversible property, improved hemostasis in a liver laceration, and improved healing of full-thickness skin wound and hair regrowth in BALB/c mice and Sprague Dawley rat model. Further, we found genes which facilitate repair of the wound, e.g., TGFβ, COX2, and Col1a1, were also upregulated in RT-PCR assay. Particularly, we have detected the potential role of KRTAP10-2 gene in LiCl-induced hair regrowth. These formulations are likely to have application in the treatment of various injuries including accidents, trauma, diabetic wound, radiotherapy, war injuries, etc., where facilitated wound healing is essential. Our studies on microarray data analysis of LiCl-treated cells showed upregulation of wound healing genes. A formulation containing LiCl was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, which facilitated various stages of wound healing. The temperature-dependent phase changing property of this formulation makes it effective at places where the temperature remains subzero. The formulation may be prepared with other ingredients such as analgesics and antibiotics and could be packed as per the requirement such as spray, cream, gel, etc. The formulation may further be evaluated in the GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) setting; this may help in the repurposing of LiCl and other constituents for wound healing purpose.