Accelerative action of topical piperonylic acid on mice full thickness wound by modulating inflammation and collagen deposition

PLoS One. 2021 Oct 26;16(10):e0259134. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259134. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes cell growth, proliferation, and survival in numerous tissues. Piperonylic acid, a metabolite present in peppers (Piper nigrum L. and Piper longum L.), can bind to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and induce an intracellular signaling cascade leading to the transcription of genes responsible for these actions, especially in keratinocytes. These cells are fundamental in maintaining cutaneous homeostasis and are the first to be damaged in the case of a wound. Thus, we hypothesized that piperonylic acid improves wound healing. C57BL6/J male mice were submitted to dorsal skin wounds caused by a 6 mm punch and treated topically with piperonylic acid or vehicle. The wounds were evaluated macro- and microscopically, and tissue samples were collected for immunofluorescence and real-time PCR analyses on days 6, 9 and 19 post-injury. Topical piperonylic acid improved wound healing from day 6 post-injury until closure. This phenomenon apparently occurred through EGFR activation. In addition, piperonylic acid modulated the gene expression of interleukin (Il)-6, il-1β, tumor necrosis factor (Tnf)-α, il-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein (Mcp)-1 and insulin-like growth factor (Igf)-1, which are important for the healing process. By day 19 post-injury, the new tissue showed greater deposition of type I collagen and a morphology closer to intact skin, with more dermal papillae and hair follicles. We conclude that piperonylic acid may be a viable option for the treatment of skin wounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzoates / administration & dosage*
  • Collagen / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Cytokines
  • Collagen
  • piperonylic acid

Grants and funding

This research was funded by São Paulo Research Foundation #2013/07607-8 and by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) # 88882.434714/2019–01. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.