Gallic acid inhibits fibroblast growth and migration in keloids through the AKT/ERK signaling pathway

Honey Phytochemicals: Bioactive Agents With Therapeutic Potential for Dermatological Disorders

Honey has been reported to have a range of biological activities including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound healing effects. Indeed, medical-grade honey is currently used in hospitals for the clinical management of wound infections. Honey is also of scientific interest for its therapeutic effects on other dermatological disorders such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and skin cancer. Recent studies have uncovered that honey contains a range of phytochemicals including flavonoids, dicarboxylic acids, coumarins, and phenolic acids. In this review, PubMed was used to search the scientific literature on the biological properties of honey phytochemicals in relation to dermatological disorders and to evaluate their potential as bioactive agents, drugs, or cosmeceuticals for the treatment of skin disease. The review revealed that phytochemicals found in honey have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, antioxidant, anticancer, depigmenting, photoprotective, wound healing, and skin barrier enhancing properties. Although further high-quality studies are required to establish clinical efficacy, these findings suggest that honey phytochemicals may have the potential to be used as bioactive agents for the management of a range of dermatological disorders including wounds, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, rosacea, and skin cancer.

Increased Susceptibility to Mechanical Stretch Drives the Persistence of Keloid Fibroblasts: An Investigation Using a Stretchable PDMS Platform

BACKGROUND

Keloids are a common fibrotic disease of the skin, with the pathological hallmark of excessive extracellular matrix synthesis due to abnormal fibroblast activity. Since keloids clinically arise in areas of high mechanical tension, the mechanotransductory pathway may be attributed to its pathogenesis. We aimed to establish a preclinical platform to elucidate the underlying mechanism of keloid development and its clinical persistence.

METHODS

We fabricated a mechanically stretchable polydimethylsiloxane cell culture platform; with its mimicry of the in vivo cyclic stretch of skeletal muscles, cells showed higher proliferation compared with conventional modalities.

RESULTS

In response to mechanical strain, TGF-β and type 1 collagen showed significant increases, suggesting possible TGF-β/Smad pathway activation via mechanical stimulation. Protein candidates selected by proteomic analysis were evaluated, indicating that key molecules involved in cell signaling and oxidative stress were significantly altered. Additionally, the cytoskeletal network of keloid fibroblasts showed increased expression of its components after periodic mechanical stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we demonstrated and validated the existing body of knowledge regarding profibrotic mechanotransduction signaling pathways in keloid fibroblasts. Cyclic stretch, as a driving force, could help to decipher the tension-mediated biomechanical processes, leading to the development of optimized therapeutic targets.

Natural products - Dawn of keloid treatment

Keloids are prevalent pathological scars, often leading to cosmetic deformities and hindering joint mobility.They cause discomfort, including burning and itching, while gradually expanding and potentially posing a risk of cancer.Developing effective drugs and treatments for keloids has been a persistent challenge in the medical field. Natural products are an important source of innovative drugs and a breakthrough for many knotty disease.Herein, keywords of "natural, plant, compound, extract" were combined with "keloid" and searched in PubMed and Google Scholar, respectively. A total of 32 natural products as well as 9 extracts possessing the potential for treating keloids were ultimately identified.Current research in this field faces a significant challenge due to the lack of suitable animal models, resulting in a predominant reliance on in vitro studies.In vivo and clinical studies are notably scarce as a result.Moreover, there is a notable deficiency in research focusing on the role of nutrients in keloid formation and treatment.The appropriate dosage form (oral, topical, injectable) is crucial for the development of natural product drugs. Finally, the conclusion was hereby made that natural products, when used as adjuncts to other treatments, hold significant potential in the management of keloids.By summarizing the natural products and elucidating their mechanisms in keloid treatment, the present study aims to stimulate further discoveries and research in drug development for effectively addressing this challenging condition.

Gallic acid ameliorates endometrial hyperplasia through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway and the down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression

BACKGROUND

Gallic acid (GA) is an organic compound with phenolic properties that occurs naturally and can be found in Guizhi Fuling capsules, showcasing a wide range of biological functionalities.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of GA on endometrial hyperplasia (EH) and elucidate its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Initially, the induction of EH was achieved by administering estradiol to mice via continuous subcutaneous injection for a duration of 21 days. Concurrently, GA treatment was administered, and subsequently, the uterine tissue structure was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Following this, the proliferation of human endometrial cells treated by GA was determined utilizing the CCK-8 method. Furthermore, network pharmacology and single-cell-RNA-seq data were employed to identify the target of GA action. In addition, we will employ immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, western blot and RT-qPCR methodologies to investigate the impact of GA on the expression level of cyclin D1, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT.

RESULTS

GA treatment ameliorated histopathological alterations in the uterus and suppress proliferation. Estradiol stimulation can activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to up-regulation of cyclin D1 expression, whereas GA treatment results in down-regulation of its expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of cyclin D1 is down-regulated by GA through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway, effectively mitigating estradiol-induced EH in mice.

UV-polymerizable methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)-based hydrogel containing tannic acids for wound healing

Gelatin-based photopolymerizable methacrylate hydrogel (GelMA) is a promising biomaterial for in situ drug delivery, while aqueous extract of Punica granatum (AEPG) peel fruit rich in gallic acid and ellagic acid is used to improve wound healing. The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the healing properties of GelMA containing AEPG, gallic acid, or ellagic acid in a rodent model. GelMA hydrogels containing 5% AEPG (GelMA-PG), 1.6% gallic acid (GelMA-GA), or 2.1% ellagic acid (GelMA-EA) were produced and their mechanical properties, enzymatic degradation, and thermogravimetric profile determined. Wound closure rates, healing histological grading, and immunohistochemical counts of myofibroblasts were assessed over time. The swelling of hydrogels varied between 50 and 90%, and GelMA exhibited a higher swelling than the other groups. The GPG samples showed higher compression and Young's moduli than GelMA, GGA, and GAE. All samples degraded around 95% in 48 h. GPG and GGA significantly accelerated wound closure, improved collagenization, increased histological grading, and hastened myofibroblast differentiation in comparison to the control, GelMA, and GEA. GelMA containing AEPG (GPG) improved wound healing, and although gallic acid is the major responsible for such biological activity, a potential synergic effect played by other polyphenols present in the extract is evident.

Gallic Acid Treats Hypertrophic Scar in Rabbit Ears via the TGF-β/Smad and TRPC3 Signaling Pathways

Hypertrophic scars (HSs) develop due to excessive collagen deposition and abnormal fibroblast proliferation during wound healing, significantly impacting patient quality of life. Three dosages of GA ointments were administered to rabbit ear HS models to investigate the potential efficacy and mechanism of gallic acid (GA) on HS. Daily application of ointment was performed on the matrix group, the GA ointment groups, and the silicone gel group for 28 days. (No drug treatment was performed on the skin and model groups as a blank group and vehicle group, and silicone gel ointment was topically administered to the silicone gel group as a positive control group.) Scar specimens were collected for histopathology analysis, RNA sequencing analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis at the first, second, and fourth weeks after the treatment. Low-dose and medium-dose GA effectively suppressed HS formation and markedly decreased fibroblast infiltration levels and scar thickness. Moreover, decreased expression of TRPC3 mRNA and TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, and Smad2/3 protein was observed in the low- and medium-dose GA groups and the silicone gel group. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of GA in treating HS and sheds light on its potential underlying pharmacological mechanisms.

Keloid Patient Plasma-Derived Exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 Promotes Normal Skin Fibroblasts Proliferation, Migration, and Fibrogenesis via Modulating miR-193a-5p and Activating TGF-β1/Smad2/3 Signaling

Background

Keloids are fibroproliferative disorders, which seriously affect the quality of life of patients with keloids. Additionally, circRNAs are enriched within exosomes derived from human blood samples, whereas their relationship with keloids remains largely unknown. It has been reported that hsa_circ_0020792 was abnormally upregulated in keloid tissues. However, the role of keloid patient plasma-derived exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 in the formation and development of keloids is not well understood.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from the peripheral blood plasma of the patients with keloids (keloid patient-Exo) and healthy controls (Healthy control-Exo). The hsa_circ_0020792 and miR-193a-5p levels in keloid patient-Exo and healthy control-Exo, as well as in keloid fibroblasts and normal skin fibroblasts (NFs) were evaluated by RT-qPCR.

Results

The level of hsa_circ_0020792 was remarkably increased in keloid patient-Exo and keloid fibroblasts compared with that in Healthy control-Exo and NFs, respectively. In addition, keloid patient-Exo obviously enhanced the viability, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, but reduced the apoptosis of NFs. Moreover, keloid patient-Exo notably promoted the fibrogenesis of NFs, as characterized by enhanced TGF-β signaling, increased expressions of phosphorylated Smad2/3. However, downregulation of hsa_circ_0020792 markedly reversed the promoting effects of keloid patient-Exo on cell growth, migration, and myofibroblast activation and fibrogenesis. Furthermore, downregulation of hsa_circ_0020792 significantly reduced the viability, migration, and fibrogenesis in NFs, whereas these phenomena were reversed by miR-193a-5p inhibitor.

Conclusion

Collectively, keloid patient plasma-derived exosomal hsa_circ_0020792 could promote the proliferation, migration, and fibrogenesis of NFs via modulating miR-193a-5p and activating TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling.

An improved explants culture method: Sustainable isolation of keloid fibroblasts with primary characteristics

BACKGROUND

Keloid (KD) is a complex fibroproliferative disease, but the exact mechanisms underlying keloid pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. The primary keloid fibroblasts (KFs) culture in vitro has always been a fundamental measure to study the pathogenesis of keloid. However, the traditional primary culture methods have some limitations, such as a long culture cycle, low specimen utilization rate and so on.

AIMS

Improve the keloid explants culture method sts.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We proposed an improved new "explants multiple culture method"-reusing keloid explants for primary culture and harvesting the primary KFs in specific culture times. Meanwhile, the purity, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, extracellular matrix synthesis, and some fibrosis and inflammation-related proteins of KFs obtained from the first, fifth, and tenth explants cultures were detected.

RESULTS

The results showed that the culture cycle of this new method (Cell Isolation: 2.67 ± 0.86 days, Explants removal: 8.83 ± 0.79 days, Cell Passage: 15.17 ± 1.39 days) was significantly shorter than that of the traditional method (Cell Isolation: 8.67 ± 1.84 days, Explants removal: 17.67 ± 2.17 days, Cell Passage: 22.67 ± 1.84 days). No significant difference was observed between the phenotypes of the fibroblasts obtained from the first explants culture and cultures less than 10 times (p > 0.05).

DISSCUSSION

Taken together, this study provides an effective method for the primary culture of KFs with a higher specimen utilization rate and shorter culture cycle.

CONCLUSION

This method breaks through the limitation of traditional explants culture requiring a large number of keloid specimens and provides a rich source of KFs for the study of keloid.

Recent Advances in Herbal-Derived Products with Skin Anti-Aging Properties and Cosmetic Applications

Although aesthetic benefits are a desirable effect of the treatment of skin aging, it is also important in controlling several skin diseases, mainly in aged people. The development of new dermocosmetics has rapidly increased due to consumers' demand for non-invasive products with lower adverse effects than those currently available on the market. Natural compounds of plant origin and herbal-derived formulations have been popularized due to their various safe active products, which act through different mechanisms of action on several signaling pathways for skin aging. Based on this, the aim of the review was to identify the recent advances in herbal-derived product research, including herbal formulations and isolated compounds with skin anti-aging properties. The studies evaluated the biological effects of herbal-derived products in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, highlighting the effects that were reported in clinical trials with available pharmacodynamics data that support their protective effects to treat, prevent, or control human skin aging. Thus, it was possible to identify that gallic and ferulic acids and herbal formulations containing Thymus vulgaris, Panax ginseng, Triticum aestivum, or Andrographis paniculata are the most promising natural products for the development of new dermocosmetics with skin anti-aging properties.

The Treatment of Keloid Scars via Modulating Heterogeneous Gelatin-Structured Composite Microneedles to Control Transdermal Dual-Drug Release

Keloid scarring is an abnormal scar disease characterised by excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and over-deposition of collagen during wound healing. Although various treatments for keloid scars have been developed, preventive medicine is believed to be a promising strategy. The skin barrier limits the gentle topical administration of medicaments such as creams and hydrogel dressings, resulting in reduced therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, microneedles (MNs) have been regarded as an appreciable device for topical administration without inducing side effects, and they are painless and do not cause bleeding. In this study, an MN patch with controlled transdermal dual-drug release was developed to achieve combinatory treatment of keloid scars using a heterogeneous gelatin-structured composite MN. Gelatin hydrogel was used as a substrate to load gallic acid (GA) and quercetin-loaded amphiphilic gelatin nanoparticles to fabricate dual-drug heterogeneous composite MNs. The results of the insertion test and mechanical properties of the MNs showed that the heterogeneous composite MN patches could be self-pressed into the stratum corneum and control dual-drug release at different time periods. GA was released at an earlier stage to retard the proliferation of fibroblasts, and quercetin was released at a later stage as a strong antioxidant to erase the generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction data indicated that the gene expression of fibroblasts (such as Col I and III) was downregulated in the dual-drug system. The above results demonstrate that using heterogeneous composite MNs with the combination of dual-drug pharmacology is beneficial for preventing keloid scar formation.

Traditional Chinese medicine for hypertrophic scars—A review of the therapeutic methods and potential effects

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a typical pathological response during skin injury, which can lead to pain, itching, and contracture in patients and even affect their physical and mental health. The complexity of the wound healing process leads to the formation of HS affected by many factors. Several treatments are available for HS, whereas some have more adverse reactions and can even cause new injuries with exacerbated scarring. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich source, and most botanical drugs have few side effects, providing new ideas and methods for treating HS. This paper reviews the formation process of HS, the therapeutic strategy for HS, the research progress of TCM with its relevant mechanisms in the treatment of HS, and the related new drug delivery system of TCM, aiming to provide ideas for further research of botanical compounds in the treatment of HS, to promote the discovery of more efficient botanical candidates for the clinical treatment of HS, to accelerate the development of the new drug delivery system and the final clinical application, and at the same time, to promote the research on the anti-HS mechanism of multiherbal preparations (Fufang), to continuously improve the quality control and safety and effectiveness of anti-HS botanical drugs in clinical application.

Identification of Medicinal Compounds of Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizome from Different Origins and Its Varieties Using UPLC-MS/MS-Based Metabolomics

Fagopyrum dibotrys, being native to southwest China, is widely distributed in Yunnan, Guizhou Provinces and Chongqing City. However, the quality of medicinal materials growing in different origins varies greatly, and cannot meet the market demand for high-quality F. dibotrys. In this study, 648 metabolites were identified, and phenolic compounds of F. dibotrys from different origins were clearly separated by principal component analysis (PCA). Our results suggested that the medicinal differences of F. dibotrys from different origins can be elucidated via the variations in the abundance of the phenolic and flavonoid compounds. We found that the epicatechin, total flavonoids and total tannin content in Yunnan Qujing (YQ) and Yunnan Kunming (YK) were higher than those in Chongqing Shizhu (CS), Chongqing Fuling (CF) and Guizhou Bijie (GB), suggesting that Yunnan Province can be considered as one of the areas that produce high-quality medicinal materials. Additionally, 1,6-di-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, 2,3-di-O-galloyl-D-glucose and gallic acid could be used as ideal marker compounds for the quality control of F. dibotrys from different origins caused by metabolites, and the F. dibotrys planted in Yunnan Province is well worth exploiting.

Amazonian Guarana- and Açai-Conjugated Extracts Improve Scratched Fibroblast Healing and Eisenia fetida Surgical Tail Amputation by Modulating Oxidative Metabolism

Background

Previous studies have suggested that guarana (Paullinia cupana) and açai (Euterpe oleracea) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proliferative properties, indicating their potential therapeutic action in wound healing. We produced a conjugated guarana-açai (GA) extract and tested its healing action on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) subjected to tail amputation by surgical incision.

Methods

Extract from roasted guarana seeds and fresh açai seed berries was produced. The antioxidant and genoprotective capacity of GA extract was tested. The concentration with the most remarkable healing potential was used in subsequent tests. The last three posterior segments of the clitellate earthworm tail reared under standardized conditions were surgically amputated. Next, topical PBS or GA extract was applied to the surgical wound. The rate of cell migration and tissue regeneration at the local wound site was histologically evaluated after the procedure. Expression of the SOX4 gene that acts in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was determined by RT-qPCR.

Results

Sixteen bioactive molecules, including some previously described substances, were identified. All tested concentrations exhibited antioxidant and genoprotective effects. The GA extract accelerated the healing processes as observed through macroscopic and histological analyses and increased expression of SOX4.

Conclusion

The GA extract has a potential role in the healing of surgically induced wounds.

Gallic Acid-Functionalized, TiO2-Based Nanomaterial-Preparation, Physicochemical and Biological Properties

Wound healing and skin tissue regeneration remain the most critical challenges faced by medical professionals. Titanium(IV) oxide-based materials were proposed as components of pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds and unsightly scarring. A gallic acid-functionalized TiO₂ nanomaterial (TiO₂-GA) was obtained using the self-assembly technique and characterized using the following methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry (TG). Additionally, physicochemical and biological tests (DPPH assay, Microtox^® acute toxicity test, MTT assay) were performed to assess antioxidant properties as well as to determine the cytotoxicity of the novel material against eukaryotic (MRC-5 pd19 fibroblasts) and prokaryotic (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aliivibrio fischeri) cells. To determine the photocytotoxicity of the material, specific tests were carried out with and without exposure to visible light lamps (425 nm). Following the results, the TiO₂-GA material could be considered an additive to dressings and rinsing suspensions for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds that are at risk of bacterial infections.

ASC-J9 Blocks Cell Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Production of Keloid Fibroblasts through Inhibiting STAT3 Signaling

Keloids are a fibrotic skin disorder caused by abnormal wound healing and featuring the activation and expansion of fibroblasts beyond the original wound margin. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been found to mediate the biological functions of keloid fibroblasts (KFs). Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate whether ASC-J9, an inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation, can suppress the activation of KFs. Western blotting results showed that ASC-J9 inhibited the levels of COL1A1 and FN1 proteins, which were upregulated in KFs, by decreasing the expression of pSTAT3 and STAT3. RNA sequencing and in vitro studies further demonstrated that ASC-J9 treatment of KFs reduced cell division, inflammation, and ROS generation, as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. ELISA assays verified that ASC-J9 treatment significantly mitigated IL-6 protein secretion in KFs. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that ASC-J9 induced the formation of multilamellar bodies in KFs, which is associated with autophagy-related signaling. These results suggested that inhibiting a vicious cycle of the ROS/STAT3/IL-6 axis by ASC-J9 may represent a potential therapeutic approach to suppress cell proliferation and ECM production in KFs.

Gallic acid inhibits osteoclastogenesis and prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease with a rapidly increasing prevalence, characterized by massive bone loss because of excessive osteoclast formation. Gallic acid (GA), a phenolic acid isolated from Cornus officinalis, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, but its effect on osteoclast formation has not been confirmed. In our study, we demonstrated that GA significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and function of osteoclast in bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) and RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. For molecular mechanisms, GA repressed osteoclastogenesis by blocking Akt, ERK, and JNK pathways, and suppressed osteoclastogenesis-related marker expression, including nuclear factor of the activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, and cathepsin K (CTSK). In addition, we further assessed the effect of GA in an ovariectomized mouse model, which indicated that GA has a notable effect on preventing bone loss. In conclusion, GA exerts notable effects in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and preventing ovariectomy-induced bone loss, suggesting that GA is a potential agent in osteoporosis treatment.

Gallic acid: a dietary polyphenol that exhibits anti-neoplastic activities by modulating multiple oncogenic targets

Phytochemicals are being used for thousands of years to prevent dreadful malignancy. Side effects of existing allopathic treatment have also initiated intense research in the field of bioactive phytochemicals. Gallic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound, exists freely as well as in polymeric forms. The anti-cancer properties of gallic acid are indomitable by a variety of cellular pathways such as induction of programmed cell death, cell cycle apprehension, reticence of vasculature and tumor migration, and inflammation. Furthermore, gallic acid is found to show synergism with other existing chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, the antineoplastic role of gallic acid suggests its promising therapeutic candidature in the near future. The present review describes all these aspects of gallic acid at a single platform. In addition nanotechnology-mediated approaches are also discussed to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Potential Effects of Phenolic Compounds That Can Be Found in Olive Oil on Wound Healing

The treatment of tissue damage produced by physical, chemical, or mechanical agents involves considerable direct and indirect costs to health care systems. Wound healing involves a series of molecular and cellular events aimed at repairing the defect in tissue integrity. These events can be favored by various natural agents, including the polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The objective of this study was to review data on the potential effects of different phenolic compounds that can also be found in EVOO on wound healing and closure. Results of in vitro and animal studies demonstrate that polyphenols from different plant species, also present in EVOO, participate in different aspects of wound healing, accelerating this process through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and their stimulation of angiogenic activities required for granulation tissue formation and wound re-epithelialization. These results indicate the potential usefulness of EVOO phenolic compounds for wound treatment, either alone or in combination with other therapies. Human studies are warranted to verify this proposition.

[Curcumol inhibits keloid fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis through the ERK signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of curcumol on the proliferation, apoptosis and collagen synthesis of keloid fibroblasts and explore the underlying mechanism.

OBJECTIVE

Keloid fibroblasts were treated with different concentrations of curcumol (10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/L) or with 160 mg/L curcumol and 20 μmol/L ISO (an ERK signaling pathway activator). Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of proliferation-associated proteins (cyclin D1 and PCNA), fibrosis marker proteins (Col1A1, Col3A1 and α-SMA), apoptosis proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3) and ERK signaling pathway proteins (p-ERK1/2, p-MEK and p-c-Raf) in the cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis rate of the treated cells, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

Curcumol at 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/L all reduced the protein expressions of cyclin D1, PCNA and Bcl-2, inhibited the expressions of fibrotic marker proteins Col1A1, Col3A1 and α-SMA, decreased the levels of ERK signaling pathway proteins p-ERK1/2, p-MEK and p-c-Raf, and increased the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins (P < 0.05). Curcumol treatment at 160 mg/L obviously inhibited the proliferation and collagen synthesis, promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited the ERK signaling pathway in the keloid fibroblasts; treatment with ISO significantly reversed the effects of curcumol on the proliferation, apoptosis, collagen synthesis and ERK signal pathway of the cells.

OBJECTIVE

Curcumol regulates proliferation, apoptosis and collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts through the ERK signaling pathway.

The Keloid Disorder: Heterogeneity, Histopathology, Mechanisms and Models

Keloids constitute an abnormal fibroproliferative wound healing response in which raised scar tissue grows excessively and invasively beyond the original wound borders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of several important themes in keloid research: namely keloid histopathology, heterogeneity, pathogenesis, and model systems. Although keloidal collagen versus nodules and α-SMA-immunoreactivity have been considered pathognomonic for keloids versus hypertrophic scars, conflicting results have been reported which will be discussed together with other histopathological keloid characteristics. Importantly, histopathological keloid abnormalities are also present in the keloid epidermis. Heterogeneity between and within keloids exists which is often not considered when interpreting results and may explain discrepancies between studies. At least two distinct keloid phenotypes exist, the superficial-spreading/flat keloids and the bulging/raised keloids. Within keloids, the periphery is often seen as the actively growing margin compared to the more quiescent center, although the opposite has also been reported. Interestingly, the normal skin directly surrounding keloids also shows partial keloid characteristics. Keloids are most likely to occur after an inciting stimulus such as (minor and disproportionate) dermal injury or an inflammatory process (environmental factors) at a keloid-prone anatomical site (topological factors) in a genetically predisposed individual (patient-related factors). The specific cellular abnormalities these various patient, topological and environmental factors generate to ultimately result in keloid scar formation are discussed. Existing keloid models can largely be divided into in vivo and in vitro systems including a number of subdivisions: human/animal, explant/culture, homotypic/heterotypic culture, direct/indirect co-culture, and 3D/monolayer culture. As skin physiology, immunology and wound healing is markedly different in animals and since keloids are exclusive to humans, there is a need for relevant human in vitro models. Of these, the direct co-culture systems that generate full thickness keloid equivalents appear the most promising and will be key to further advance keloid research on its pathogenesis and thereby ultimately advance keloid treatment. Finally, the recent change in keloid nomenclature will be discussed, which has moved away from identifying keloids solely as abnormal scars with a purely cosmetic association toward understanding keloids for the fibroproliferative disorder that they are.

Qualitative Chemical Characterization and Multidirectional Biological Investigation of Leaves and Bark Extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae)

Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae) has a long history of use by folk populations for the management of multiple human ailments. Based on the published literature, there has been no attempt to conduct a comparative assessment of the biological activity and the phytochemical profiles of the leaves and stem bark of A. leiocarpus extracted using methanol, ethyl acetate, and water. By high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ) analysis, quinic, shikimic, gallic, and protocatechuic acids were tentatively identified from all the extracts, while chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, and dodecanedioic acids were only characterised from the leaves extracts. Additionally, a pharmacological study was carried out to evaluate potential protective effects that are induced by the extracts in rat colon and colon cancer HCT116 cell line. In general, the methanol and water extracts of A. leiocarpus leaves and stem bark showed potent radical scavenging and reducing properties. It was noted that the stem bark extracts were more potent antioxidants as compared to the leaves extracts. The methanol extract of A. leiocarpus leaves showed the highest acetyl (4.68 mg galantamine equivalent/g) and butyryl (4.0 mg galantamine equivalent/g) cholinesterase inhibition. Among ethyl acetate extracts, the pharmacological investigation suggested stem bark ethyl acetate extracts to be the most promising. This extract revealed ability to protect rat colon from lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, without exerting promoting effects on HCT116 cell line viability and migration. As a conclusion, A. leiocarpus represents a potential source of bioactive compounds in the development of novel therapeutic agents.

UNBS5162 as a novel naphthalimide holds efficacy in human gastric carcinoma cell behaviors mediated by AKT/ERK signaling pathway

Purpose: Studies have determined that UNBS5162, recognized as a new naphthalimide, holds inhibitory effects in prostate and breast tumors; however, its functional implication on gastric carcinoma is currently undetermined. Based on this, this study designed to assess the functional role of it on human gastric carcinoma and underlying mechanism of action. Methods: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to assess capabilities of SGC-7901 cell proliferation, invasion/migration, and apoptosis, respectively. Moreover, western blot was performed to determine the relative expression of protein related to autophagy and protein kinase B (AKT)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway. Results: We found SGC-7901 cells proliferation, invasion, and migration were significantly inhibited after treatment of UNBS5162. Moreover, the expression levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased while the expression of pro-apoptotic protein active caspase 3 and Bax increased concurrently after UNBS5162 stimulation. Further, upregulated LC3 II/I and Beclin-1 and downregulated P62 were induced by UNBS5162 addition. Mechanically, the ratios of phosphorylated-(p-)AKT/AKT, p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR, and p-ERK/ERK were hampered by UNBS5162 application. Conclusion: UNBS5162 could restrain gastric carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, which maybe induced by enhancement of apoptosis, autophagy manipulated through AKT/ERK signaling pathway.