The effects of oral Aloe vera on the efficacy of transplanted human endothelial cells and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in diabetic wound healing

Targeting m6A demethylase FTO to heal diabetic wounds with ROS-scavenging nanocolloidal hydrogels

Chronic diabetic wounds are a prevalent and severe complication of diabetes, contributing to higher rates of limb amputations and mortality. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common RNA modification that has been shown to regulate tissue repair and regeneration. However, whether targeting m6A could effectively improve chronic diabetic wound healing remains largely unknown. Here, we found a significant reduction in mRNA m6A methylation levels within human diabetic foot ulcers, and the expression level of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) was significantly increased. We identified that m6A modifies the RNA of matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), a key factor in diabetic wound healing, to regulate its expression. Importantly, we developed a ROS-scavenging nanocolloidal hydrogel loaded with an FTO inhibitor to increase the m6A level of MMP9 RNA in wounds. The hydrogel can effectively accelerate wound healing and skin appendage regeneration in streptozotocin-induced type I diabetic rats at day 14 (approximately 98 % compared to 76.98 % in the control group) and type II diabetic db/db mice at day 20 (approximately 93 % compared to 60 % in the control group). Overall, our findings indicate that targeting m6A with ROS-scavenging hydrogel loaded with FTO inhibitor may be an effective therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing.

Aloe vera and the Proliferative Phase of Cutaneous Wound Healing: Status Quo Report on Active Principles, Mechanisms, and Applications

Aloe vera is commonly used as traditional medicine for cutaneous wound healing. Nonetheless, the wound healing mechanisms of Aloe vera remain unclear. This review aims to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of Aloe vera in promoting cutaneous wound healing, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms that stimulate cell proliferation and migration. Aloe vera has been shown to upregulate growth factors such as keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cyclin D1, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF), and microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4), as well as collagen, fibrillin, elastin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), integrins, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1, also known as CD31), while downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, Aloe vera was also found to upregulate PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, as well as the TGF-β signalling pathway via Smad proteins. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that certain chemical constituents of Aloe vera bind to some of the forementioned growth factors or signalling molecules. With regards to current applications, although human clinical trials have reported positive results from using Aloe vera in healing open wounds and burns and alleviating some inflammatory skin diseases, the current commercial uses of Aloe vera remain largely focused on cosmetic products. Thus, greater advances are required to promote the use of Aloe vera products in clinical settings.

Coordination of bioactive phytochemicals from Aloe vera extracts to metal ions; investigation of the metal complexes and bioactive compound formed

The bioactive compounds contained within many plants account for their pharmacological values. Aloe vera has a wide range of organic and inorganic components, including carbohydrate polymers, glucomannans, and a variety of other natural and synthetic materials. The study aims to take a look into the characteristics of some metal complexes produced from Aloe vera extracts. The extracts from Aloe vera were derived by means of acetone, distilled water and ethanol. The solubility of the metal complexes with the ligand at varying temperatures was established. FT-IR was used to carry out the infra-red examination of the ligand. The results revealed that alcoholic extract of Aloe vera leaf was not soluble in Cu, Fe, or Zn but only soluble in Fe, the extract by distilled water was soluble in Cu, Fe and Zn. However, the Aloe vera in acetone as well as in the Zn (II) and Cu (II) composites displayed a bending that was found at 1430.97 cm-1, 1500.01 cm-1 and 1615.90 cm-1.every functional groups are assigned to be coordinating sites as a result of increase or decrease in the wave number, and absorption band. Findings from the investigation reveal that the complexion of the metal salts with diverse donor sites in the extract is indicated by an increase in the absorption peak of the functional groups in the metal composites of the extracts.

Isolation of Aloe saponaria-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Investigation of Their Potential for Chronic Wound Healing

A chronic wound is caused by a failure to progress through the normal phases of wound repair in an orderly and timely manner. To induce skin regeneration while inhibiting chronic inflammation, numerous natural products, and in particular, plant-derived biomaterials, have been developed. Aloe saponaria, is known to contain flavonoid and phenolic acid compounds with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Aloe saponaria by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based precipitation and investigated their potential as a therapeutic for chronic wound healing. The Aloe saponaria-derived EVs (AS-EVs) showed no significant cytotoxicity on several cell types, despite a high level of intracellular uptake. When lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with AS-EVs, significant reductions in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, such as interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β, were observed. Proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts, as determined by the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 and transwell migration assay, respectively, were shown to be promoted by treatment with AS-EVs. It was also demonstrated that AS-EVs enhanced tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, indicating a stimulatory activity on angiogenesis; one of the crucial steps for effective wound healing. Collectively, our results suggest the potential of AS-EVs as a natural therapeutic for chronic wound healing.