Fig. 4

TTT activates the HIF-1α/SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway and stimulates epcs mobilization in diabetic rats. a Flow cytometry analysis of VEGR2, CD133, CD34-labeled EPCs in the peripheral blood of diabetic rats (n = 4). b Proportion of CD34+/CD133+cells. c–h RT-qPCR analysis of mRNA expression levels for genes associated with angiogenesis in wound tissues, including HIF1α, SDF-1, CXCR4, VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2 (n = 6). i–m ELISA results showing the levels of HIF-1α, SDF-1, VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2 in the serum of diabetic rats (n = 6).n–q Western blot analysis and quantification of HIF-1α, SDF-1, and CXCR4 protein expression in wound tissues (n = 6). All protein levels were standardized against β-actin and then normalized to the Control group. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 for TTT vs. Control; ^#P < 0.05, ^##P < 0.01, ^###P < 0.001 for TTT vs. Sham