ABSTRACT
Aim To explore the effect of Sanshi Shengxin Ointment on the healing of pressure wounds in rats and its mechanism. Methods The experimental animals were divided into sham operation group (Sham), model group (Model), Bei Fuxin group (bFGF), Sanshi Shengxin ointment group (TM), and Sanshi Shengxin ointmen + PI3K blocker group (TM + LY294002). The pressure ulcer rat model was prepared by the local tissue ischemia-reperfusion injury method. The wound healing rate of rats in each group was observed on 3rd, 7th, and 14th day. On 3rd day of the dressing change, the pathological changes of the wound, the plasma VEGF content, and the expression of VEGF and PI3 K/Akt signal-related proteins in the wound skin tissue were detected. Results Compared with sham group, the wound healing rate of rats in model group was reduced (P < 0. 01) with severe wound injury. The plasma VEGF content decreased (P <0. 01), and the expression of VEGF, p-PI3K, and p-Akt decreased too (P <0. 01). Compared with model group, the wound healing rate and VEGF content of rats in TM group increased (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01), the wound injury was significantly improved, and the expression of VEGF, p-PI3K, and p-Akt increased (P <0. 05 or P < 0. 01). Compared with TM group, the wound healing rate and the content of VEGF decreased in TM + LY294002 rats (P <0. 01), the wound injury was aggravated, and the expressions of tissue VEGF, P-PI3K, and p-Akt decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusions Sanshi Shengxin Ointment can up-regulate the expression of VEGF through PI3K/Akt signal and promote the healing of pressure sore in rats.