Promotion Effects of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid on Wound Healing

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2015 Jun;25(6):941-5. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1412.12083.

Abstract

We examined the in vivo efficacy of ultra-high molecular weight poly-γ-glutamic acid (UHMW γ-PGA) for wound healing. The wound area was measured by a ruler and documented by digital photography before the animals were sacrificed at days 8 and 16 post wounding. The areas of wounds treated with UHMW γ-PGA were significantly decreased on days 8 and 16, as compared with those receiving a control treatment, and more than 70% of the UHMW γ-PGAtreated area was repaired by day 8. Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed that the epidermis had regenerated in the UHMW γ-PGA-treated wounds. At 16 days post wounding, collagen pigmentation and cross-linking were increased as compared with the control groups, and greater regeneration of blood vessels had occurred in UHMW γ-PGA-treated groups. Increased levels of transforming growth factor-beta and β-catenin were also observed in skin samples collected from UHMW γ-PGA-treated animals on days 8 and 16 post incision. Taken together, these findings suggest that UHMW γ-PGA promotes wound healing in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biometry
  • Dermatologic Agents / chemistry
  • Dermatologic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Polyglutamic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polyglutamic Acid / chemistry
  • Polyglutamic Acid / pharmacology
  • Skin / anatomy & histology
  • Skin / injuries
  • Time Factors
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • poly(gamma-glutamic acid)
  • Polyglutamic Acid