Thymosin beta 4 improves dermal burn wound healing via downregulation of receptor of advanced glycation end products in db/db mice

Background The delay of dermal burn wound healing caused by vascular disorders is a critical problem for many diabetic patients. Thymosin β₄ (Tβ₄), identified by subtractive cloning of endothelial cells on plastic versus basement membrane substrates, has been found to promote angiogenesis and dermal wound repair in rats, aged mice, and db/db diabetic mice. However, previous studies involving the role of Tβ₄ in wound repair were limited to mechanical damage and dermal impairment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the improvement of healing of burn wounds by Tβ₄ in relation to advanced glycation end products (AGE), which are pathological factors in diabetes. Methods We adapted a dermal burn wound in vivo model in which the dorsal skin of db/db mice was exposed for 10 s to 100 °C heated water to produce a deep second-degree burn 10 mm in diameter. Five mg/kg of Tβ₄ was then injected intradermally near the burn wound twice a week for 2 weeks. Results After treatment, Tβ₄ improved wound healing markers such as wound closure, granulation, and vascularization. Interestingly, Tβ₄ reduced levels of receptor of AGE (RAGE) during the wound healing period. Conclusions Tβ₄ exerts effects to remedy burn wounds via downregulation of RAGE. General significance Our results suggest the potential importance of Tβ₄ as a new therapy for impaired burn wound healing that is associated with diabetes.