Irisin pre-treatment promotes multi-territory perforator flap survival in rats: an experimental study

Abstract Background The present study was designed to investigate the effects of irisin pre-treatment on multi-territory perforator flap survival and blood vessels of Choke II zone in rats and to explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Eighty adult SD rats were divided into the iris group and the saline group (N = 40 each), and subjected to multi-territory perforator flap operations on the left flank. Mice in the iris group were intraperitoneally injected with irisin (40ng/kg), and mice in the control group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline. Seven days after operation, we calculated the surviving flap area was calculated, and measured the density of microvessels, epidermal growth factor and blood flow in Choke II zone. Results Irisin pre-treatment could improve the flap survival area, increase average density of microvessels and up-regulate the mRNA and protein level of vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby promoting flap angiogenesis. Conclusion Irisin improved flap blood supply and increase the survival rate of multi-territory perforator flap by promoting angiogenesis of flank multi-territory perforator flap survival in Choke II zone.