Morphological characteristics of epidermis in the model of atrophic scar under experimental treatment with biocomposite with vascular endothelial growth factor

The epidermis, being the object of therapeutic action in the model of atrophic scar, represents its key structure, which is under the control of growth factors and, in particular, vascular endothelial growth factor. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of epidermal growth factor and platelet-rich plasma in the therapy of atrophic scars. A number of studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor also has a significant spectrum of effects capable of exerting a therapeutic effect on atrophic epidermis, increasing its thickness and accelerating keratinocyte proliferation. The aim of the study is to study the morphological characteristics of the epidermis in the model of atrophic scar during experimental treatment with a bio-composite with vascular endothelial growth factor. The study was conducted on 36 male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 6 groups: 1st - intact animals, 2nd group - control group with atrophic scar model, 3rd group - experimental treatment with aluminum hydroxide gel, 4th group - experimental treatment with silicone gel, 5th group - experimental treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor and 6th group - experimental treatment with aluminum hydroxide-based bio-composite and vascular endothelial growth factor. In the studied experimental model, data on epidermal atrophy, decreased mitosis frequency and smoothing of its surface were obtained. Under the influence of inorganic gels, these changes were partially leveled, to a greater extent under the influence of aluminum hydroxide, which was chosen as the basis for the manufacture of the bio-composite. A statistically significant increase in epidermal thickness was noted during experimental treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor in the 5th group of animals; in addition, an increase in the number of Ki-67+ keratinocytes was observed during experimental treatment with the bio-composite. Thus, the bio-composite material based on aluminum hydroxide and vascular endothelial growth factor has the ability to combine the effects of its components and is a promising drug for further research.