BelSU Scientists Prove Effectiveness of New Treatment for Frostbitten Extremities

Frostbite occurs due to prolonged exposure of extremities and exposed facial areas to cold temperatures. Initially, cold disrupts blood circulation in the skin, which can then extend to deeper tissues, ultimately leading to necrosis in the affected areas. This type of injury is relatively common and challenging to treat; estimates suggest that between 30% and 60% of deep frostbite cases result in disability due to amputation of the affected body parts.

As RIA Novosti reports, scientists from the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) have identified that a gene therapy drug based on the pCMV-VEGF165 plasmid may effectively restore microcirculation and accelerate healing in frostbite cases. This drug was developed to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, thereby restoring normal blood flow to the extremities. Improved circulation significantly reduces the risk of amputation following cold injuries.

Daria Kostina, Associate Professor at the BelSU Medical Institute's Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, explained that hypothermia in the extremities causes spasms in small blood vessels, which slows blood flow and impairs circulation, ultimately leading to cellular damage in tissues.

"When a patient is exposed to warmer temperatures, the tissues in the injured area experience an increased demand for oxygen and nutrients. However, blood circulation to the extremity often remains insufficient," Kostina noted. This creates a "vicious cycle" of hypoxia, blood clot formation, and tissue death. "In the early stages after cold exposure, it is crucial to quickly restore normal microcirculation in the affected area to mitigate damage," she added.

The researchers conducted experiments using the pCMV-VEGF165 plasmid on laboratory animals. After one week of treatment, tissue regeneration in the frostbite-affected area averaged 47%, compared to just 29% in the control group. The accelerated tissue repair process was observed for over ten days.

The scientists plan to further investigate the effectiveness of this treatment in clinical practice. The study's results were published in the Safety and Risk of Pharmacotherapy scientific journal.