Effects of Bezafibrate on the Survival of Random Skin Flaps in Rats

Abstract

Background Bezafibrate is widely used in clinics for its comparable angiogenic effect. Our research is to investigate the effect of bezafibrate on random skin flap survival. Materials and Methods The "McFarlane flap" rat models were established in 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats which were divided into two groups. The treatment group was given bezafibrate (400 mg/kg/day; gavage administration), and the control group received the vehicle. The flap surviving area was measured after 7 days, and the tissue samples were taken for histological analysis and edema measurement. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was determined using immunohistochemical methods. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were examined with kits. Results Seven days after the operation, the surviving area in the treatment group was larger than in the control group (p < 0.01). The expression of VEGF was increased in the treatment group compared with that in the control group. And the activity of SOD was lower in the treatment group compared with those in the control group (p < 0.01). However, tissue edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and MDA level were markedly lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion Bezafibrate improves the survival of random skin flaps effectively.

Cannabidiol Improves Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats: Involvement of Cannabinoid Type-2 Receptors

“…For instance, Cheng et al, Lin et al, and Kailiang et al investigated protective effects of tirofiban (a widely used antiplatelet medication), bezafibrate, and muscone (one of the most well-known Chinese traditional medicines) in the McFarlane random-pattern skin flap model, respectively. [39][40][41] In the first study, the authors found that tirofiban could improve the SFS probably through angiogenic activities by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, they did not investigate pharmacologic pathways in their study and administered tirofiban daily for 7 days after surgery.…”

“…They also administered bezafibrate for 7 consecutive days following the surgery by gavage. 40 Keiliang et al also administered muscone for 7 days after the surgery to examine the flap survival rate. In the CBD of 1 mg/kg group, more stained cells (brown cells pointed with arrows) were observed compared with the control group, showing higher capillary densities.…”

“…They also administered bezafibrate for 7 consecutive days following the surgery by gavage. 40 Keiliang et al also administered muscone for 7 days after the surgery to examine the flap survival rate. They found that muscone could improve SFS by enhancing vascularization and decreasing cell apoptosis in the flap tissue.…”

Naringin improves random skin flap survival in rats

“…The surviving area of each flap was observed macroscopically during the injection and the appearance, tissue elasticity and hair condition were assessed. After 7 days, we measured the surviving area and total area of each flap using transparent cellophane and the weights of the flap using an electronic scale; the surviving area was calculated as a percentage [ 8 ]. The following formula was used to quantify the results: extent of the viable area × 100/the total area (viable and ischemic) [ 24 ].…”

“…Many agents have been reported to improve flap survival by inhibiting inflammation, increasing free-radical scavenging, promoting angiogenesis, and/or expanding the microvascular network. Such materials include VEGF [ 6 ], sildenafil [ 7 ], bezafibrate [ 8 ], aspirin [ 9 ], and some traditional Chinese medicines [ 10 , 11 ].…”