Impaired wound healing, particularly those associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, present significant clinical challenges due to persistent inflammation and impaired keratinocyte migration, both of which are essential for re-epithelialization and t...
Impaired wound healing, particularly those associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, present significant clinical challenges due to persistent inflammation and impaired keratinocyte migration, both of which are essential for re-epithelialization and tissue regeneration. Recent advances in bioactive compound-based therapies have emphasized the importance of targeting specific cellular pathways to enhance wound repair. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Daphne kiusiana, a plant native to East Asia, and zinc-based interventions to promote improve impaired wound healing.
Extracts derived from Daphne kiusiana stems, including its bioactive fraction (DKF5), demonstrated significant pro-migratory effects on human keratinocytes without inducing severe cytotoxicity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that these effects were mediated through the ERK signaling pathway, leading to upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), a key enzyme in extracellular matrix remodeling and cell migration. Inhibition of ERK activation or MMP9 markedly attenuated the observed migration, highlighting the role of the ERK/MMP9 axis in mediating the activity of Daphne kiusiana.
A zinc-sparing strategy was evaluated using a GPR39 agonist (TC-G-1008), which modulates zinc-mediated signaling without excessive zinc accumulation. In-vitro studies showed that co-treatment with zinc and TC-G-1008 suppressed LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and significantly enhanced keratinocyte migration. In a type 2 diabetic mouse model, topical application of a hydrogel containing zinc oxide nanoparticles and TC-G-1008 accelerated wound closure and attenuated il-1β expression, indicating both anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. Notably, TC-G-1008 alone was sufficient to partially restore keratinocyte migration.
Together, these findings offer a basis for the development of skin wound healing therapies that are both bioactive and biocompatible, with potential applications in tissue regeneration or treating chronic wound healing. By targeting both inflammation and cellular migration through ERK-mediated pathways, these approaches offer a promising therapeutic framework for treating chronic wounds, especially those associated with diabetes. Future clinical and translational studies are warranted to validate the safety, efficacy, and scalability of this strategy for human application.1