OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Deferasirox on the micro-angiogenesis in narrow pedicle flap through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

METHODS32 male rats were randomly divided into group I and II which were subdivided into Ia and Ib, IIa and IIb, 8 rats in each group. The rats were administrated intragastrically for 7 days with Deferasirox 100 mg/kg in group Ia and IIa, with the same dose of N. S. in group Ib and IIb. After that, narrow pedicle flaps were formed on the rats back. In group I, the subcutaneous vascular network was observed intraoperatively. The flap survival rate was recorded. In group II , specimens were collected at the distal end of flaps 3 days after operation. IHC and Western Blot were done to examine the expression of CD34, E-cadherin, Vimentin. The microvessel density was also calculated.

RESULTSThe subcutaneous micro-angiogenesis in group Ia was more exuberant than that in group Ib. The narrow pedicle flaps in group Ia survived completely, while the survival rate was 62.5% in group Ib (P < 0.05). The percentage of flap survival area for Ia and Ib was (100 +/- 0.00) % and (84.06 +/- 4.42)% (P < 0.05). The expression of E-cadherin in IIa was lower than that in IIb, while the expression of Vimentin and CD34 were higher in IIa, showing statistically difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDeferasirox can improve the flap micro-angiogenesis through inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, so as to improve the survival rate of narrow pedicle flap.