3.2PKD1 improves angiogenesis in random skin flap
The vessel density was assessed by H&E staining, and CD34-positive vessels were calculated under IHC. The results of HE were significantly higher in the PKD1 group (128.50±3.60/mm2) compared to the control group (76.83±4.40/mm2) (p<0.01). In contrast, the CID755673 group (43.17±2.75/mm2) showed lower results (P < 0.01). (Figure 3 A, B) .
The number of CD34-positive vessels was 68.63±4.54/mm2in the control group, 125.00±5.51/mm2 in the PKD1 group, and 35.50±2.09/mm2 in the CID755673 group. The experimental and control groups demonstrated significant differences (p<0.01), as well as the control and CID755673 groups (p<0.05) (Figure 3 C, D) .
Adequate blood supply, as determined by angiogenesis, can increase flap survival. As a result, immunohistochemistry and western blot were utilized for determining the expression levels of neovascularization markers. IHC analysis of VEGF and cadherin5 expression revealed that, compared to the control group, PKD1 group results were significantly higher; whereas results in the CID755673 group were significantly lower (Figure 3 F, H) (VEGF and cadherin5: control vs. PKD1, p<0.01; control vs. CID755673, p<0.01). Additionally, VEGF and cadherin5 protein expression levels were increased in PKD1, as showed by western blot analysis, while MMP9 and CID755673 protein expression levels were decreased (VEGF, MMP9, and cadherin 5: control vs. PKD1, p<0.05; control vs. CID755673, p<0.01) (Figure 3 I, J ).