Efficacy of Aeschynomene indica L. leaves for wound healing and isolation of active constituent

Exploring the mechanism of Huanglian ointment in alleviating wound healing after anal fistula surgery through metabolomics and proteomics

Anal fistula is a common anal and intestinal disease. The wound of anal fistula surgery is open and polluting, which is the most difficult to heal among all surgical incisions. To investigate the mechanism of Huanglian ointment (HLO) on wound healing after anal fistula incision. The S. aureus infected wound in SD rats were used to imitate poor healing wound after anal fistula surgery. SD rats with wound sites (n = 24) were randomly divided into four groups (Control group, Model group, Potassium permanganate (PP) treatment group, and HLO treatment group). The wound healing rate was evaluated, HE staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes of each group, ELISA was used to detect the secretion of inflammatory factors in each group, and the mechanism was explored through metabolomics and proteomics in plasma rat. Compared to other groups, the rate of wound healing in the HLO group was higher on days 7 and 14. Histological analysis showed that collagen and fibroblast in HLO rats were significantly increased, inflammatory cells were reduced, and vascular endothelial permeability was increased. ELISA results showed that the secretion of inflammatory factors in HLO rats was significantly lower. Significant proteins and metabolites were identified in the wound tissues of the infected rats and HLO-treated rats, which were mainly attributed to Cdc42, Ctnnb1, Actr2, Actr3, Arpc1b, Itgam, Itgb2, Cttn, Linoleic acid metabolism, d-Glutamine and d-glutamate metabolism, Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, Phenylalanine metabolism, alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism, and Ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. In conclusion, this study showed that HLO can promote S. aureus infected wound healing, and the data provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of wounds after anal fistula surgery with HLO.

Phytochemical profiling, toxicity studies, wound healing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae (Plantain) stem extract in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The stem of Musa paradisiaca (plantain) has found application in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, ulcers and wound injuries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of aqueous Musa paradisiaca stem extract (AMPSE) in rats.

METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of methanol-MPSE was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acute toxicity testing was carried out through oral administration of a single dose of AMPSE up to 5 g/kg. Four separate groups of rats were used for the subacute toxicity testing (n = 6). Group 1 served as a normal control and did not receive AMPSE, groups 2-4 received AMPSE daily by gavage for 28 days. In the experiments with excision and incision wounds, the rats were treated with 10 w/w AMPS extract. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of AMPSE were assessed using egg albumin-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing methods, respectively. For the subacute, anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies, AMPSE was administered to the experimental rats at doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg body weight.

RESULTS

Bioactive compounds identified include β-sitisterol, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, diethyl sulfate, p-hydroxynorephedrine, phenylephrine, nor-pseudoephedrine, metaraminol, pseudoephedrine and vanillic acid. No signs of toxicity and no deaths were observed in all the groups. For the groups treated with AMPSE for 28 days, a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, sodium, chloride, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed while high density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione and superoxide dismutase increased compared to control (p < 0.05). In wound healing experiments, AMPSE showed greater percent wound contraction and wound resistance fracture compared to the povidone-iodine (PI) treated and control groups. Treatment with 900 mg/kg AMPSE resulted in significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that AMPSE is not toxic but contains biologically active compounds with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects. Treatment of rats with AMPSE has shown that AMPSE has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects, supporting its therapeutic use in ethnomedicine.

Lychnophora ericoides Mart. (Brazilian arnica) ethanol extract accelerates the skin wound healing process: Evidence for its mechanism of action

BACKGROUND

Lychnophora ericoides Mart, also known as the Brazilian arnica or fake arnica, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Leaves and roots are used in alcoholic and hydroalcoholic preparations for the treatment of wounds, inflammation, and pain.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of L. ericoides ethanolic extract (EELE) on cutaneous wound healing and the mechanisms of action involved.

METHODS

A total of 72 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. An excisional wound was made in the dorsal region of each mouse. The test groups were topically treated with the vehicle, a positive control commercial reference drug, EELE ointment (5%), and EELE ointment (10%). The treatments were applied over 14 days. The wound area was measured every two days to verify the wound closure kinetics. On days 3, 7, and 14 the wound tissue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson-Trichrome, and Toluidine blue staining. The expression of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components, the vascular growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and type I collagen genes were evaluated. Phytochemical analyses were performed using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

The EELE (10%) significantly reduced the wound area compared to the treatments used for the other groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that wounds treated with L. ericoides for 14 days developed improved anatomical skin features, healed with hair follicles and sebaceous glands, increased collagen production and angiogenesis, and decreased the number of mast cells at the injury site. Real-time PCR data demonstrated that groups treated with EELE (10%) showed increased Type I collagen, VEGF-A, FGF-2, and AT1R and decreased ACE II and receptor MAS. The healing action of L. ericoides may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid derivatives, and C-glycoside flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

Topical treatment with EELE increases important factors for wound healing: FGF, VEGF, collagen formation, and the expression of the proliferative axis of the renin-angiotensin system. For the first time, the present study shows the healing action of L. ericoides at the molecular level in an animal model. This process can be used as an alternative therapy for wound healing and the development of herbal therapy.

Biocompatible, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory zinc ion cross-linked quaternized cellulose‑sodium alginate composite sponges for accelerated wound healing

Bacterial infection has become one of the most challenges for wound healing, which causes serious inflammatory response and delays the healing process. Herein, a novel sponge with excellent biocompatible, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties based on quaternized cellulose (QC), sodium alginate (SA) and Zn²⁺ was reported. The existence of physical interactions, such as electrostatic interaction, chelation and hydrogen bonding endowed the sponges with enhanced mechanical property. The composite sponges exhibited outstanding biocompatibility and hemostatic efficiency due to the compatible nature of the component and physical cross-linking, as well as superior antibacterial property benefited from the synergistic effects of steady Zn²⁺ release and quaternary ammonium group. In vivo investigation validated that the enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of the sponges, which significantly promoted wound closure and the reconstruction of skin tissue through epithelial regeneration, collagen deposition and mitigating inflammatory cell infiltration. Overall, the novel sponge demonstrated great potentials in bacteria-associated wound management.

Sus Scrofa immune tissues as a new source of bioactive substances for skin wound healing

Influence of a new protein-peptide complex on promoting skin wound healing in male BALB/c mice was studied. Protein-peptide complex, extracted from Sus scrofa immune organs, was percutaneously administered using two methods: by lecithin gel-like liquid crystals and by liquid microemulsion. On the fifth day, wound closure in mice with a linear wound model become faster in group (less 2 days comparison to other ones), which was treated with lecithin liquid crystals carrying the protein-peptide complex. This promoting healing can be caused by resorption of bioactive high-molecular compounds the animal skin. In mice with the linear wound model, the tensile strength of the scars were respectively higher both in mice, treated using lecithin liquid crystals with protein-peptide complex, and in mice, treated using microemulsion containing protein-peptide complex, by 215.4% and 161.5% relative to the animals, which did not receive bioactive substances for wound treatment. It was associated with the regeneratory effects of tissue- and species-specific protein-peptide complexes, including α-thymosin Sus scrofa (C3VVV8_PIG, m/z 3802.8) and other factors, which were described as parts of the new extracted complex. This reveals that percutaneous administration of the complex reliably activates local regenerative processes in animals.

Comparison of Dietary Oils with Different Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid n-3 and n-6 Content in the Rat Model of Cutaneous Wound Healing

Dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) n-3 can affect cutaneous wound healing; however, recent findings demonstrate the variable extent of their influence on the quality of healing. Here, we compare the effect of several dietary oils, containing different levels of PUFA n-3 and PUFA n-6, on wound healing in the rat model. Rats were fed the feed mixture with 8% palm oil (P), safflower oil (S), fish oil (F) or Schizochytrium microalga extract (Sch) and compared to the animals fed by control feed mixture (C). Dorsal full-thickness cutaneous excisions were performed after 52 days of feeding and skin was left to heal for an additional 12 days. Histopathological analysis of skin wounds was performed, including immune cells immunolabeling and the determination of hydroxyproline amount as well as gene expression analyses of molecules contributing to different steps of the healing. Matrix-assisted-laser-desorption-ionization mass-spectrometry-imaging (MALDI-MSI) was used to determine the amount of collagen α-1(III) chain fragment in healing samples. Treatment by Schizochytrium extract resulted in decrease in the total wound area, in contrast to the safflower oil group where the size of the wound was larger when comparing to control animals. Diet with Schizochytrium extract and safflower oils displayed a tendency to increase the number of new vessels. The number of MPO-positive cells was diminished following any of oil treatment in comparison to the control, but their highest amount was found in animals with a fish oil diet. On the other hand, the number of CD68-positive macrophages was increased, with the most significant enhancement in the fish oil and safflower oil group. Hydroxyproline concentration was the highest in the safflower oil group but it was also enhanced in all other analyzed treatments in comparison to the control. MALDI-MSI signal intensity of a collagen III fragment decreased in the sequence C > S > Sch > P > F treatment. In conclusion, we observed differences in tissue response during healing between dietary oils, with the activation of inflammation observed following the treatment with oil containing high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) level (fish oil) and enhanced healing features were induced by the diet with high content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, Schizochytrium extract).

Vaccarin hastens wound healing by promoting angiogenesis via activation of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in vivo

Purpose

To explore the potential role and unclear molecular mechanisms of vaccarin in wound healing.

Methods

Rats’ skin excision model to study the effects of vaccarin on wound healing in vivo . Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to evaluate Histopathologic characteristics. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the effects of vaccarin in accelerating angiogenesis. Western blot was used to evaluate relative protein expressed levels.

Results

Vaccarin could significantly promote wound healing and endothelial cells and fibroblasts proliferation in the wound site. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot studies showed that the nodal proteins and receptor (bFGFR) related to angiogenesis signaling pathway were activated, and the microvascular density in the wound site was markedly higher than that in the control group.

Conclusions

The present study was the first to demonstrate that vaccarin is able to induce angiogenesis and accelerate wound healing in vivo by increasing expressions of p-Akt, p-Erk and p-bFGFR. This process is mediated by MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Effect of Oral Administration of Active Peptides of Pinctada Martensii on the Repair of Skin Wounds

Skin wound healing, especially chronic wound healing, is a common challenging clinical problem. It is urgent to broaden the sources of bioactive substances that can safely and efficiently promote skin wound healing. This study aimed to observe the effects of active peptides (APs) of the mantle of Pinctada martensii on wound healing. After physicochemical analysis of amino acids and mass spectrometry of APs, the effect of APs on promoting healing was studied through a whole cortex wound model on the back of mice for 18 consecutive days. The results showed that APs consisted of polypeptides with molecular weights in the range 302.17–2936.43 Da. The content of polypeptides containing 2–15 amino acids accounted for 73.87%, and the hydrophobic amino acids accounted for 56.51%. Results of in vitro experimentation showed that mice in APs-L group which were fed a low dose of APs (0.5 g/kg bw) had a shortened epithelialization time due to a shortening inflammatory period (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, this relied on its specific ability to promote the proliferation of CD31, FGF and EGF which accelerated the percentage of wound closure. Moreover, the APs-L group mice had enhanced collagen synthesis and increased type III collagen content in their wounds through a TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway (p > 0.05). Consequently, scar formation was inhibited and wound healing efficiency was significantly improved. These results show that the APs of Pinctada martensii promote dermal wound healing in mice and have tremendous potential for development and utilization in skin wound healing.

Extended Hopanoid Loss Reduces Bacterial Motility and Surface Attachment and Leads to Heterogeneity in Root Nodule Growth Kinetics in a Bradyrhizobium-Aeschynomene Symbiosis

Hopanoids are steroid-like bacterial lipids that enhance membrane rigidity and promote bacterial growth under diverse stresses. Hopanoid biosynthesis genes are conserved in nitrogen-fixing plant symbionts, and we previously found that the extended (C35) class of hopanoids in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens are required for efficient symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the tropical legume host Aeschynomene afraspera. Here, we demonstrate that the nitrogen-fixation defect conferred by extended hopanoid loss can be fully explained by a reduction in root nodule sizes rather than per-bacteroid nitrogen-fixation levels. Using a single-nodule tracking approach to quantify A. afraspera nodule development, we provide a quantitative model of root nodule development in this host, uncovering both the baseline growth parameters for wild-type nodules and a surprising heterogeneity of extended hopanoid mutant developmental phenotypes. These phenotypes include a delay in root nodule initiation and the presence of a subpopulation of nodules with slow growth rates and low final volumes, which are correlated with reduced motility and surface attachment in vitro and lower bacteroid densities in planta, respectively. This work provides a quantitative reference point for understanding the phenotypic diversity of ineffective symbionts in A. afraspera and identifies specific developmental stages affected by extended hopanoid loss for future mechanistic work.