Seyed Jafari, Seyed MortezaSeyed MortezaSeyed Jafari0000-0002-6466-2199Shafighi, MaziarMaziarShafighiBeltraminelli, HelmutHelmutBeltraminelliWeber, BenediktBenediktWeberSchmid, RalphRalphSchmidGeiser, ThomasThomasGeiserGazdhar, AmiqAmiqGazdharHunger, RobertRobertHunger2024-10-252024-10-252018-04https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/155331Despite advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms of flap necrosis and improvement in surgical techniques, skin flap necrosis after reconstructive surgery remains a crucial issue. We investigated the efficacy of electroporation-mediated IL-10 gene transfer to random skin flap with an aim to accelerate wound healing and improve skin flap survival. Nine male Wistar rats (300-330 g) were divided in two groups (a) control group (n = 5), only surgery no gene transfer, and (b) experimental group, received electroporation-mediated IL-10 gene transfer 24 h before the surgery as prophylaxis (n = 4). Random skin flap (McFarlane) was performed in both groups. Planimetry, Laser Doppler imaging, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the effect of IL-10 gene transfer between study groups at day 7. Electroporation-mediated IL-10 gene transfer decreased percentage of flap necrosis (p value = 0.0159) and increased cutaneous perfusion compared to the control group (p value = 0.0159). In addition, Spearman's rank correlation showed a significant negative correlation between percentage of flap necrosis and Laser Index (p value = 0.0083, r -0.83, respectively). Furthermore, significantly higher mean CD31(+) vessel density was detected in the experimental group compared to the control group (p value = 0.0159). Additionally, semi-quantitative image analysis showed lower inflammatory cell count in experimental group compared to control group (p value = 0.0317). In vivo electroporation-mediated IL-10 gene transfer reduced necrosis, enhanced survival and vascularity in the ischemic skin flap.enIL-10 In vivo electroporation Non-viral gene therapy Skin flap necrosis600 - Technology::610 - Medicine & healtharticle10.7892/boris.1065932877608710.1007/s00232-017-9974-x