Pig's Toenail Egg Yolk Ointment Promotes Pressure Ulcer Healing via the PI3K-Akt Pathway: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of pig's toenail egg yolk ointment in treating pressure ulcers. Methods: Eighty patients with Stage III-IV pressure ulcers were randomized into an experimental group (n = 50) receiving pig's toenail egg yolk ointment and a control group (n = 30) receiving conventional dressing. Clinical outcomes included Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing(PUSH) score, wound healing rate, healing rate, and dressing costs. Additionally, a rat pressure ulcer model was used to assess healing rates, histopathology, and expression of VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β, PI3 K, p-PI3 K, AKT, and p-AKT. Results: Clinical research: The experimental group showed significantly lower PUSH scores, higher wound healing rates, and reduced dressing costs compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Animal experiments: In rats, the ointment group demonstrated faster wound healing, neovascularization, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. ELISA results showed increased VEGF and decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Western blot analysis indicated elevated p-PI3 K and p-AKT expression in the ointment group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Pig's toenail egg yolk ointment promotes pressure ulcer healing by enhancing angiogenesis and modulating inflammatory factors through activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway.