Portulaca oleracea L. extract improves wound healing and is associated with VEGF-related marker activation in a rat model of infected dorsal full-thickness skin wound

BACKGROUND: L. (POL) is a representative anti-diarrheal medicinal herb that has been reported to exert multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as protection of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the functions of the POL extract on perianal abscess progression, and the associated molecular pathways, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the function of POL in perianal abscesses and explore its potential related mechanisms. METHODS: = 6 in each group) were used to establish a fecal contamination-induced wound infection model. Wounds were topically treated with POL extract (100 μg/mL) by applying extract-coated sterile gauze to fully cover the wound surface, with dressing changes performed once daily for 14 consecutive days. The mRNA expressions of potentially relevant genes were assessed by RT-qPCR. Levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were measured by ELISA. CD34 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), while the relative protein expression of VEGFA was evaluated by western blot. RESULTS: POL extract resulted in histopathological injury in the wound tissues of rats with perianal abscess. Moreover, treatment with POL extract reduced inflammatory responses, increased CD34 expression, and was associated with activation of VEGF-related markers in rats with fecal-contaminated skin wounds. CONCLUSION: In a rat model of fecal-contaminated dorsal skin wound infection, topical POL treatment was associated with improved histological outcomes, reduced inflammation, and increased VEGF-related markers. These findings suggest a potential role for POL in promoting infected wound healing, although the VEGF involvement is based on associative expression data and requires further mechanistic validation.