Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of LAA, the N-acetyl-d-galactosamine-binding lectin from seeds of Luetzelburgia auriculata (Allemão) ducke

Abstract

Cutaneous wounds represent a significant health concern, and effective treatment strategies are crucial for optimal healing. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Luetzelburgia auriculata lectin (LAA), a plant-derived protein, in accelerating wound closure. Excisional wounds were created on the backs of mice, which were subsequently treated topically with LAA solutions at two concentrations (100 µg/mL and 200 µg/mL) or saline control. Wound healing was assessed through clinical observations, including wound area measurement and inflammatory score, as well as histopathological analysis and measurement of inflammatory cytokines. LAA significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced inflammation, and promoted tissue regeneration. Histological analysis revealed enhanced re-epithelialization, increased fibroblast proliferation, and improved collagen deposition in LAA-treated wounds compared with the control group. Furthermore, LAA treatment significantly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in wound tissues (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). These findings suggest that LAA exerts its beneficial effects through a multifaceted mechanism, likely involving anti-inflammatory properties and stimulation of cellular processes crucial for tissue repair. This study provides preliminary evidence for the therapeutic potential of LAA in wound healing and warrants further investigation into its underlying mechanisms and clinical applications.