Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diabetic patients with non-healing ulcers have a reduced expression of VEGF. Genetically diabetic mice have an altered expression pattern of VEGF and its receptor, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). In diabetic wounds, the microRNAs, miR15b and miR200b, which respectively inhibit VEGF and VEGF-R2 mRNAs, are up-regulated, further affecting the impaired angiogenesis. We investigated whether anti-miRs directed toward miR15b and miR200b could improve wound repair in genetically diabetic mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Skin wounds were produced on the backs of female diabetic mice. The anti-miRs (antimiR15b, antimiR200b or antimiR15b/200b) at 10 mg·kg(-1) , or vehicle were applied to the wound edge. Mice were killed on days 7, 14 and at time of complete wound closure. Levels of mRNA and protein of angiogenic mediators and their receptors were measured with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Wounds were examined by histological and immunochemical methods. KEY RESULTS: mRNA expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, angiopoietin-1 and its receptor TEK were evaluated after 7 and 14 days. Protein levels of VEGF and transglutaminase II were measured at day 7, while VEGFR-2 and Angiopoietin-1 were measured at day 14. Histological features and the time to achieve a complete wound closure were also examined. Treatment with the anti-miRs improved the analysed parameters and the co-treatment resulted the most effective. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The results suggest that the inhibition of miR15b and miR200b may have a potential application in diabetes-related wound disorders.