| Objective: To investigate the effects of Xiangpi Shengji ointment on inflammatory factors, p38/MK2 signaling pathway and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in wound tissue of rats after anal fistula operation. Methods: Sixty male SD rats were selected, they were randomly divided into Xiangpi Shengji ointment group, model group and sham operation group with 20 rats in each group. The wound models of the two groups were made after anal fistula operation, and treated with Xiangpi Shengji ointment and common dressing change respectively. The sham operation group was treated with normal saline after wound construction. The wound healing rate and wound edema score were calculated on 3d, 7d and 14d after treatment, the levels of serum interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on the 14d after treatment and the expressions of VEGF, bFGF, p38, MK2, phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) and phosphorylated MK2 (p-MK2) on the 3d and 14th day after treatment were compared. Results The wound healing rate of the Xiangpi Shengji ointment group was higher than that of the model group, but lower than that of the sham operation group (P < 0.05). The wound edema score of the sham operation group was lower than that of the Xiangpi Shengji ointment group, and the Xiangpi Shengji ointment group was lower than that of the model group (P < 0.05). 14d after treatment, the levels of serum IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in the Xiangpi Shengji ointment group were lower than those in the model group, but higher than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). 14d after treatment, the levels of VEGF and bFGF in Xiangpi Shengji ointment group were higher than those in model group, but lower than those in sham operation group (P < 0.05). 14d after treatment, the protein levels of p38 and MK2 in Xiangpi Shengji ointment group were lower than those in the model group, but higher than those in the sham operation group, and the protein levels of p-p38, p-MK2 in Xiangpi Shengji ointment group were higher than those in the model group, but lower than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Xiangpi Shengji ointment can reduce the degree of postoperative wound edema and promote wound healing. The main mechanism may be that Xiangpi Shengji ointment can reduce the level of serum inflammatory factors, inhibit p38/MK2 signaling pathway, and promote the expression of VEGF and bFGF. |
