JAK/STAT3 and Smad3 activities are required for the wound healing properties of Periplaneta americana extracts

Int J Mol Med. 2017 Aug;40(2):465-473. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3040. Epub 2017 Jun 26.

Abstract

Periplaneta americana extracts (PAEs) play a crucial role in skin wound healing. However, their molecular effects and signaling pathways in regenerating tissues and cells are not clear. In this study, we refined the PAE from Periplaneta americana to investigate the mechanisms underlying skin wound healing. The human keratinocyte line HaCaT was selected and a mouse model of deep second-degree thermal burn was established for in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. PAE treatment induced the proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells and wound healing in the burn model. Furthermore, the effects of PAE on wound healing were found to depend on the Janus-activated kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) pathway and Smad3 activities, according to western blot analysis and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with a STAT3 inhibitor blocked the cell proliferation and migration induced by PAE. The results indicate the wound-healing function of PAE via enhanced JAK/STAT3 signaling and Smad3 activities. Our studies provide a theoretical basis underlying the role of PAE in cutaneous wound healing.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Burns / drug therapy*
  • Burns / metabolism
  • Burns / pathology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinases / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Periplaneta* / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology
  • Smad3 Protein / metabolism*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Smad3 Protein
  • Janus Kinases