Pathological neutrophil extracellular traps hinder postoperative anal fistula wound healing and are attenuated by Zuoqing granule via suppression of the Nox4 pathway.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The impaired healing of postoperative anal fistula wounds often complicated by a contaminated environment and persistent inflammation. The key pathological immune events that sustain this chronic inflammatory milieu remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that dysregulated neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (NETosis)-a potent driver of tissue damage-might be a pathological feature and potential therapeutic target.

Methods

Using a rat model of contaminated wounds akin to postoperative anal fistula, we characterized NETosis via immunofluorescence (CitH3/CD66b), transmission electron microscopy, and ELISA. The involvement of the Nox4/ROS/PI3K/Akt/PADI4 pathway was assessed. The therapeutic potential of Zuoqing Granule (ZQG), a clinically used traditional C

SUBMITTER: Fang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12892496 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature