Xiaowen Jiang , Ziyang Han , Yue Jin , Jie Liu , Yijia Zhao , Yujia Gu , Dapeng Zhou , Keqiang Li , Huiyuan Gao
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), a severe complication of diabetes characterized by impaired healing and high morbidity, demand novel therapeutic strategies. Mai Guan Fu Kang tablets (MGFK) and combined therapy have been used in the clinical treatment of DFU, showing potential in DFU management, but their mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose
This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of MGFK in DFU, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular-neural repair.
Methods
Firstly, we performed a comprehensive pathological analysis of tissue samples obtained from patients with chronic diabetic wounds. Subsequently, we conducted in-depth investigations using DFU mouse model and diabetic lower limb ischemia rat model, as well as network pharmacology approaches. The efficacy and underlying mechanisms of MGFK were further elucidated through advanced analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), molecular docking, qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Results
Clinical pathological analysis of tissue samples demonstrated significantly elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with DFU. MGFK-treated DFU mice could significantly increase the wound healing rate, reduce inflammation and inhibit oxidative stress. In diabetic limb ischemia rat model, MGFK improved blood flow, reduced coagulation markers (FIB, PT), and restored sciatic nerve function, correlating with increased VEGF and NO levels. Network pharmacology and molecular docking highlighted key components suggesting that MGFK is related to inflammation-related pathways and targets. Finally, through the construction of LPS-induced Raw264.7 cell models and tert‑butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced L929 cell models, it was found that MGFK has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress effects in vitro. Finally, we formulated a compound prescription, whose anti-inflammatory effect in vitro is superior to that of MGFK.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the multi-target mechanism of MGFK, which integrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular repair properties. Specifically, MGFK promotes wound healing by restoring antioxidant capacity, inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses, and enhancing vascular function.
期刊介绍:
Phytomedicine is a therapy-oriented journal that publishes innovative studies on the efficacy, safety, quality, and mechanisms of action of specified plant extracts, phytopharmaceuticals, and their isolated constituents. This includes clinical, pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological studies of herbal medicinal products, preparations, and purified compounds with defined and consistent quality, ensuring reproducible pharmacological activity. Founded in 1994, Phytomedicine aims to focus and stimulate research in this field and establish internationally accepted scientific standards for pharmacological studies, proof of clinical efficacy, and safety of phytomedicines.