Xiaowei Sha^1,2, Gang Liu^1,2, Siyu Wang^1,2, Yujie Mao^1,2, Jun Xie^1,2

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: To determine the anti-scarring effect of polysulfonic acid mucopolysaccharide (MSP), and the implication of TGF-β1/Smad signal transduction route. Methods: Sixty (60) male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to control, model and polysulfonic mucopolysaccharide groups, respectively, each with 20 rats. Serum inflammatory factors, scar area and scar thickness, histopathological changes and relative concentrations of TGF-β1 Smad4, collagen types I and III, and α-SMA were determined. Results: In the control group, collagen cells were closely distributed and the skin structure was intact without inflammatory infiltration. In contrast, there were numerous necrotic dermal cells on rat skin surface in model group, with obvious inflammatory infiltration and severely damaged hair follicles. In contrast, in polysulfonic mucopolysaccharide group, the thickness of skin tissue and dermis was significantly improved, with a clear layer and reduced degree of inflammatory infiltration. Types I and III collagen and α-SMA were significantly down-regulated in polysulfonic mucopolysaccharide-fed rats, relative to model rats. Conclusion: Polysulfonic acid mucopolysaccharide exerts anti-scarring effect by regulating TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway, thus has the potential for use in minimizing scarring of the skin in clinical practice.