2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside promotes skin flap survival by promoting mitophagy through the PINK1/Parkin pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (THSG), the active compound in Polygonum multiflorum (PM), exhibits potential therapeutic effects, including combating oxidative stress, possessing anti-tumor properties, and protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the influence and mechanisms by which THSG affects skin flap survival remain unclear.

Aim of study

To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of THSG to promote the survival rate of skin flap.

Methods

McFarlane skin flap models were created in 24 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into four groups: control group, low-dose THSG group (30 mg/kg/day), medium-dose THSG group (60 mg/kg/day), and high-dose THSG group (120 mg/kg/day). Seven days after postoperative administration, blood perfusion was assessed using laser Doppler, and the survival rate was calculated. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was analyzed via immunofluorescence. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β were explored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SOD activity and MDA contents in skin flap tissue were detected to evaluate oxidative stress level, while Western blotting was employed to assess proteins of the PINK1/Parkin signaling axis, apoptosis-related proteins, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results

THSG upregulated VEGF expression, improved blood flow, and protected flap tissue by reducing inflammation, mitigating oxidative stress, and inhibiting apoptosis. Increased expression of Parkin and PINK1, along with decreased levels of COX IV, suggested that THSG mediates mitophagy via the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway.

Conclusions

THSG enhances the survival rate of skin flap by promoting PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.