ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effect of low (20 and 40 mV/mm) intensities of electrical stimulation on the proliferation and migration of skin fibroblasts from diabetic donors. We also examined the effect of electrical stimulation on modulating the capacity of fibroblasts to contract collagen gel, express alpha-smooth muscle actin, and secrete proteolytic enzymes involved in regulating extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. Our study shows that 20 and 40 mV/mm of stimulation increased the growth of fibroblasts extracted from diabetic patients but not from non-diabetic donors. Electrical stimulation increased the migration of diabetic fibroblasts, their capacity to contract collagen gel, and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and promoted different proteolytic enzymes involved in accelerating wound healing. Overall results confirm the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in modulating the wound healing activities of fibroblasts extracted from diabetic skin donors. This study, therefore, suggests the possible use of electrical stimulation to promote diabetic foot ulcer healing by stimulating the wound healing properties of skin fibroblasts.
Subject(s)
Actins , Diabetes Mellitus , Actins/metabolism , Collagen/pharmacology , Electric Stimulation , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Humans , Peptide Hydrolases/pharmacology , Skin/metabolism , Wound HealingABSTRACT
Diabetic foot ulcers are indicative of an impaired wound healing process. This delay may be resolved through electrical stimulation (ES). The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ES on diabetic fibroblast adhesion and growth, and the secretion of cytokines and growth factors. Diabetic human skin fibroblasts (DHSF) were exposed to various intensities of direct current ES (100, 80, 40 and 20 mV/mm). The effect of ES on fibroblast adhesion and growth was evaluated using Hoechst staining, MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. The secretion of cytokine and growth factor was assessed by cytokine array and ELISA assay. The long-term effects of ES on DHSF shape and growth were determined by optical microscopy and cell count. We demonstrated that ES at 20 and 40 mV/mm promoted cell adhesion, viability and growth. ES also decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 yet promoted growth factor FGF7 secretion during 48 h post-ES. Finally, the beneficial effect of ES on fibroblast growth was maintained up to 5 days post-ES. Overall results suggest the possible use of low-intensity direct current ES to promote wound healing in diabetic patients.
Subject(s)
Alloys , Angioplasty, Balloon/instrumentation , Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical/adverse effects , Graft Occlusion, Vascular/therapy , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Renal Dialysis , Stents , Upper Extremity/blood supply , Aged , Collateral Circulation , Female , Graft Occlusion, Vascular/diagnostic imaging , Graft Occlusion, Vascular/etiology , Graft Occlusion, Vascular/physiopathology , Humans , Kidney Failure, Chronic/diagnosis , Prosthesis Design , Treatment Outcome , Vascular PatencyABSTRACT
Effective wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge in reducing patient morbidity and improving quality of life. Wound healing is a complex process involving the endogenous electrical field. The electrical field can contribute to wound healing by activating keratinocytes to promote reepithelialization. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous electrical stimulation (ES) on human keratinocyte viability and proliferation and on production of IL-6, IL-8, and keratins (K5 and K14) and to investigate the activated signalling pathways in keratinocytes exposed to ES. Keratinocytes were cultured under ES at different intensities for 6 or 24 hr. Cell proliferation, cytokines and growth factors, K5 and K14, as well as phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinases, were evaluated. The results showed that the keratinocytes exposed to ES between 100 and 150 mV/mm for 6 or 24 hr showed a significantly increased proliferation rate. However, a 24 hr exposure to 200 mV/mm revealed no significant effect in cell growth. ES at 100 and 200 mV/mm for 6 hr increased the secretion of epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, and the production of K5 and K14. K14 was more sensitive than K5 to ES. However, ES down-regulated the secretions of IL-6 and IL-8. Finally, ES increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinases. Overall results suggested that ES can be useful in supporting skin wound healing by activating keratinocytes.
