Expression of VEGF and TGF-β Genes in Skin Wound Healing Process Induced Using Phenytoin in Male Rats

Background: Phenytoin is one of the most important chemical drugs used for the treatment of skin wound. Objectives: In the present study, the molecular effect of phenytoin on the expression of VEGF and TGF-β genes was investigated. Methods: This study was conducted on 30 male rats with approximately equal body mass. Skin wounds were generated with an area of 2 cm and a depth of 0.5 mm on the back of the necks. The rats were divided into two case and control groups (15 rats in each group). Topical phenytoin was administered to the two groups 2 times a day (1%) and Vaseline (as control group). Each of control and treated groups were divided into three subgroups and the rats were euthanized with chloroform on days 7, 14, and 21 of post-wounding. The wounds were harvested from control and treated rats. After homogenization of the tissues, RNA was extracted, purified, converted to cDNA, and the relative expression of VEGF and TGF-β genes in phenytoin and control groups was evaluated by real-time PCR. The gene expression was evaluated on days 7, 14, and 21. Results: Increased expression of VEGF and TGF-β in the first week and decreased expression of both genes in the third week were observed in the phenytoin-treated group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Regarding the results of the expression of both TGF-β and VEGF genes, there is a significant relationship between the expression of these two genes and the rate of wound healing in rats.