Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of Keratinocyte Growth Factor Promotes Secondary Flap Necrotic Wound Healing in an Extended Animal Model

Background No effective treatments have been found for flap necrosis. Animal models that focus on the initial flap viability are inappropriate for necrotic wound studies. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) promotes keratinocyte proliferation with stronger activity and fewer complications and thus may be useful for necrotic flap wound healing. Methods Rats with modified flap necrosis were randomly divided into four groups. An adenoviral vector expressing KGF was injected subdermally in the back of the animals after necrosis began. The expression and effect of KGF was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunoassay, and transwell, and wound healing was monitored. Results The plasmid and adenovirus were able to express KGF and stimulate epithelial cell growth ( p = 0.029). Histology showed that the necrosis healed fastest in the KGF administration group than in the control groups ( p