Strychnos pseudoquina modulates the morphological reorganization of the scar tissue of second intention cutaneous wounds in rats.

Mariáurea Matias Sarandy,Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves,Virgínia Vinha Zanuncio,João Paulo Viana Leite,Rômulo Dias Novaes,Lyvia Lopes Miranda,Luciana Schulthais Altoé

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0195786

Mariáurea Matias Sarandy, Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195786

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Abstract

Natural substances are used in folk medicines to treat injuries. Strychnos pseudoquina has scarring, antipyretic, and antimalarial actions. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of S. pseudoquina on cutaneous wound healing in rats. The S. pseudoquina extract was submitted to phytochemical prospection. The levels of flavonoids and total phenolic compounds in the extract were 50.7 mg/g and 2.59 mg/g, respectively. Thirty Wistar rats were individualized in cages with food and water ad libitum (registration no. 730/2014). After anesthesia, three circular wounds (12mm diameter) were made in the animals, which were randomly separated into five treatments: Sal, saline; VO, ointment vehicles (lanolin and Vaseline); SS, positive control (silver sulfadiazine 1%); LE 5, freeze-dried extract 5%; and LE 10, lyophilized extract 10%. The animals were treated with the ointment daily for 21 days. Every seven days, the area and the rate of wound contraction were evaluated. Tissue samples were removed for histopathological analysis of the number of mast cells, elastic and collagen fibers, and biochemical analyses, quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonylated proteins (PCN), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The number of mast cells, collagen and elastic fibers in the rat wounds were higher in the treatments with the plant. The extract also stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, particularly SOD, presenting high levels, and maintained low levels of PCN. The TGF-β and IL-10 concentration was higher in the LE5 and LE10 treatment of the extract than in the Sal, OV and SS treatments on day 7. The ointment based on S. pseudoquina closed the wound faster and accelerated wound healing in animals.

Highlights

Wounds with proximal cut edges, common in surgical procedures, are termed first intention [1]
On day 14, S. pseudoquina 10% was higher than all the other groups, but LE 5% was only higher than the control groups (Fig 1A)
Our results indicate that S. pseudoquina extract has potential to heal cutaneous wounds in rats seven, 14 and 21 days after injury, and that they are more effective than silver sulfadiazine

Summary

Introduction

Wounds with proximal cut edges, common in surgical procedures, are termed first intention [1]. Secondary-intention wounds present tissue loss and a slower healing process due to the need for new tissue growth [2]. Lack of healing leads to suffering for the patients and a negative impact on the physical, social, emotional development, and economic aspects of their lives. Failures or delays in the healing process may be related to patient characteristics, such as age and medical condition [3]. Malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency and venous stasis may delay the healing process [4,5]. Cytokines and cells can heal cutaneous wounds faster [6,7]. This process includes the inflammatory, proliferative and tissue maturation or remodelling phases [8,9]. Changes in any of these phases may lead the cutaneous lesion to become chronic [10,11]

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