The promoting effect of Balanus albicostatus cement protein 19k (Balcp19k) on wound healing by regulating fibroblast migration and relieving early-stage inflammation responses

Junyi Song; Ling Zeng; Zijian Ye; Peng Lu; Chengyu Jing; Biru Hu; Hao He

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138781

The promoting effect of Balanus albicostatus cement protein 19k (Balcp19k) on wound healing by regulating fibroblast migration and relieving early-stage inflammation responses

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Dec 14:138781. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138781. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Junyi Song¹, Ling Zeng¹, Zijian Ye², Peng Lu², Chengyu Jing¹, Biru Hu³, Hao He⁴

Affiliations

¹ College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China.
² Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; The Institute of Vascular Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China.
³ College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China. Electronic address: hubiru08@nudt.edu.cn.
⁴ Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; The Institute of Vascular Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China. Electronic address: hehao6868@csu.edu.cn.

PMID: 39681245
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138781

Abstract

The high incidence of skin wounds (e.g., burns, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, pressure sores, and radiation injuries) remains a significant challenge in clinical settings. Dressing materials, infused with bioactive components, are essential and extensively utilized in specific circumstances. According to traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic regimens, powders made of the flesh/shells of Balanus albicostatus were used to treat sores due to their ability to alleviate inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, information is scarce regarding the effective components and the pharmacological mechanisms involved. In this work, purified Balanus albicostatus cement protein 19k (Balcp19k) was obtained as a single-component material via an E. coli-based heterologous expression system. It had the potential to promote fibroblast proliferation and migration, which were crucial for wound healing. Immunofluorescence revealed that Balcp19k treatment promoted M2 macrophage transformation in wound tissues. Correspondingly, the expression of inflammation-related genes (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Moreover, histological examination indicated that this treatment accelerated skin-wound healing by promoting collagen fiber deposition and angiogenesis, and restraining inflammatory cell infiltration in the full-thickness skin of mice. In conclusion, Balcp19k is a biocompatible, effective constituent found in Balanus albicostatus. This bioactive protein could be novel therapeutic material for wound healing, with ability to regulate fibroblast migration, alleviate early-stage inflammatory responses, and enhance collagen fiber deposition and angiogenesis.

Keywords: Anti-inflammation; Cement protein; Skin wound healing.