The experimental study of the effect of Dracaena cochinchinesis (Lour.) S. C. Chen on survival of random skin flaps in rats

Abstract

Objective To study the influence of Dracaena cochinchinesis (Lour.) S. C. Chen on the survival of random skin flap in rats. Methods A 7.0 cm×1.5 cm random pattern skin flap was lifted on the back of 30 male Sprague Dawley rats, and then orthotopically sutured. These rats were randomly divided into two groups: the model group and Dracaena cochinchinesis (Lour.) S. C. Chen group (DC group). Rats in the DC group were given Dracaena cochinchinesis (Lour.) S. C. Chen suspended in 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (8 g/kg) by intragastric administration. Rats in the model group were given sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution of the same volume. The flap survival rate was measured 7 days after model creation. Flap tissues were sampled for histological sections and HE staining to observe microvessel density. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected. Results The survival rate of flaps in the DC group was (67.91±6.81)%, being significantly higher than that in the model group which was (49.65±9.39)%. Histological observations showed that, compared to tissues in the model group, tissues in the DC group had significantly reduced neutrophils infiltrating, better dermal integrity, and more vascular and fibroblast regeneration. Tissues in the DC group also had higher content of SOD and EGF and lower MDA level compared to tissues in the model group. However, there was no difference between the VEGF levels in the two groups. Conclusion Dracaena cochinchinesis (Lour.) S. C. Chen can improve the survival rate of random skin flap. Its mechanism is related to free radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation reduction, and enhanced angiogenesis and improved blood supply. Key words: Surgical flaps; Rats; Dracaena cochinchinesis (Lour.) S. C. Chen