Healing efficiency of oligosaccharides generated from almond gum (Prunus amygdalus) on dermal wounds of adult rats

Effects of sub-acute co-exposure to WIFI (2.45 GHz) and Pistacia lentiscus oil treatment on wound healing by primary intention in male rabbits

Background

The bioeffects of WIFI on cutaneous wound healing remains unexplored. In addition, several medicinal plant products including lentisk oil have been shown to interfere with wound healing process. Since the use of this oil is increasing, the co‐exposure (WIFI‐Lentisk oil) assessment is of paramount importance.

Objectives

We aimed in the present study to investigate the effects of WIFI exposure as well as the application of Pistacia lentiscus oil on sutured wounds (SW).

Methods

New Zealand male rabbits (n = 24) were used and randomly divided into four groups of six animals each: a control group (SW) and three experimental groups (i) a first group exposed to WIFI (2.45 GHz, 6 h/day) during 16 days (SWW); (ii) a second group exposed to WIFI (2.45 GHz, 6 h/day) during 16 days and treated with lentisk oil (SWWL) and (iii) a third group not exposed to WIFI but treated with lentisk oil (SWL). The wound healing was evaluated by monitoring clinical parameters (temperature, food intake, relative weight variation, and macroscopic aspect) and histology.

Results

The mean food intake was higher in the SWWL group compared to the three other groups (p < 0.001) and higher in the SWL group compared to the SW group (p = 0.014). The exposition to WIFI (SWW group) or lentisk oil application (SWL group) can promote the collagen deposition and ameliorate the general aspect of wounds. By contrast, the co‐exposure to WIFI and lentisk oil (SWWL) results in antagonist effects and extends the inflammatory phase of wound healing.

Conclusions

Wounds treated topically with Pistacia lentiscus oil should not be exposed to WIFI.

A Novel Biochemical Study of Anti-Dermal Fibroblast Replicative Senescence Potential of Panax Notoginseng Oligosaccharides

Dermal fibroblast replicative senescence that often occurs in aging skin is characterized by loss of cell proliferative capacity, cell cycle arrest, decreased cell elongation, and decreased synthesis of dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Although Panax notoginseng is known for its effectiveness in alleviating many age-related degenerative diseases, few studies have evaluated P. notoginseng components for efficacy or mechanisms of action in delaying cell replicative senescence. In this study, P. notoginseng oligosaccharides (PNO) were isolated using a stepwise purification procedure involving water extraction and alcohol precipitation followed by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography, preparative high performance liquid chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography. Monosaccharides detected in PNO constituents included mannose, galactose, and sorbitose in relative molar proportions of 14.2:12.3:1, respectively, aligning with PNO absorption spectrum results resembling typical known spectra for sugars. In vitro, PNO treatment of replicative senescent NIH-3T3 fibroblasts significantly promoted cell vitality, inhibited SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, and reduced p16 and p21 protein-level expression. Moreover, PNO treatment of senescent fibroblasts led to a lower proportion of G1 phase cells and higher proportion of S phase cells, while also inducing aging NIH-3T3 cells to migrate and synthesize collagen-I (CoL-I). Mechanistically, PNO treatment up-regulated expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin E, cyclin D1, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) proteins and promoted phosphorylation of MEK, p38, and ERK1/2 to trigger cell cycle progression. Additionally, PNO treatment also up-regulated protein-level expression of TGF-β1 and levels of p-Smad2/3, p-FAK, and p-Pax to trigger CoL-I synthesis and cell migration. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that oligosaccharides purified from P. notoginseng could reverse fibroblast replicative senescence by promoting fibroblast cell proliferation, migration, and CoL-I production.

Antimicrobial core-shell electrospun nanofibers containing Ajwain essential oil for accelerating infected wound healing

Treatment of skin injuries is still facing major challenges, such as chronicity and infections, particularly those caused by multi-drug resistance pathogens. An effective treatment of such wounds should accelerate the wound healing process while preventing bacterial contamination. Here, a novel core-shell nanofiber mat was fabricated comprising gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (as a core) and aloe vera/arabinose/polyvinylpyrrolidone (as a shell) for accelerating the healing process of bacteria-infected wounds. Trachyspermum Ammi (Ajwain) essential oil (EO), as a potent and natural antimicrobial agent against microorganisms, was incorporated into the core of nanofiber mats using coaxial electrospinning. The microscopy images demonstrated the successful fabrication of the core-shell structure with a uniform fiber size of 564 ± 106.35 nm. Moreover, Ajwain EO-loaded nanofiber mat (core-shell/EO) provided excellent antimicrobial activity and antioxidant ability. The in vitro and ex vivo release of Ajwain EO from the fabricated nanofiber mat corroborated a prolonged release profile. Furthermore, in vivo antibacterial activity, wound closure, and histomorphological examinations showed the high efficacy of the core-shell/EO mat in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus-infected full-thickness rat wounds compared to standard control treatment with a gauze. Overall, these results represent the core-shell/EO mat's potential as a newly developed wound dressing for bacteria-infected full-thickness skin injuries.

Production and characterization of soft Sardaigne-type cheese by using almond gum as a functional additive

The effect of almond gum (AG), as natural polysaccharide with high nutritional value and important functional properties, on physicochemical and textural characteristics of Sardaigne-type cheese was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken design was applied to determine optimal levels of three selected processing variables such as coagulation temperature (25-45°C), stirring period (20-30 min), and AG concentration (0.25%-0.75%). A 3-level factorial design was employed to evaluate physicochemical and rheological responses of Sardaigne-type cheese with AG added. The P-values of ANOVA indicated that the processing variables selected have significantly affected dry matter content (p = .002), cheese yield (p = .0172), syneresis level (p = .0135), hardness (p = .0103), and adhesiveness (p = .0410). However, pH, cohesiveness, and elasticity are not affected by the selected processing variables. Predictive regression equations with a high coefficient of (R 2 ≥ .686) determination are constructed. The addition of AG owing to its water retention property has improved yield cheese as well moisture level. Therefore, this additional moisture in Sardaigne-type cheese will be responsible for softer and smoother textural. Indeed, fivefold drop of adhesiveness and fourfold reduction of hardness are observed in cheese formulated with AG at 0.75% and in same temperature and stirring period conditions that commercial cheese. RSM analysis showed that optimum levels of processing variables are reached at AG concentration of 0.57% (w/v), coagulation temperature of 42.57°C, and stirring period of 20 min. Results of sensory properties showed that AG incorporation in Sardaigne-type cheese does not have an adverse impact on organoleptically characteristics and overall acceptability of product was better than commercial cheese.

Purification, composition and biological activities of a novel heteropolysaccharide extracted from Linum usitatissimum L. seeds on laser burn wound

The present study investigates the purification, structure and in vitro antioxidant activities of a novel water soluble polysaccharide (LWSP) extracted from Linum usitatissimum L. seeds and evaluates the in vivo wound healing performance on CO₂ laser fractional burn in a rat model. LWSP is a heteropolysaccharide that consists of glucose, mannose, xylose and arabinose. Three different tests were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of this carbohydrate. The scavenging activity against 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical at a concentration of 5 mg/ml was 99.77%. The total antioxidant capacity of LWSP at 12 mg/ml was equivalent to 166.61 µg acsorbic acid. LWSP displayed a high protection effect against DNA damage induced byhydroxyl radical. No hemolytic activity was observed towards human erythrocytes. LWSP was tested in functional properties. The results showed good emulsion properties and high water (WHC) and oil holding (OHC) capacities (11.23 and 1.05%, respectively). In addition, the application of LWSP on the burn wound site in rat model increased significantly the percentage of burn contraction (98.6%) after 8 days of injury. According to the histological assessment, the LWSP-treated group had a higher content of hydroxyproline (846. 67 ± 92.28 mg/g tissue) than the other groups. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the application of this novel LWSP may open promising opportunities for burn wound healing in modern medicine.

Recent Advances in Natural Gum-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: A Review

The engineering of tissues under a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment is a great challenge and needs a suitable supporting biomaterial-based scaffold that may facilitate cell attachment, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation for proper tissue regeneration or organ reconstruction. Polysaccharides as natural polymers promise great potential in the preparation of a three-dimensional artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) (i.e., hydrogel) via various processing methods and conditions. Natural polymers, especially gums, based upon hydrogel systems, provide similarities largely with the native ECM and excellent biological response. Here, we review the origin and physico-chemical characteristics of potentially used natural gums. In addition, various forms of scaffolds (e.g., nanofibrous, 3D printed-constructs) based on gums and their efficacy in 3D cell culture and various tissue regenerations such as bone, osteoarthritis and cartilage, skin/wound, retinal, neural, and other tissues are discussed. Finally, the advantages and limitations of natural gums are precisely described for future perspectives in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in the concluding remarks.

Carrier oils in dermatology

Wounds are a common medical infliction. With the increase in microbial resistance and a shift of interest towards complementary medicines, essential oils have been shown to be beneficial in suppressing microbial growth. However, in practice, essential oils are more often diluted into a base due to the risk of topical adverse effects, such as dermatitis. There is a lack of collated evidence-based information on toxicity and efficacy of carrier oils. The current information on the subject matter is restricted to generic, aroma-therapeutic books and pamphlets, based on anecdotal evidence rather than an experimental approach. Therefore, this review aimed at identifying the recommended carrier oils used in dermatology and thereafter collating the scientific evidence to support the use of carrier oils together with essential oils recommended for dermatological use. Aloe vera gel had multiple studies demonstrating the ability to enhance wound healing; however, several other carrier oils have been largely neglected. It was observed that the extracts for certain plant species had been used to justify the use of the carrier oils of the same plant species. This is an inaccurate cross assumption due to the difference in chemical composition and biological activities. Lastly, despite these carrier oils being recommended as a base for essential oils, very little data was found on the interactive profile of the carrier oil with the essential oil. This review provides a platform for further studies, especially if essential oils are to receive credence in the scientific field.