Effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on skin wound healing in mice

Objective

Wound healing is a dynamic process that begins following the destruction of the skin's normal anatomy. This study evaluated effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone on skin wounds in mice.

Methods

Thirty-six male mice were randomly divided in to 3 groups: (1) Sham group, where wounds were created but no treatment was administered; (2) Soybean oil, where soybean oil was applied topically to wounds for 9 days; and (3) pyrroloquinoline quinone group, where pyrroloquinoline quinone dissolved in soybean oil was applied topically. Four mice per group were used in an incisional wound model for biomechanical testing. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, immunohistochemical staining of caspase 3, vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor growth factor beta, oxidative stress biomarkers, and Western blot assay for tumor necrosis factor alpha and nuclear factor kappa B were performed on days 7 and 14. Biomechanical parameters were evaluated on day 10 post wounding.

Results

Pyrroloquinoline quinone significantly reduced the wound area. In the treatment group, malondialdehyde and total oxidant status significantly reduced and total antioxidant capacity was increased compared with other groups. Levels of hydroxyproline was significantly higher in the pyrroloquinoline quinone group in comparison to 2 other groups. In Western blot assay, tumor necrosis factor alpha significantly reduced in the treatment group. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed improved wound healing in the pyrroloquinoline quinone group, with reduced expression of caspase 3 and tumor growth factor beta. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression increased on day 7 but decreased on day 14 in the pyrroloquinoline quinone group. Biomechanical parameters including, strain, ultimate strength, and maximum energy stored, showed significant improvements.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that pyrroloquinoline quinone may accelerate wound healing in mice.