Sulfated Galactans from Gracilaria fisheri with Supplementation of Octanoyl Promote Wound Healing Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

Sulfated galactans (SG) isolated from Gracilaria fisheri is partially degraded (DSG), and subsequentially supplemented with octanoyl (DSGO) and sulfate (DSGS) groups. The molecular weights of DSG, DSGO, and DSGS are 7.87, 152.79, and 97.07 kDa, respectively. The modification is confirmed using FTIR and NMR, while in vitro wound healing activity is assessed using scratched wound fibroblasts. The results reveal that DSGO exhibits highest percentage of wound closure in scratched fibroblast L929 cells. Furthermore, DSGO is able to promote proliferation and accelerate migration of scratched fibroblasts, which correspond to the regulation of proteins and mRNA (Ki67, p-FAK, vimentin, and E-cadherin) determined by Western blotting and qPCR analysis. The superior wound healing activity of DSGO is also confirmed in excision wound of rats. The results demonstrate that DSGO significantly enhances the percentage of wound closure, re-epithelialization, and collagen arrangement, increases alpha-smoth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and vimentin expression, and decreases that of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) at the wound site. The results suggest that degraded SG supplemented with medium-chain fatty acids of octanoyl group may pass through the membrane, subsequently activating the mediators associated with proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, which can potentially lead to the promotion of wound healing activity.

Automated summary

Sulfated galactans (SG) isolated from Gracilaria fisheri were partially degraded and subsequently supplemented with octanoyl and sulfate groups. The modified SG, DSGO, exhibited the highest wound healing activity in vitro, promoting proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. This activity was confirmed in a rat excision wound model, suggesting that DSGO can enhance wound closure, re-epithelialization, and collagen arrangement, while reducing inflammation at the wound site. These findings highlight the potential of octanoyl-supplemented degraded SG for promoting wound healing.