The effects of quercetin on wound healing in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Background A wound is an injury involving the disruption of external or internal skin integrity. Wound healing is a cascade of cellular and molecular process for tissue repairing after damage. Quercetin is a naturally flavonoid found in tea and berries that may have accelerate wound healing. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible effects of quercetin on wound healing at cellular level. Material and methods The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used in the present study. MTT analysis, scratch assay, vascular tube formation and the quantitative real time PCR were performed. Three most effective doses (10 nM, 20 nM and 320 nM) were used for the experiments. In the wound model created in these concentrations, the wound surface areas from the microscope images taken at 0th, 16th, 24th and 48th hours were calculated by using a computer program. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) levels were evaluated with the qRT-PCR technique. Results The MTT assay demonstrated that quercetin has positive effects on cell viability. Quercetin stimulated the proliferation, migration and tube formation as well as closed the wound fracture in HUVECs. Additionally quercetin promoted wound healing by inducing the gene expression of VEGF and FGF in HUVECS. Conclusion In conclusion, quercetin may serve as a potential bioactive substance that accelerates wound healing efficiently by modulating vasculogenezis and cells involved in healing.