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Karimzadeh F, Soltani Fard E, Nadi A, Malekzadeh R, Elahian F, Mirzaei SA. Advances in skin gene therapy: utilizing innovative dressing scaffolds for wound healing, a comprehensive review. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:6033-6062. [PMID: 38887828 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00966e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The skin, serving as the body's outermost layer, boasts a vast area and intricate structure, functioning as the primary barrier against external threats. Disruptions in the composition and functionality of the skin can lead to a diverse array of skin conditions, such as wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers, along with inflammatory disorders, infections, and various types of skin cancer. These disorders not only exacerbate concerns regarding skin health and beauty but also have a significant impact on mental well-being. Due to the complexity of these disorders, conventional treatments often prove insufficient, necessitating the exploration of new therapeutic approaches. Researchers develop new therapies by deciphering these intricacies and gaining a thorough understanding of the protein networks and molecular processes in skin. A new window of opportunity has opened up for improving wound healing processes because of recent advancements in skin gene therapy. To enhance skin regeneration and healing, this extensive review investigates the use of novel dressing scaffolds in conjunction with gene therapy approaches. Scaffolds that do double duty as wound protectors and vectors for therapeutic gene delivery are being developed using innovative biomaterials. To improve cellular responses and speed healing, these state-of-the-art scaffolds allow for the targeted delivery and sustained release of genetic material. The most recent developments in gene therapy techniques include RNA interference, CRISPR-based gene editing, and the utilization of viral and non-viral vectors in conjunction with scaffolds, which were reviewed here to overcome skin disorders and wound complications. In the future, there will be rare chances to develop custom methods for skin health care thanks to the combination of modern technology and collaboration among disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Karimzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Elahe Soltani Fard
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Akram Nadi
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Rahim Malekzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Elahian
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Seyed Abbas Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Mbituyimana B, Bukatuka CF, Qi F, Ma G, Shi Z, Yang G. Microneedle-mediated drug delivery for scar prevention and treatment. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103801. [PMID: 37858631 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Scars are an inevitable natural outcome of most wound healing processes and affect skin functions, leading to cosmetic, psychological and social problems. Several strategies, including surgery, radiation, cryotherapy, laser therapy, pressure therapy and corticosteroids, can be used to either prevent or treat scars. However, these strategies are ineffective, have side effects and are typically expensive. Microneedle (MN) technology is a powerful, minimally invasive platform for transdermal drug delivery. This review discusses the most recent progress in MN-mediated drug delivery to prevent and treat pathological scars (hypertrophic and keloids). A comprehensive overview of existing challenges and future perspectives is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bricard Mbituyimana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Clemence Futila Bukatuka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fuyu Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Guangrui Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhijun Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
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Qian H, Shan Y, Gong R, Lin D, Zhang M, Wang C, Wang L. Fibroblasts in Scar Formation: Biology and Clinical Translation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4586569. [PMID: 35602101 PMCID: PMC9119755 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4586569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Scarring, which develops due to fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, can cause physical, psychological, and cosmetic problems. Fibroblasts are the main type of connective tissue cells and play important roles in wound healing. However, the underlying mechanisms of fibroblast in reaching scarless wound healing require more exploration. Herein, we systematically reviewed how fibroblasts behave in response to skin injuries, as well as their functions in regeneration and scar formation. Several biocompatible materials, including hydrogels and nanoparticles, were also suggested. Moreover, factors that concern transformation from fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts are mentioned due to a tight association between scar formation and primary skin cancers. These findings will help us better understand skin fibrotic pathogenesis, as well as provide potential targets for scarless wound healing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Qian
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Shan
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Danfeng Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affifiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengwen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Starbody plastic surgery Clinic, Hangzhou, China
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Xu J, Gu M, Hooi L, Toh TB, Thng DKH, Lim JJ, Chow EKH. Enhanced penetrative siRNA delivery by a nanodiamond drug delivery platform against hepatocellular carcinoma 3D models. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:16131-16145. [PMID: 34542130 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03502a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can cause specific gene silencing and is considered promising for treating a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, siRNA has many undesirable physicochemical properties that limit its application. Additionally, conventional methods for delivering siRNA are limited in their ability to penetrate solid tumors. In this study, nanodiamonds (NDs) were evaluated as a nanoparticle drug delivery platform for improved siRNA delivery into tumor cells. Our results demonstrated that ND-siRNA complexes could effectively be formed through electrostatic interactions. The ND-siRNA complexes allowed for efficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape that protects siRNA from degradation. Moreover, ND delivery of siRNA was more effective at penetrating tumor spheroids compared to liposomal formulations. This enhanced penetration capacity makes NDs ideal vehicles to deliver siRNA against solid tumor masses as efficient gene knockdown and decreased tumor cell proliferation were observed in tumor spheroids. Evaluation of ND-siRNA complexes within the context of a 3D cancer disease model demonstrates the potential of NDs as a promising gene delivery platform against solid tumors, such as HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Xu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Mengjie Gu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Lissa Hooi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore
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Ning X, Wiraja C, Chew WTS, Fan C, Xu C. Transdermal delivery of Chinese herbal medicine extract using dissolvable microneedles for hypertrophic scar treatment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2937-2944. [PMID: 34589406 PMCID: PMC8463281 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars are unfavorable skin diseases characterized by excessive collagen deposition. Although systemic treatments exist in clinic to manage hypertrophic scars, they pose significant side effects and tend to lose efficacy over prolonged applications. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers as a promising candidate to treat pathological scars. A large number of TCMs have been studied to show anti-scarring effect, however, the natural barrier of the skin impedes their penetration, lowering its therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we reported the use of dissolvable hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedles (MNs) as a vehicle to aid the transdermal delivery of therapeutic agent, a model TCM called shikonin for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Here, shikonin was mixed with HA to make MNs with adequate mechanical strength for skin penetration, making its dosage controllable during the fabrication process. The therapeutic effect of the shikonin HA MNs was studied in vitro using HSFs and then further verified with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Our data suggest that the shikonin HA MNs significantly reduce the viability and proliferation of the HSFs and downregulate the fibrotic-related genes (i.e., TGFβ1, FAP-α and COL1A1). Furthermore, we observed a localized therapeutic effect of the shikonin HA MNs that is beneficial for site-specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Ning
- NTU Institute for Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate Group, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Christian Wiraja
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Wan Ting Sharon Chew
- NTU Institute for Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate Group, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Chen Fan
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Chenjie Xu
- NTU Institute for Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate Group, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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Abstract
Hydrogels, swellable hydrophilic polymer networks fabricated through chemical cross-linking or physical entanglement are increasingly utilized in various biomedical applications over the past few decades. Hydrogel-based microparticles, dressings and microneedle patches have been explored to achieve safe, sustained and on-demand therapeutic purposes toward numerous skin pathologies, through incorporation of stimuli-responsive moieties and therapeutic agents. More recently, these platforms are expanded to fulfill the diagnostic and monitoring role. Herein, the development of hydrogel technology to achieve diagnosis and monitoring of pathological skin conditions are highlighted, with proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, and reactive species employed as target biomarkers, among others. The scope of this review includes the characteristics of hydrogel materials, its fabrication procedures, examples of diagnostic studies, as well as discussion pertaining clinical translation of hydrogel systems.
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