Fractional Laser-Mediated siRNA Delivery for Mitigating Psoriasis-like Lesions via IL-6 Silencing

Evaluation of Papain-Urea for Enzymatic Debridement of Coagulation Zones Following Ablative Fractional Laser Treatment

BACKGROUND

Ablative fractional CO2 laser (10,600 nm) treatment creates an array of microscopic treatment zones composed of an ablation zone (AZ) surrounded by a denatured coagulation zone (CZ). The CZ is believed to play a functional role in skin tightening, posttreatment inflammation, and laser-assisted drug delivery. This study investigates the viability of enzymatic post-processing to remove the CZ without affecting the surrounding tissue.

METHODS

Ex vivo skin samples were treated with either control, papain, urea, or papain-urea solutions before being covered with occlusive dressing and incubated at 37°C for 1 h. Tissue viability as well as AZ and CZ geometries were assessed histologically.

RESULTS

Treatment with all three experimental solutions resulted in a decrease in CZ. The largest average reduction in CZ area was observed in the papain-urea group (44%, p < 0.001), followed by the papain (14%, p < 0.001) and urea (11%, p < 0.001) only groups. Only the papain-urea group showed a significant increase in AZ (14%) and changes in lesion geometry.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory study of enzymatic post-processing with papain-urea highlighted the potential of selectively removing the CZ after treatment with ablative fractional laser therapy. If results can be translated to in vivo studies, these findings could expand the use of high-fluence CO2 laser therapy with functional implications for lowering posttreatment recovery time, providing clinicians more control over skin tightening, and enabling a broader range of laser-assisted drug delivery.

Gold nanorods as biocompatible nano-agents for the enhanced photothermal therapy in skin disorders

Rod-shaped gold nanomaterials, known as gold nanorods (GNRs), may undergo specific surface alterations, because of their straightforward surface chemistry. This feature makes them appropriate for use as functional and biocompatible nano-formulations. By optimizing the absorption of longitudinally localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the near-infrared (NIR) region, which corresponds to the NIR bio-tissue window, GNRs with appropriate modifications may improve the results of photothermal treatment (PTT). In dermatology, potential noninvasive uses of GNRs to enhance wound healing, manage infections, combat cutaneous malignancies, and remodel skin tissues via PTT have attracted research attention in recent years. In this review, the basic properties of GNRs, such as shape, size, optical performance, photothermal efficiency, and metabolism, are discussed firstly. Then, the disadvantages of using these particles in photodynamic therapy (PDT) are proposed. Next, biological applications of GNRs-based PTT are summarized in detail. Finally, the limitations and future perspectives of this research are summarized, providing a comprehensive outlook for prospective GNRs with PTT.

Preclinical techniques for drug discovery in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, papulosquamous, noncontagious disease characterized by scaly, demarcated erythematous plaque, affecting skin, nails, and scalp. The IL-23/Th17 axis is the main operator in the development of psoriasis. Psoriasis is affecting worldwide, and new treatment options are urgently needed. Various local and systemic treatments are available for psoriasis but they only provide symptomatic relief because of numerous unknown mechanisms. Clinical trials demand overwhelming resources; therefore, drug development predominantly depends on the in-vivo, in-vitro, and ex-vivo techniques. Immediate attention is required to develop experimental techniques that completely imitate human psoriasis to assist drug development. This review portrays the various in-vivo, in-vitro, and ex-vivo techniques used in psoriasis research. It describes these techniques' characteristics, pathological presentations, and mechanisms. The experimental techniques of psoriasis provide significant information on disease progression mechanisms and possible therapeutic targets. However, until now, it has been challenging to invent a timely, affordable model that precisely imitates a human disease. Only the xenotransplantation model is reckoned as the closer, that mimics the complete genetic, and immunopathogenic event. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis and HaCat cell lines are popular among researchers because of their convenience, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. There need to further improve the experimental techniques to best serve the disease imitation and meet the research goal.

Transdermal gene delivery

Gene delivery has revolutionized conventional medical approaches to vaccination, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. However, current gene delivery methods are limited to either intravenous administration or direct local injections, failing to achieve well biosafety, tissue targeting, drug retention, and transfection efficiency for desired therapeutic outcomes. Transdermal drug delivery based on various delivery strategies can offer improved therapeutic potential and superior patient experiences. Recently, there has been increased foundational and clinical research focusing on the role of the transdermal route in gene delivery and exploring its impact on the efficiency of gene delivery. This review introduces the recent advances in transdermal gene delivery approaches facilitated by drug formulations and medical devices, as well as discusses their prospects.

Challenges in Psoriasis Research: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Models

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with variable clinical presentation, multifactorial etiology and an immunogenetic basis. Several studies demonstrate that it results from a dysregulated interaction between skin keratinocytes, immune cells, and the environment that leads to a persistent inflammatory process modulated by cytokines and T cells. The development of new treatment options requires increased understanding of pathogenesis. However, the successful implementation of effective drugs requires well-characterized and highly available preclinical models that allow researchers to quickly and reproducibly determine their safety and efficacy.

METHODS

A systematic search on PubMed and Scopus databases was performed and assessed to find appropriate articles about psoriasis models applying the key words previously defined. The PRISMA guidelines were employed.

RESULTS

A total of 45 original articles were selected that met the selection criteria. Among these, there are articles on in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo models, with the in vitro model being the majority due to its ease of use. Within animal models, the most widely used in recent years are chemically induced models using a compound known as imiquimod. However, the rest of the animal models used throughout the disease's research were also discussed. On the other hand, in vitro models were divided into two and three dimensions. The latter were the most used due to their similarity to human skin. Lastly, the ex vivo models were discussed, although they were the least used due to their difficulty in obtaining them.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, this review summarizes the current preclinical models (in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo), discussing how to develop them, their advantages, limitations, and applications. There are many challenges to improve the development of the different models. However, research in these in vitro model studies could reduce the use of animals. This is favored with the use of future technologies such as 3D bioprinting or organ-on-a-chip technologies.

Targeted siRNA Therapy for Psoriasis: Translating Preclinical Potential into Clinical Treatments

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the excessive proliferation of keratinocytes and heightened immune activation. Targeting pathogenic genes through small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy represents a promising strategy for the treatment of psoriasis. This mini-review provides a comprehensive summary of siRNA research targeting the pathogenesis of psoriasis, covering aspects such as keratinocyte function, inflammatory cell roles, preclinical animal studies, and siRNA delivery mechanisms. It details recent advancements in RNA interference that modulate key factors including keratinocyte proliferation (Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2, FGFR2), apoptosis (Interferon Alpha Inducible Protein 6, G1P3), differentiation (Grainyhead Like Transcription Factor 2, GRHL2), and angiogenesis (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, VEGF); immune cell infiltration and inflammation (Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, TNF-α; Interleukin-17, IL-17); and signaling pathways (JAK-STAT, Nuclear Factor Kappa B, NF-κB) that govern immunopathology. Despite significant advances in siRNA-targeted treatments for psoriasis, several challenges persist. Continued scientific developments promise the creation of more effective and safer siRNA medications, potentially enhancing the quality of life for psoriasis patients and revolutionizing treatments for other diseases. This article focuses on the most recent research advancements in targeting the pathogenesis of psoriasis with siRNA and explores its future therapeutic prospects.

Nanotechnology strategies to address challenges in topical and cellular delivery of siRNAs in skin disease therapy

Gene therapy is one of the most advanced therapies in current medicine. In particular, interference RNA-based therapy by small interfering RNA (siRNA) has gained attention in recent years as it is a highly versatile, selective and specific therapy. In dermatological conditions, topical delivery of siRNA offers numerous therapeutic advantages, mainly by inhibiting the expression of target transcripts directly in the skin. However, crossing the stratum corneum and overcoming intracellular barriers is an inherent challenge. Substantial efforts by scientists have moved towards the use of multimodal and multifunctional nanoparticles to overcome these barriers and achieve greater bioavailability in their site of action, the cytoplasm. In this review the most innovative strategies based on nanoparticle and physical methods are presented, as well as the design principles and the main factors that contribute to the performance of these systems. This review also highlights the synergistic contributions of medicine, nanotechnology, and molecular biology to advancing translational research into siRNA-based therapeutics for skin diseases.

Effect of fire needle combined with traditional Chinese medicine on psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The mechanism of action of fire acupuncture and Chinese medicine in psoriasis is unclear. In this paper, the efficacy of the 2 therapies was compared through a comprehensive analysis of their recurrence rates for clinical reference.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP, and CBM data from the establishment of the databases to May 2023. The study proposed to use randomized controlled trial research methods, excluding published literature, unpublished literature, literature with incomplete or inadequate information, animal experiments, literature reviews and systematic studies. Data were processed using STATA 15.1 software.

RESULTS

Our group previous study found that the clinical efficacy of the fire-acupuncture group was significantly improved compared to that of Chinese herbal medicine alone (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27). Also, there were significant reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (SMD = -1.04,95% CI: -1.48 to -0.60), area of skin damage (SMD = -0.40,95% CI: -0.75 to -0.04), and pruritus (SMD = -1.04,95% CI: -1.32 to -0.76). Our previous study found that Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was significantly lower in the fire acupuncture group compared to herbal medicine alone (SMD = -1.61,95% CI: -3.08 to -0.15). The combined analysis found that the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the fire-acupuncture group compared to herbal medicine alone (RR = 0.21,95% CI:0.07-0.60).

CONCLUSION

Fire needle can improve the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of psoriasis, including the area, severity and itching of skin lesions, and reduce the recurrence rate, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Identification of potential biomarkers and infiltrating immune cells from scalp psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Scalp psoriasis seriously affects the appearance and psychological status of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of RPL9 and TIFA in scalp psoriasis, so as to provide a precise and effective way for the clinical treatment of scalp psoriasis.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was employed to download the GSE75343 dataset to search for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in scalp psoriasis through Sangerbox. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) enrichment analysis, functional enrichment analysis, immune cell infiltration analysis, immune responses and correlation analysis with 12 hub genes were performed. Then, STRING was used to develop a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, used Cytoscape to locate hub genes, and SVM-RFE and random forest were utilized to identified RPL9 as the targeted gene. TIFA-RPL9 interaction predictions were made viathe Open Targets Platform and Uniprot. Further, the RPL9 and TIFA expression, molecular mechanism, and function were assessed in scalp psoriasis.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and western blotting verified that RPL9 and TIFA were highly expressed in lesional tissues of scalp psoriasis and IL17A-stimulated HaCaT cells. RPL9 knockdown effectively suppressed the proliferative capacity of IL17A-stimulated HaCaT cells in the CCK8 assay. The co-immunoprecipitation results revealed that RPL9 could interact with TIFA in IL17A-stimulated HaCaT cells. In qPCR and western blotting, RPL9 knockdown significantly inhibited TIFA at the mRNA and protein levels in IL17A-stimulated HaCaT cells. In ELISA, the secretion of TNF-α was markedly inhibited after downregulating RPL9 in IL17A-stimulated HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, we have elucidated the expression and role of RPL9 and TIFA in scalp psoriatic skin and keratinocytes, and our findings confirm that RPL9 might act as a candidate therapeutic target for scalp psoriasis.

RNAi therapies: Expanding applications for extrahepatic diseases and overcoming delivery challenges

The era of RNA medicine has become a reality with the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 and the approval of several RNA interference (RNAi) agents in recent years. Particularly, therapeutics based on RNAi offer the promise of targeting intractable and previously undruggable disease genes. Recent advances have focused in developing delivery systems to enhance the poor cellular uptake and insufficient pharmacokinetic properties of RNAi therapeutics and thereby improve its efficacy and safety. However, such approach has been mainly achieved via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or chemical conjugation with N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), thus current RNAi therapy has been limited to liver diseases, most likely to encounter liver-targeting limitations. Hence, there is a huge unmet medical need for intense evolution of RNAi therapeutics delivery systems to target extrahepatic tissues and ultimately extend their indications for treating various intractable diseases. In this review, challenges of delivering RNAi therapeutics to tumors and major organs are discussed, as well as their transition to clinical trials. This review also highlights innovative and promising preclinical RNAi-based delivery platforms for the treatment of extrahepatic diseases.

Liquid crystalline nanoparticles enable a multifunctional approach for topical psoriasis therapy by co-delivering triptolide and siRNAs

Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNs) are an attractive drugs topical delivery system due to the great internal ordering, wide interfacial area and structural similarities with the skin. In this work, LCNs were designed to encapsulate triptolide (TP) and to complex on its surface small interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting TNF-α and IL-6, aiming at topical co-delivery and regulating multi-targets in psoriasis. These multifunctional LCNs showed appropriate physicochemical properties for topical application, such as a mean size of 150 nm, low polydispersion, TP encapsulation greater than 90% and efficient complexation with siRNA. The internal reverse hexagonal mesostructure of LCNs was confirmed by SAXS while their morphology was assessed by cryo-TEM. In vitro permeation studies revealed an increase of more than 20-fold in the distribution of TP through the porcine epidermis/dermis was achieved after the application of LCN-TP or LCN TP in hydrogel. In cell culture, LCNs showed good compatibility and rapid internalization, which was attributed to macropinocytosis and caveolin-mediated endocytosis. Anti-inflammatory potential of multifunctional LCNs was assessed by reducing of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and TGF-β1 levels in LPS-stimulated macrophages. These results support the hypothesis that the co-delivery of TP and siRNAs by LCNs may be a new strategy for psoriasis topical therapy.

Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in skin cancer management: Photoprotective effect on human keratinocytes and anti-proliferative activity in melanoma cells

Skin cancer has high rates of mortality and therapeutic failure. In this study, to develop a multi-agent strategy for skin cancer management, the selective cytotoxicity of several alkaloid fractions and pure alkaloids isolated from Amaryllidaceae species was evaluated in melanoma cells. In addition, UVB-stimulated keratinocytes (HaCaT) were exposed to seven alkaloid fractions characterized by GC-MS, and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and IL-6, were measured to evaluate their photoprotection effects. The Eucharis caucana (bulb) alkaloid fraction (20 μg/ml) had a clear effect on the viability of melanoma cells, reducing it by 45.7% without affecting healthy keratinocytes. This alkaloid fraction and tazettine (both at 2.5 μg/ml) suppressed UVB-induced ROS production by 31.6% and 29.4%, respectively. The highest anti-inflammatory potential was shown by the Zephyranthes carinata (bulb) alkaloid fraction (10 μg/ml), which reduced IL-6 production by 90.8%. According to the chemometric analysis, lycoramine and tazettine had a photoprotective effect on the UVB-exposed HaCaT cells, attenuating the production of ROS and IL-6. These results suggest that Amaryllidaceae alkaloids have photoprotective and therapeutic potential in skin cancer management, especially at low concentrations.

Advances in Lipid-Based Codelivery Systems for Cancer and Inflammatory Diseases

Combination therapy targeting multiple therapeutic targets is a favorable strategy to achieve better therapeutic outcomes in cancer and inflammatory diseases. Codelivery is a subfield of drug delivery that aims to achieve combined delivery of diverse therapeutic cargoes within the same delivery system, thereby ensuring delivery to the same site and providing an opportunity to tailor the release kinetics as desired. Among the wide range of materials being investigated in the design of codelivery systems, lipids have stood out on account of their low toxicity, biocompatibility, and ease of formulation scale-up. This review highlights the advances of the last decade in lipid-based codelivery systems focusing on the codelivery of drug-drug, drug-nucleic acid, nucleic acid-nucleic acid, and protein therapeutic-based combinations for targeted therapy in cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Laser-assisted nanocarrier delivery to achieve cutaneous siRNA targeting for attenuating psoriasiform dermatitis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder presenting the excessive expression of interleukin (IL)-6. The topical use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been increasingly discovered for treating skin diseases. A delivery system capable of protecting siRNA while facilitating both skin targeting and cellular entrance is critical for the successful medication of topically-applied siRNA. Herein, we developed a delivery system for siRNA based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and combined this system with an ablative laser to promote skin absorption for topical psoriasis therapy. The siRNA absorption enhancement was compared by two laser modalities: a fractional CO₂ laser and a fully-ablative Er:YAG laser. We characterized the effect of the delivery system by the cellular uptake, IL-6 silencing, in vitro skin absorption, cutaneous biodistribution, and in vivo psoriasiform dermatitis in mice. The nanocarriers showed minimal cytotoxicity and facile cellular uptake to knock down the IL-6 expression. The nanoformulation containing a cationic surfactant (Forestall) for ion pairing with siRNA achieved a 66% and 77% IL-6 knockdown efficiency toward keratinocytes and macrophages, respectively. In the Franz cell absorption, the lasers increased the naked siRNA penetration to the receptor compartment by 3.7-5.0-fold but remarkably reduced skin deposition using imiquimod (IMQ)-treated psoriasiform skin as the barrier. The fractional laser facilitated nanoparticle-associated siRNA skin deposition up to 3.3-fold, whereas the transport of the nanocarriers to the receptor was negligible. Qualitatively, the lasers increased nanoparticle delivery in the epidermis with limited effect to elevate the penetration depth. The fractional-mediated nanocarrier delivery dramatically attenuated the erythema and scaly lesions of psoriasiform dermatitis. The histological examination displayed a reduction of epidermal hyperplasia and macrophage infiltration by the combination of laser and nanosystem. The passive and laser-assisted naked siRNA delivery was less effective in mitigating dermatitis. The topical delivery of fractional laser-assisted nanoparticles on mice resulted in a 56% IL-6 knockdown. Our results manifested the benefit of cutaneous siRNA targeting using ablative lasers to deliver nanocarriers for treating psoriatic inflammation.

Strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes

In the past decades, the striking development of cationic polypeptides and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) tailored for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery has been fuelled by the conception of nuclear acid therapy and precision medicine. Owing to their amino acid compositions, inherent secondary structures as well as diverse geometrical shapes, peptides or peptide-containing polymers exhibit good biodegradability, high flexibility, and bio-functional diversity as nonviral siRNA vectors. Also, a variety of noncovalent nanocomplexes could be built via self-assembling and electrostatic interactions between cationic peptides and siRNAs. Although the peptide/siRNA nanocomplex-based RNAi therapies, STP705 and MIR-19, are under clinical trials, a guideline addressing the current bottlenecks of peptide/siRNA nanocomplex delivery is in high demand for future research and development. In this review, we present strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes in the treatment of genetic disorders. Through thorough analysis of those RNAi formulations using different delivery strategies, we seek to shed light on the rationale of peptide design and modification in constructing robust siRNA delivery systems, including targeted and co-delivery systems. Based on this, we provide a timely and comprehensive understanding of how to engineer biocompatible and efficient peptide-based siRNA vectors.

Iontophoresis of Biological Macromolecular Drugs

Over the last few decades, biological macromolecular drugs (e.g., peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids) have become a significant therapeutic modality for the treatment of various diseases. These drugs are considered superior to small-molecule drugs because of their high specificity and favorable safety profiles. However, such drugs are limited by their low oral bioavailability and short half-lives. Biological macromolecular drugs are typically administrated via invasive methods, e.g., intravenous or subcutaneous injections, which can be painful and induce needle phobia. Noninvasive transdermal delivery is an alternative administration route for the local and systemic delivery of biological macromolecular drugs. However, a challenge with the noninvasive transdermal delivery of biological macromolecular drugs is the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, which is a physical barrier that restricts the entry of extraneous macromolecules. Iontophoresis (IP) relies on the application of a low level of electricity for transdermal drug delivery, in order to facilitate the skin permeation of hydrophilic and charged molecules. The IP of several biological macromolecular drugs has recently been investigated. Herein, we review the IP-mediated noninvasive transdermal delivery of biological macromolecular drugs, their routes of skin permeation, their underlying mechanisms, and their advance applications.

Cutaneous Delivery of Cosmeceutical Peptides Enhanced by Picosecond- and Nanosecond-Domain Nd:YAG Lasers with Quick Recovery of the Skin Barrier Function: Comparison with Microsecond-Domain Ablative Lasers

Picosecond or nanosecond-domain non-ablative lasers generate faster photothermal effects and cause less injury than microsecond lasers. In this study, we investigated the enhancing effect of 1064 nm picosecond- and nanosecond-domain neodymium (Nd):yttrium–aluminum–garnet (YAG) lasers on the cutaneous delivery of cosmeceutical peptides. Microsecond-domain fractional ablative CO2 and fully ablative erbium (Er):YAG lasers were also used for comparison. In the Franz diffusion cell study, pig or mouse skin was treated with a laser before exposure to palmitoyl tripeptide (PT)-1, PT-38, and copper tripeptide (CT)-1 at a concentration of 150 μM. Psoriasiform, atopic dermatitis (AD)-like, and photoaged skins were also developed as permeation barriers. The non-ablative laser elicited the ultrastructural disruption of the stratum corneum and epidermal vacuolation. All laser modalities significantly increased the skin permeation of peptides in vitro. The non-ablative laser chiefly enhanced peptide delivery to the receptor compartment, whereas the ablative laser mainly increased the intracutaneous peptide deposition. The picosecond- and nanosecond-domain Nd:YAG lasers elevated the amount of PT-1 in the receptor up to 40- and 22-fold compared with untreated skin, respectively. Laser treatment promoted peptide delivery in barrier-deficient and inflamed skins, although this enhancement effect was less than that observed in healthy skin. Fluorescence microscopy indicated the capability of the non-ablative laser to deliver peptides to deeper skin strata. The ablative laser confined the peptide distribution in the epidermis. Confocal microscopy showed that peptides penetrated the skin along the microdots created by the fractional Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers. The skin barrier function determined by transepidermal water loss suggested quick recovery when using a nanosecond-domain laser (within 4 h). A longer period was needed for the skin treated with the fully ablative Er:YAG laser (76–84 h). Nanosecond non-ablative laser-facilitated peptide delivery may become an efficient and safe approach for cosmeceutical applications.

Effect of mRNA Delivery Modality and Formulation on Cutaneous mRNA Distribution and Downstream eGFP Expression

In vitro transcribed messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) constitutes an emerging therapeutic class with several clinical applications. This study presents a systematic comparison of different technologies—intradermal injection, microneedle injection, jet injection, and fractional laser ablation—for the topical cutaneous delivery of mRNA. Delivery of Cy5 labeled mRNA and non-labeled enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expressing mRNA was investigated in a viable ex vivo porcine skin model and monitored for 48 h. Forty 10 µm-thick horizontal sections were prepared from each skin sample and Cy5 labeled mRNA or eGFP expression visualized as a function of depth by confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunohistochemistry. A pixel-based method was used to create a semi-quantitative biodistribution profile. Different spatial distributions of Cy5 labeled mRNA and eGFP expression were observed, depending on the delivery modality; localization of eGFP expression pointed to the cells responsible. Delivery efficiencies and knowledge of delivery sites can facilitate development of efficient, targeted mRNA-based therapeutics.

Formulation-based approaches for dermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutic nucleic acids: Recent advances and future perspectives

A growing variety of biological macromolecules are in development for use as active ingredients in topical therapies and vaccines. Dermal delivery of biomacromolecules offers several advantages compared to other delivery methods, including improved targetability, reduced systemic toxicity, and decreased degradation of drugs. However, this route of delivery is hampered by the barrier function of the skin. Recently, a large body of research has been directed toward improving the delivery of macromolecules to the skin, ranging from nucleic acids (NAs) to antigens, using noninvasive means. In this review, we discuss the latest formulation-based efforts to deliver antigens and NAs for vaccination and treatment of skin diseases. We provide a perspective of their advantages, limitations, and potential for clinical translation. The delivery platforms discussed in this review may provide formulation scientists and clinicians with a better vision of the alternatives for dermal delivery of biomacromolecules, which may facilitate the development of new patient-friendly prophylactic and therapeutic medicines.

Experimental research in topical psoriasis therapy (Review)

Psoriasis, one of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases in dermatologic pathology, remains a challenge in regards to the therapeutic approach. Topical therapy for psoriasis is a current trending subject as it implies good compliance for the patient, few adverse systemic reactions and a targeted effect. Numerous substances are now being tested, from natural to synthetic compounds and already known substances in improved formulas such as vesicular systems. The aim of this article was to conduct a literature review regarding the topical therapy of psoriasis in animal models, between June, 27, 2019 and July 9, 2020. For this article, the authors conducted extensive research in PubMed with the following keywords: Psoriasis AND (topical OR local) and (therapy OR treatment) AND (mice OR rats). The main new studied substances included lycopene, sodium butyrate, salvianolic acid B, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in ionic liquids, albendazole, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, biomimetic reconstituted high-density lipoprotein nanocarrier gel containing microRNA (miRNA)-210 antisense, thymoquinone in ethosomal vesicle, Sea buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides), nitidine chloride, Melissa officinalis spp. Altissima extract and [1-(4-chloro-3-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-methanol (CIM). New formulas of already known anti-psoriasis substances such as: Cyclosporine, methotrexate, calcipotriol, tazarotene, protein kinase p38 and integrin α5β1 as a target, are also reviewed. Recent research in topical psoriasis underlines the importance of animal experimental research in dermatology, providing a starting point for developing new therapeutic approaches in one of the most frequently diagnosed chronic dermatologic diseases. Vesicular systems are now providing the best vehicle for topical therapy, thus easing the action of the active substances at their target sites.

lncRNA FER1L4 is dysregulated in osteoarthritis and regulates IL-6 expression in human chondrocyte cells

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease and is one of the major causes of disability in the world. There has been an increase in the incidence of OA, which is associated with an aging population, sedentary lifestyle, and reduced physical activity. Due to the complex OA pathogenesis, there are limited diagnostic tools. OA is a degenerative joint disorder with a recognized inflammatory component, usually described as abnormal expression of inflammatory factors. For instance, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) has been shown to be upregulated in serum and synovial fluid among patients with OA. Most of the inflammatory factors have been associated with the expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). However, the role of the novel lncRNA Fer-1-like protein 4 (FER1L4) in OA is yet to be determined. Here, we interrogated the expression profile of FER1L4 in patients with OA to define its potential application as a diagnostic marker. We collected synovial fluid and blood samples from both OA cases and normal controls. Using qRT-PCR, we evaluated the expression of FER1L4 in plasma and synovial fluid. On the other hand, the expression of IL-6 in plasma and synovial fluid was assessed using ELISA. Besides, the effect of age, gender or disease stage in the expression of the FER1L4 in plasma was also estimated. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the impact of FER1L4 in OA cases compared with the normal controls. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between FER1L4 and IL-6 through Pearson correlation analysis. Also, IL-6 expression in overexpressed FER1L4 samples was detected in chondrocytes through western blot analysis, while FER1L4 expression following endogenous IL-6 exposure was detected by qRT-PCR. Our data showed that whereas lncRNA FER1L4 is downregulated in OA patients, IL‐6 is upregulated. The plasma FER1L4 levels among the OA cases were suppressed with disease progression and old age, and the down-regulation could efficiently discriminate OA patients from normal subjects. In addition, upregulation of FER1L4 inhibited IL‐6 expression in human chondrocyte cells, and treatment with different concentrations of exogenous IL‐6 did not affect the expression of FER1L4. Taken together, our data demonstrates that FER1L4 could efficiently identify OA cases from normal subjects, and can also modulate the expression of IL‐6 in human chondrocytes.

Power and Promise of Next-Generation Sequencing in Liquid Biopsies and Cancer Control

Traditional methods of cancer treatment are usually based on the morphological and histological diagnosis of tumors, and they are not optimized according to the specific situation. Precision medicine adjusts the existing treatment regimen based on the patient’s genomic information to make it most suitable for patients. Detection of genetic mutations in tumors is the basis of precise cancer medicine. Through the analysis of genetic mutations in patients with cancer, we can tailor the treatment plan for each patient with cancer to maximize the curative effect, minimize damage to healthy tissues, and optimize resources. In recent years, next-generation sequencing technology has developed rapidly and has become the core technology of precise targeted therapy and immunotherapy for cancer. From early cancer screening to treatment guidance for patients with advanced cancer, liquid biopsy is increasingly used in cancer management. This is as a result of the development of better noninvasive, repeatable, sensitive, and accurate tools used in early screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and monitoring of patients. Cell-free DNA, which is a new noninvasive molecular pathological detection method, often carries tumor-specific gene changes. It plays an important role in optimizing treatment and evaluating the efficacy of different treatment options in clinical trials, and it has broad clinical applications.

lncRNA HAND2-AS1 is downregulated in osteoarthritis and regulates IL-6 expression in chondrocytes

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability. The incidence of OA is progressively rising due to the diminishing levels of physical activity and ever-expanding aging population. However, the mainstay for OA treatment only can improve symptoms without delay the progression of this severe disease. This study aimed to explore the biological role and clinical function of lncRNA HAND2-AS1 in OA.

METHODS

Blood samples and synovial fluid were collected from OA patients and normal subjects. HAND2-AS1 expression was detected by qRT-PCR and IL-6 expression was detected by ELISA. The plasma levels of HAND2-AS1 were also detected in different ages, stages, and gender of OA patients and controls. Furthermore, the ROC curve was used to analyze whether HAND2-AS1 can distinguish OA patients from normal subjects. Also, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was used to analyze the correlation between lncRNA HAND2-AS1 and IL-6. In addition, Western blot was used to detect the IL-6 level upon HAND2-AS1 over-expression in chondrocytes and qRT-PCR was used to detect the HAND2-AS1 level after endogenous IL-6 treatment.

RESULTS

HAND2-AS1 and IL-6 were dysregulated in plasma and synovial fluid of OA patients. The expression of HAND2-AS1 in plasma of OA patients was decreased with aging and progression. Furthermore, HAND2-AS1 downregulation effectively distinguished OA patients from the healthy controls. Over-expression of HAND2-AS1 inhibited IL-6 expression in chondrocytes, while treatment with exogenous IL-6 did not affect HAND2-AS1 expression.

CONCLUSION

HAND2-AS1 effectively distinguished OA patients from the healthy controls and regulates IL-6 expression in human chondrocytes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000038635 . Registered 11 February 2019.