McLTP1, a lipid transfer protein isolated from noni seeds induces effective healing of superficial burns

Burns are health problems that overwhelm the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil. Despite the new therapeutic strategies, the costs of treating burns ate still quite high, and there are no effective alternatives for healing the skin. The use of plants with therapeutic potential is popularly used, due to its low cost, easy access and great Brazilian biodiversity. McLTP1, a lipid transfer protein isolated from Morinda citrifollia (noni) seeds, has shown antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidative effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of McLTP1 on the healing of superficial burns in mice. The study was approved by CEUA NPDM - UFC (protocol: 02170619-0). The burn was induced by direct contact with a square stainless-steel plate (1.5 cm2). The animals were divided into five experimental groups (n=6-7/grupo) and treated daily with 0.9% NaCl saline solution (Sham), or with topical treatment performed with dermatological creams: Silver sulfadiazine 1% (Sulfa 1%), lanette cream (Vehicle), cream lanette containing 0.25% and 0.5% of McLTP1. The animals were euthanized after 14 days. McLTP1 promoted total wound closure after 2 weeks of treatment, reduced histopathological scores at 3rd day, as well as induced the formation of a thicker epithelium and collagens synthesis on 14th day, modulated inflammation by reducing MPO activity, TNF-, IL-1{beta} and IL-6 levels and increasing IL-10 after 3 days of burn, modulated VEGF production at three times analyzed in this study, increased TGF-{beta} and immunostaining for FGF after 7 days, reduced immunostaining for TNF- on the 3rd day and exerted an antioxidant function by reducing MDA and nitrite and increasing GSH at day 3. In short, McLTP1 showed an important healing action in this burn model, showing additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.