Increased Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Expression in Wistar Rat Oral Mucosa Traumatic Ulcer due to Golden Sea Cucumber (Stichopus hermanni) Extract Gel

Abstract

Background. Traumatic ulcer is a lesion formed by a local tissue damage due to trauma on epithelial layer. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays an important role in wound healing, especially in angiogenesis. Golden sea cucumber (Stichopus hermanni) is believed to accelerate the wound healing process.

Objective. To prove that golden sea cucumber extract can increase VEGF expression in oral mucous membrane traumatic ulcer in rat.

Method. S. hermanni extract was prepared by freeze-dry method, then an extract was made using PEG 400 or PEG 4000 at 40% and 80% concentrations, respectively, and applied to the animal’s oral wounds. The animals were divided into three groups: control; 40% S. hermanni extract gel; and 80% S. hermanni extract gel. The ulcers that formed on day 3 were rubbed gently with S. hermanni extract gel. After being sacrificed on day 4, sample tissues from the lower lips were prepared for histopathology to count the number of VEGF expression. The results were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA statistical test.

Results. A significant increase in the VEGF expression of 80% concentration S. hermanni extract gel was found compared with those in the control group (p=0.00).

Conclusion. Golden sea cucumber extract (Stichopus hermanni) gel increased the VEGF expression in oral mucous traumatic ulcer.