Proinflammatory cytokines regulate epidermal stem cells in wound epithelialization

A Snapshot of Cytokine Dynamics: A Fine Balance Between Health and Disease

Health and disease are intricately intertwined and often determined by the delicate balance of biological processes. Cytokines, a family of small signalling molecules, are pivotal in maintaining this balance, ensuring the body's immune system functions optimally. In a healthy condition, cytokines act as potent mediators of immune responses. They orchestrate the activities of immune cells, coordinating their proliferation, differentiation, and migration. This intricate role of cytokine signalling enables the body to effectively combat infections, repair damaged tissues, and regulate inflammation. However, the delicate equilibrium of cytokine production is susceptible to disruption. Excessive or abnormal cytokine levels can lead to a cascade of pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, infections, allergies, and even cancer. Interestingly, from the bunch of cytokines, few cytokines play an essential role in maintaining the balance between normal physiological status and diseases. In this review, we have appraised key cytokines' potential role and feedback loops in augmenting the imbalances in the body's biological functions, presenting a critical link between inflammation and disease pathology. Moreover, we have also highlighted the significance of cytokines and their molecular interplay, particularly in the recent viral pandemic COVID-19 disease. Hence, understandings regarding the interplay between viral infection and cytokine responses are essential and fascinating for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Rat model evaluation for healing-promoting effectiveness and antimicrobial activity of electron beam synthesized (polyvinyl alcohol-pectin)- silver doped zinc oxide hydrogel dressings enriched with lavender oil

Ag/ZnO NPs and lavender oil (LVO) were incorporated into (polyvinyl alcohol/pectin) (PVA/Pet) dressings using electron beam irradiation technology. The Ag/ZnO NPs were prepared using the precipitation method and characterized using XRD, FTIR, and EDX techniques. TEM micrograph shows their spherical appearance with an average size of around 27.4 nm. The increase in the (PVA: Pet) feed solution concentration up to 30% enhances the gel content to 92%. The swelling degree reaches 1674% using 80 wt% pectin content. Meanwhile, increasing the irradiation dose up to 45 kGy increases the gel fraction and negatively affects the swelling capabilities. Incorporating Ag/ZnO NPs and LVO slightly decreased the gel fraction, the swelling degree, and the dressing's porosity reached 87%. In pseudo extracellular fluids, dressings with 10% LVO demonstrate 419% swelling capacities, and their WVTR reaches 271.1 g/m2h. Dressings show biocompatibility, antimicrobial potential, and excellent wound healing capacity towards the excisional wound model in rats, as confirmed by the histological and biochemical results. LVO-(PVA/Pet)-Ag/ZnO dressings may accelerate tissue granulation and remodeling by replacing lost collagen and cause the wound to constrict by upregulating markers associated with wound healing so that it can be recommended as a wound healing candidate.

Zinc oxide and gum tragacanth based composite hydrogel heals partial thickness burn wound by attenuating pro-inflammatory genes and enhancing regenerating growth factors

In this study we have developed, characterized and examined the healing and regenerative potential of gum tragacanth based zinc oxide composite hydrogel (ZnO-GT). ZnO-GT composite is a pliable and soft formulation offering efficient, faster and improved burn wound healing/managements. In this procedure, we generated partial thickness burn wounds in murine model and then applied the wound with ZnO-GT formulation. ZnO-GT showed promising burn wound healing potential in vivo as only 0.48 % of burn residual area was observed in ZnO-GT treatment group compared to11.41 % in positive control group (silver sulfadiazine treatment) and 41.62 % in control group (saline treatment) at the end of 14th day. Two weeks of comparative histopathological study and analysis revealed dermal regeneration along with formation of skin appendages in hydrogel treated groups (p < 0.05). ZnO-GT accelerates inflammatory stage progression and reduces inflammatory responses of wound healing. Further it increases production of fibroblast growth factor and angiogenesis promoting factors such as NOX 4, VEGFR 2, HIF-1α and ANG1 which leads to the formation and differentiation of skin appendages as demonstrated by Western blotting studies. Altogether, ZnO-GT showed good biocompatibility along with substantial wound healing efficacy and regenerative property making it potent therapeutic agent for healing of burn skin wounds.

Multifunctional poloxamer-based thermo-responsive hydrogel loaded with human lactoferricin niosomes: In vitro study on anti-bacterial activity, accelerate wound healing, and anti-inflammation

Chronic wound infections are attributed to delayed tissue repair, which remains a major clinical challenge in long-term health care. Particularly, infections with antibiotic resistance have more serious effects on health, often resulting in unsuccessful treatments. Thus, antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-based therapy holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach to overcoming drug resistance. Conventional wound dressing is a passive strategy for wound care that is not capable of eradicating pathogens and promoting tissue repair. In this study, we aim to construct an advanced wound dressing; a thermo-responsive hydrogel incorporated with lactoferricin (Lfcin) niosome (Lfcin-Nio/hydrogel) for bacterial pathogen treatment. The Lfcin-loaded niosome (Lfcin-Nio) has a particle size of 396.91 ± 20.96 nm, 0.38 ± 0.01 of PdI, -10.5 ± 0.3 mV of ζ potential, and 72.30 ± 7.05 % Lfcin entrapment efficiency. Lfcin-Nio exhibited broad antibacterial activity on both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains, and also on bacteria residing in the biofilm matrix. The Lfcin-Nio/hydrogel was fabricated from 0.5 % w/v poloxamer 188-20 % w/v poloxamer 407, and supplemented with Lfcin-Nio and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The physical properties of Lfcin-Nio/hydrogels showed elasticity, swelling ability, and strong injectability with responsiveness to 33-37 °C temperatures. The biological properties of Lfcin-Nio/hydrogels exhibited a bactericidal effect against drug-resistant strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, and showed less toxicity to the human skin fibroblast. It also promoted the healing of scratches by 55 % within 6 h, compared to the wound closure rate of 20 % in the cell control. The inflammatory response of the Lfcin-Nio/hydrogel-treated cells was reduced via suppression of IL-1β and COX-2 mRNA expressions. From this study, Lfcin-Nio/hydrogels can be suggested as a modern wound dressing that possesses multifunctional and beneficial properties for the management of chronic wound infections.

Imaging Photoplethysmography (iPPG) in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery: A Novel Technique for Noninvasive Flap Perfusion Monitoring

BACKGROUND

Evaluate imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) as a novel noninvasive technique to assess flap perfusion in head and neck free flap reconstructive (FFR) surgeries.

METHODS

Intraoperative iPPG was performed in 17 patients undergoing FFR surgery. Imaging consisted of a 30-s video from which perfusion maps were extracted, providing detailed information about blood flow and pulsatility in the flap microvasculature. During each procedure, iPPG acquisitions were acquired representing distinct perfusion conditions of the flap (fully perfused/ischemic/reperfused). When possible, postoperative measurements were performed to assess flap recovery during the critical time period (3 days) and long-term follow-up (30 days).

RESULTS

Perfusion maps, displaying iPPG amplitude and delay times, correlated strongly (p < 0.001) with the perfusion status of the tissue. One case of postoperative thrombosis, leading to flap failure, was identified with iPPG. After surgical revision in this case, flap perfusion was restored and confirmed by iPPG. Postoperative follow-up imaging allowed for objective visualization of flap recovery short term (3 days) and up to 30 days after the surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that iPPG is suitable for objective and noninvasive assessment of flap perfusion in head and neck FFR surgery. In addition, postoperative monitoring shows potential for assessing flap perfusion in patients with increased risk of postoperative complications.

Wound healing: insights into autoimmunity, ageing, and cancer ecosystems through inflammation and IL-6 modulation

Wound healing represents a complex and evolutionarily conserved process across vertebrates, encompassing a series of life-rescuing events. The healing process runs in three main phases: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation/remodelling. While acute inflammation is indispensable for cleansing the wound, removing infection, and eliminating dead tissue characterised by the prevalence of neutrophils, the proliferation phase is characterised by transition into the inflammatory cell profile, shifting towards the prevalence of macrophages. The proliferation phase involves development of granulation tissue, comprising fibroblasts, activated myofibroblasts, and inflammatory and endothelial cells. Communication among these cellular components occurs through intercellular contacts, extracellular matrix secretion, as well as paracrine production of bioactive factors and proteolytic enzymes. The proliferation phase of healing is intricately regulated by inflammation, particularly interleukin-6. Prolonged inflammation results in dysregulations during the granulation tissue formation and may lead to the development of chronic wounds or hypertrophic/keloid scars. Notably, pathological processes such as autoimmune chronic inflammation, organ fibrosis, the tumour microenvironment, and impaired repair following viral infections notably share morphological and functional similarities with granulation tissue. Consequently, wound healing emerges as a prototype for understanding these diverse pathological processes. The prospect of gaining a comprehensive understanding of wound healing holds the potential to furnish fundamental insights into modulation of the intricate dialogue between cancer cells and non-cancer cells within the cancer ecosystem. This knowledge may pave the way for innovative approaches to cancer diagnostics, disease monitoring, and anticancer therapy.

FTY720P-treated macrophages in PEG-4MAL hydrogels promote oral wound healing

BACKGROUND AIMS

Oral wound healing involves hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodeling. The oral cavity is a complex wound healing environment because of the presence of saliva, a high bacterial burden and ongoing physical trauma from eating. The inflammatory component of wound healing balances the polarization of macrophages in healing tissues between M1 inflammatory macrophages and M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages. M2 macrophages secrete anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative cytokines and chemokines, which aid wound healing. Fingolimod, or FTY720, a Food and Drug Administration-approved sphingosine-1-phosphate modulator, has been implicated in inducing the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype. In this study, we investigated whether macrophage pre-treatment with phosphorylated FTY720 (FTY720P), the bioactive form of the drug, in a PEG-4MAL hydrogel promotes improved oral wound healing in a critically sized oral mucosal defect model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using cytokine dot blots and Luminex cytokine assays (MilliporeSigma, Burlington, MA, USA), FTY720P-treated murine RAW 264.7 and human THP1-differentiated macrophages in PEG-4MAL hydrogels secreted chemokines and cytokines known to regulate inflammation (e.g., interleukin [IL] 4, IL-13) and induce M2 macrophage polarization (e.g., CCL6, CCL22), leukocyte migration (e.g., CXCL2, CCL2, CCL12, CCL22), angiogenesis (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor) and epithelialization (e.g., IL-1, IL-17, IL-22). In vitro, FTY720P-treated cells induced chemotaxis of macrophages and fibroblasts in Transwell assays (Corning, Corning, NY, USA) and oral epithelial scratch wound closure. In a murine oronasal fistula (ONF) model of oral wound healing, the local application of FTY720P-treated macrophages in PEG-4MAL hydrogels significantly increased wound closure (75% closure) relative to non-treated cells (40% closure) and blank hydrogel controls (25% closure) (P < 0.0001). Flow cytometry of mouse palatal tissue showed that application of FTY720P-treated macrophage hydrogels to ONFs significantly increased day 7 percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages, mesenchymal stromal cells and CD19+ B cells. Significantly fewer neutrophils, monocytes, CD4+/CD8+ T cells and endothelial cells were observed in the FTY720P-treated macrophage defects, suggesting that FTY720P-treated macrophages in hydrogels promote oral wound healing via suppression of granulation and resolution of inflammation and promotion of tissue maturation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide new insights into the use of potential FTY720P-treated macrophage therapies for oral wound healing and have clinical implications for cleft palate and oral surgery.

Multifunctional SEBS/AgNWs Nanocomposite Films with Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties Promote Infected Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex biological process that can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress and impair myofibrillogenesis and angiogenesis. Several advanced wound-dressing nanocomposite materials have been designed to address these issues. Here, we designed a new multifunctional styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene/silver nanowire (SEBS/AgNWs)-based nanocomposite film with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties to promote wound healing. The porous morphological structure of SEBS/AgNWs enhances their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. SEBS/AgNWs significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli strains, effectively wiping out ABTS•+, DPPH•, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals, showing their effective ROS-scavenging properties. It further showed significant antioxidant properties by increasing the levels of enzyme-like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), while decreasing malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, SEBS/AgNWs reduced the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while increasing levels of transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF), and CD31 in wound healing. This suggests that applying a multifunctional nanoplatform based on SEBS/AgNWs could enhance wound healing and improve patient outcomes in wound care management.

Disease-Linked Regulatory DNA Variants and Homeostatic Transcription Factors in Epidermis

Identifying noncoding single nucleotide variants ( SNVs ) in regulatory DNA linked to polygenic disease risk, the transcription factors ( TFs ) they bind, and the target genes they dysregulate is a goal in polygenic disease research. Massively parallel reporter gene analysis ( MPRA ) of 3,451 SNVs linked to risk for polygenic skin diseases characterized by disrupted epidermal homeostasis identified 355 differentially active SNVs ( daSNVs ). daSNV target gene analysis, combined with daSNV editing, underscored dysregulated epidermal differentiation as a pathomechanism shared across common polygenic skin diseases. CRISPR knockout screens of 1772 human TFs revealed 108 TFs essential for epidermal progenitor differentiation, uncovering novel roles for ZNF217, CXXC1, FOXJ2, IRX2 and NRF1. Population sampling CUT&RUN of 27 homeostatic TFs identified allele-specific DNA binding ( ASB ) differences at daSNVs enriched near epidermal homeostasis and monogenic skin disease genes, with notable representation of SP/KLF and AP-1/2 TFs. This resource implicates dysregulated differentiation in risk for diverse polygenic skin diseases.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticle reinforced pumpkin-derived nanostructured cellulose scaffold for enhanced bone regeneration

Considering global surge in bone fracture prevalence, limitation in use of traditional healing approaches like bone grafts highlights the need for innovative regenerative strategies. Here, a novel green fabrication approach has reported for reinforcement of physicochemical performances of sustainable bioinspired extracellular matrix (ECM) based on decellularized pumpkin tissue coated with Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (hereafter called DM-Pumpkin) for enhanced bone regeneration. Compared to uncoated scaffold, DM-Pumpkin exhibited significantly improved surface roughness, mechanical stiffness, porosity, hydrophilicity, swelling, and biodegradation rate. Obtained nanoporous structure provides an ideal three-dimensional microenvironment for the attachment, migration and osteo-induction in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (h- AdMSCs). Calcium deposition and mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, and SEM imaging of the cells as well as increased expression of bone-related genes after 21 days incubation confirmed capability of DM-Pumpkin in mimicking the biological properties of bone tissue. The presence of MgONPs had a silencing effect on inflammatory factors and improved wound closure, verified by in vivo studies. Increased expression of collagen type I and osteocalcin in the h- AdMSCs cultured on DM-Pumpkin compared to control further corroborated gained results. Altogether, boosting physicochemical and biological properties of DM-Pumpkin due to surface modification is a promising approach for guided bone regeneration.

Collagen-β-cyclodextrin hydrogels for advanced wound dressings: super-swelling, antibacterial action, inflammation modulation, and controlled drug release

A key strategy in enhancing the efficacy of collagen-based hydrogels involves incorporating polysaccharides, which have shown great promise for wound healing. In this study, semi-interpenetrating polymeric network (semi-IPN) hydrogels comprised of collagen (Col) with the macrocyclic oligosaccharide β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (20-80 wt.%) were synthesised. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of these Col/β-CD hydrogels, evidenced by the presence of characteristic absorption bands, including the urea bond band at ∼1740 cm-1, related with collagen crosslinking. Higher β-CD content was associated with increased crosslinking, higher swelling, and faster gelation. The β-CD content directly influenced the morphology and semi-crystallinity. All Col/β-CD hydrogels displayed superabsorbent properties, enhanced thermal stability, and exhibited slow degradation rates. Mechanical properties were significantly improved with contents higher than β-CD 40 wt.%. These hydrogels inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria and facilitated the controlled release of agents, such as malachite green, methylene blue, and ketorolac. The chemical composition of the Col/β-CD hydrogels did not induce cytotoxic effects on monocytes and fibroblast cells. Instead, they actively promoted cellular metabolic activity, encouraging cell growth and proliferation. Moreover, cell signalling modulation was observed, leading to changes in the expression of TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines. In summary, the results of this research indicate that these novel hydrogels possess multifunctional characteristics, including biocompatibility, super-swelling capacity, good thermal, hydrolytic, and enzymatic degradation resistance, antibacterial activity, inflammation modulation, and the ability to be used for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents, indicating high potential for application in advanced wound dressings.

Ajuga taiwanensis Extract Promotes Wound-healing via Activation of PDGFR/MAPK Pathway

Chronic and prolonged wounds are a serious public problem that may severely affect the quality of life and result in psychological pressure. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in the wound process and in skin pathology. Herbal drugs have long been used for wound care worldwide. Ajuga taiwanensis (Lamiaceae) is a folk medicine for antipyretics, anti-inflammation, and reducing swelling in Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate the effect of A. taiwanensis in wound healing and the underlying mechanisms. Under human dermal fibroblast (HDF) wound-healing activity-guided fractionation, we found that a sub-fraction (AT-M) of A. taiwanensis extract (AT) and the major ingredients significantly promoted wound healing and decreased IL-1β and - 6 expressions on HDFs. Furthermore, the fraction of AT-M enhanced wound healing on C57BL/6 mouse skins, increased PDGFR expressions, and activated the PDGFR/MAPK pathway. Taken together, A. taiwanensis extracts promote wound healing by the PDGFR pathway and lead to enhanced cell spreading and motility, thereby having a possible beneficial effect on wound healing.

Amino Acid-Based Protein-Mimic Hydrogel Incorporating Pro-Regenerative Lipid Mediator and Microvascular Fragments Promotes the Healing of Deep Burn Wounds

Pro-regenerative lipid mediator 1 (PreM1) is a specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator that promotes wound healing and regenerative functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, and macrophages. The healing of third-degree (3°) burns and regenerative functions of MSCs are enhanced by ACgel1, an arginine-and-chitosan-based protein-mimic hybrid hydrogel. Adipose-tissue derived microvascular fragments (MVFs) are native vascularization units and a rich source of MSCs, endothelial cells, and perivascular cells for tissue regeneration. Here we describe an innovative PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 construct that incorporated PreM1 and MVFs into ACgel1 via optimal design and fabrication. This construct delivered PreM1 to 3°-burn wounds at least up to 7 days-post-burn (dpb), and scaffolded and delivered MVFs. PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 promoted the healing of 3°-burns in mice, including vascularization and collagen formation. The re-epithelization and closure of 3° burn wounds were promoted by ACgel1, MVFs, PreM1, MVFs-ACgel1, PreM1-ACgel1, or PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 at certain time-point(s), while PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 was most effective with 97% closure and 4.69% relative epithelial gap at 13 dpb compared to saline control. The PreM1-ACgel1 and MVFs-ACgel1 also promoted blood vessel regeneration of 3°-burns although PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 is significantly more effective. These PreM1- and/or MVF-functionalized ACgel1 have nonexistent or minimal graft-donor requirements and are promising adjuvant therapeutic candidates for treating deep burns.

Exploring the Wound Healing Potential of Hispidin

BACKGROUND

Hispidin, a polyphenol component mainly derived from the medicinal mushroom species Phellinus and Inonotus, shows promise for biomedical applications, yet its potential in wound healing remains largely unexplored. This research investigates the wound healing effects of hispidin through in vitro and in vivo experiments, while also evaluating its antimicrobial properties and safety profile.

METHODS

In vitro scratch assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of hispidin on the migration of NIH-3T3 cells. The wound healing potential of hispidin was assessed in rats using excision wounds, dead space wounds, and linear incisions, treated with various topical ointments including a simple ointment, 2.5% (w/w) and a 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment, and a 0.2% (w/w) nitrofurazone ointment, administered at 0.2 g daily for 14 days.

RESULTS

Hispidin demonstrated antimicrobial properties and was particularly effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Hispidin enhanced NIH-3T3 cell viability, and promoted wound closure in scratch assays, correlating with increased levels of FGF21, TGF-β1, EGF, and VEGF. In excision wound models, the 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment improved wound contraction, epithelialization, tissue regeneration, fibroblast activity, and angiogenesis. In the granulation tissue from dead space wound models, hispidin reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and lipid peroxidation, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and antioxidant activities (SOD, GPx, CAT), along with connective tissue markers like hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and hexuronic acid. Hispidin also enhanced wound breaking strength in incision models. Acute dermal toxicity studies indicated no adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight hispidin's potential in wound care, demonstrating its antimicrobial, regenerative, and safety properties.

Potential of Coffee Cherry Pulp Extract against Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Air Pollution Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress for Topical Applications

Airborne particulate matter (PM) contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as primary toxic components, causing oxidative damage and being associated with various inflammatory skin pathologies such as premature aging, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Coffee cherry pulp (CCS) extract, rich in chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline, has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties. However, its specific anti-inflammatory effects and ability to protect macrophages against PAH-induced inflammation remain unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of CCS extract on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells exposed to atmospheric PAHs, compared to chlorogenic acid (CGA), caffeine (CAF), and theophylline (THP) standards. The CCS extract was assessed for its impact on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Results showed that CCS extract exhibited significant antioxidant activities and effectively inhibited protease and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. The PAH induced the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2, which were markedly suppressed by CCS extract in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to the effects of chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline. In conclusion, CCS extract inhibits PAH-induced inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in RAW 264.7 cells. This effect is likely due to the synergistic effects of its bioactive compounds. Chlorogenic acid showed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while caffeine and theophylline enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. CCS extract did not irritate the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane. Therefore, CCS extract shows its potential as a promising cosmeceutical ingredient for safely alleviating inflammatory skin diseases caused by air pollution.

Epidermal stem cells: skin surveillance and clinical perspective

The skin epidermis is continually influenced by a myriad of internal and external elements. At its basal layer reside epidermal stem cells, which fuels epidermal renovation and hair regeneration with powerful self-renewal ability, as well as keeping diverse signals that direct their activity under surveillance with quick response. The importance of epidermal stem cells in wound healing and immune-related skin conditions has been increasingly recognized, and their potential for clinical applications is attracting attention. In this review, we delve into recent advancements and the various physiological and psychological factors that govern distinct epidermal stem cell populations, including psychological stress, mechanical forces, chronic aging, and circadian rhythm, as well as providing an overview of current methodological approaches. Furthermore, we discuss the pathogenic role of epidermal stem cells in immune-related skin disorders and their potential clinical applications.

The gut barrier as a gatekeeper in colorectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent and is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence rate of CRC remains alarmingly high despite screening measures. The main curative treatment for CRC is a surgical resection of the diseased bowel segment. Postoperative complications usually involve a weakened gut barrier and a dissemination of bacterial proinflammatory lipopolysaccharides. Herein we discuss how gut microbiota and microbial metabolites regulate basal inflammation levels in the gut and the healing process of the bowel after surgery. We further elaborate on the restoration of the gut barrier function in patients with CRC and how this potentially impacts the dissemination and implantation of CRC cells in extracolonic tissues, contributing therefore to worse survival after surgery.

Antioxidants Hydroxytyrosol and Thioredoxin-Mimetic Peptide CB3 Protect Irradiated Normal Tissue Cells

Reducing side effects in non-cancerous tissue is a key aim of modern radiotherapy. Here, we assessed whether the use of the antioxidants hydroxytyrosol (HT) and thioredoxin-mimetic peptide CB3 (TMP) attenuated radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity in vitro. We used primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) as normal tissue models. Cells were treated with HT and TMP 24 h or immediately prior to irradiation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed via luminescent- and fluorescence-based assays, migration was investigated using digital holographic microscopy, and clonogenic survival was quantified by colony formation assays. Angiogenesis and wound healing were evaluated via time-dependent microscopy. Secreted cytokines were validated in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) studies. Treatment with HT or TMP was well tolerated by cells. The application of either antioxidant before irradiation resulted in reduced ROS formation and a distinct decrease in cytokines compared to similarly irradiated, but otherwise untreated, controls. Antioxidant treatment also increased post-radiogenic migration and angiogenesis while accelerating wound healing. HT or TMP treatment immediately before radiotherapy increased clonogenic survival after radiotherapy, while treatment 24 h before radiotherapy enhanced baseline proliferation. Both antioxidants may decrease radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity and deserve further pre-clinical investigation.

Monoclonal Antibodies in the Management of Inflammation in Wound Healing: An Updated Literature Review

Chronic wounds pose a significant clinical challenge due to their complex pathophysiology and the burden of long-term management. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are emerging as a novel therapeutic option in managing difficult wounds, although comprehensive data on their use in wound care are lacking. This study aimed to explore existing scientific knowledge of mAbs in treating chronic wounds based on a rationale of direct inhibition of the main molecules involved in the underlying inflammatory pathophysiology. We performed a literature review excluding primary inflammatory conditions with potential ulcerative outcomes (e.g., hidradenitis suppurativa). mAbs were effective in treating wounds from 16 different etiologies. The most commonly treated conditions were pyoderma gangrenosum (treated with 12 different mAbs), lipoid necrobiosis, and cutaneous vasculitis (each treated with 3 different mAbs). Fourteen mAbs were analyzed in total. Rituximab was effective in 43.75% of cases (7/16 diseases), followed by tocilizumab (25%, 4/16 diseases), and both etanercept and adalimumab (18.75%, 3/16 conditions each). mAbs offer therapeutic potential for chronic wounds unresponsive to standard treatments. However, due to the complex molecular nature of wound healing, no single target molecule can be identified. Therefore, the use of mAbs should be considered as a translational approach for limited cases of multi-resistant conditions.

Exploring the mechanistic role of silk sericin biological and chemical conjugates for effective acute and chronic wound repair and related complications

OBJECTIVE

The current review is designed to elaborate and reveal the underlying mechanism of sericin and its conjugates of drug delivery during wounds and wound-related issues.

SIGNIFICANCE

Wound healing is a combination of different humoral, molecular, and cellular mechanisms. Various natural products exhibit potential in wound healing but among them, sericin, catches much attention of researchers due to its bio-functional properties such as being biodegradable, biocompatible, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, photo-protector, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing agent.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sericin triggers the activity of anti-inflammatory cytokines which decrease cell adhesion and promote epithelial cell formation. Moreover, sericin enhances the anti-oxidant enzymes in the wounded area which scavenge the toxic consequences of reactive species (ROS).

CONCLUSIONS

This article highlights the mechanisms of how topical administration of sericin formulations along with 4-hexylresorcinol,\Chitosan\Ag@MOF-GO, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), platelet lysate and UV photo cross-linked hydrogel sericin methacrylate which recruits a large number of cytokines on wounded area that stimulate fibroblasts and keratinocyte production as well as collagen deposition that led to early wound contraction. It also reviews the different sericin-based nanoparticles that play a significant role in rapid wound healing.

Development of a screening system of gene sets for estimating the time of early skeletal muscle injury based on second-generation sequencing technology

The present study is aimed to address the challenge of wound age estimation in forensic science by identifying reliable genetic markers using low-cost and high-precision second-generation sequencing technology. A total of 54 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a control group or injury groups, with injury groups being further divided into time points (4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h, 24 h, 28 h, and 32 h after injury, n = 6) to establish rat skeletal muscle contusion models. Gene expression data were obtained using second-generation sequencing technology, and differential gene expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and time-dependent expression trend analysis were performed. A total of six sets of biomarkers were obtained: differentially expressed genes at adjacent time points (127 genes), co-expressed genes most associated with wound age (213 genes), hub genes exhibiting time-dependent expression (264 genes), and sets of transcription factors (TF) corresponding to the above sets of genes (74, 87, and 99 genes, respectively). Then, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP), were constructed for wound age estimation from the above gene sets. The results estimated by transcription factors were all superior to the corresponding hub genes, with the transcription factor group of WGCNA performed the best, with average accuracy rates of 96% for three models' internal testing, and 91.7% for the highest external validation. This study demonstrates the advantages of the indicator screening system based on second-generation sequencing technology and transcription factor level for wound age estimation.

Tacrolimus-loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles as an efficient topical therapeutic for the effective treatment of atopic dermatitis symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic cutaneous disease with a complex underlying mechanism, and it cannot be completely cured. Thus, most treatment strategies for AD aim at relieving the symptoms. Although corticosteroids are topically applied to alleviate AD, adverse side effects frequently lead to the withdrawal of AD therapy. Tacrolimus (TAC), a calcineurin inhibitor, has been used to treat AD, but its high molecular weight and insolubility in water hinder its skin permeability. Herein, we developed and optimized TAC-loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles (TAC@CNPs) to improve the skin permeability of TAC by breaking the tight junctions in the skin. The prepared nanoparticles were highly loadable and efficient and exhibited appropriate characteristics for percutaneous drug delivery. TAC@CNP was stable for 4 weeks under physiological conditions. CNP released TAC in a controlled manner, with enhanced skin penetration observed. In vitro experiments showed that CNP was non-toxic to keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, and TAC@CNP dispersed in an aqueous solution was as anti-proliferative as TAC solubilized in a good organic solvent. Importantly, an in vivo AD mouse model revealed that topical TAC@CNP containing ~1/10 of the dose of TAC found in commercially used Protopic® Ointment exhibited similar anti-inflammatory activity to that of the commercial product. TAC@CNP represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of AD.

G-protein-coupled receptor 84 regulates acute inflammation in normal and diabetic skin wounds

Lipids have emerged as potent regulators of immune cell function. In the skin, adipocyte lipolysis increases the local pool of free fatty acids and is essential for coordinating early macrophage inflammation following injury. Here, we investigate G-protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84), a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) receptor, for its potential to propagate pro-inflammatory signaling after skin injury. GPR84 signaling was identified as a key component of regulating myeloid cell numbers and subsequent tissue repair through in vivo administration of a pharmacological antagonist and the MCFA decanoic acid. We found that impaired injury-induced dermal adipocyte lipolysis is a hallmark of diabetes, and lipidomic analysis demonstrated that MCFAs are significantly reduced in diabetic murine wounds. Furthermore, local administration of decanoic acid rescued myeloid cell numbers and tissue repair during diabetic wound healing. Thus, GPR84 is a readily targetable lipid signaling pathway for manipulating injury-induced tissue inflammation with beneficial effects on acute diabetic healing.

Evaluation of bovine coronavirus in Korean native calves challenged through different inoculation routes

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is a pneumoenteric virus that can infect the digestive and respiratory tracts of cattle, resulting in economic losses. Despite its significance, information regarding BCoV pathogenesis is limited. Hence, we investigated clinical signs, patterns of viral shedding, changes in antibody abundance, and cytokine/chemokine production in calves inoculated with BCoV via intranasal and oral. Six clinically healthy Korean native calves (< 30 days old), initially negative for BCoV, were divided into intranasal and oral groups and monitored for 15 days post-infection (dpi). BCoV-infected calves exhibited clinical signs such as nasal discharge and diarrhea, starting at 3 dpi and recovering by 12 dpi, with nasal discharge being the most common symptoms. Viral RNA was detected in nasal and fecal samples from all infected calves. Nasal shedding occurred before fecal shedding regardless of the inoculation route; however, fecal shedding persisted longer. Although the number of partitions was very few, viral RNA was identified in the blood of two calves in the oral group at 7 dpi and 9 dpi using digital RT-PCR analysis. The effectiveness of maternal antibodies in preventing viral replication and shedding appeared limited. Our results showed interleukin (IL)-8 as the most common and highly induced chemokine. During BCoV infection, the levels of IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β were significantly affected, suggesting that these emerge as potential and reliable biomarkers for predicting BCoV infection. This study underscores the importance of BCoV as a major pathogen causing diarrhea and respiratory disease.

Instantly adhesive and ultra-elastic patches for dynamic organ and wound repair

Bioadhesive materials and patches are promising alternatives to surgical sutures and staples. However, many existing bioadhesives do not meet the functional requirements of current surgical procedures and interventions. Here, we present a translational patch material that exhibits instant adhesion to tissues (2.5-fold stronger than Tisseel, an FDA-approved fibrin glue), ultra-stretchability (stretching to >300% its original length without losing elasticity), compatibility with rapid photo-projection (<2 min fabrication time/patch), and ability to deliver therapeutics. Using our established procedures for the in silico design and optimization of anisotropic-auxetic patches, we created next-generation patches for instant attachment to tissues while conforming to a broad range of organ mechanics ex vivo and in vivo. Patches coated with extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells demonstrate robust wound healing capability in vivo without inducing a foreign body response and without the need for patch removal that can cause pain and bleeding. We further demonstrate a single material-based, void-filling auxetic patch designed for the treatment of lung puncture wounds.

Conditional deletion of Zeb1 in Csf1r+ cells reduces inflammatory response of the cornea to alkali burn

ZEB1 is an essential factor in embryonic development. In adults, it is often highly expressed in malignant tumors with low expression in normal tissues. The major biological function of ZEB1 in developing embryos and progressing cancers is to transdifferentiate cells from an epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype; but what roles ZEB1 plays in normal adult tissues are largely unknown. We previously reported that the reduction of Zeb1 in monoallelic global knockout (Zeb1+/-) mice reduced corneal inflammation-associated neovascularization following alkali burn. To uncover the cellular mechanism underlying the Zeb1 regulation of corneal inflammation, we functionally deleted Zeb1 alleles in Csf1r+ myeloid cells using a conditional knockout (cKO) strategy and found that Zeb1 cKO reduced leukocytes in the cornea after alkali burn. The reduction of immune cells was due to their increased apoptotic rate and linked to a Zeb1-downregulated apoptotic pathway. We conclude that Zeb1 facilitates corneal inflammatory response by maintaining Csf1r+ cell viability.

Identifying transcriptomic profiles of iron-quercetin complex treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers and diabetic patients

Peripheral blood is an alternative source of stem/progenitor cells for regenerative medicine owing to its ease of retrieval and blood bank storage. Previous in vitro studies indicated that the conditioned medium derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with the iron-quercetin complex (IronQ) contains potent angiogenesis and wound-healing properties. This study aims to unveil the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing the effects of IronQ on the transcriptome profiles of human PBMCs from healthy volunteers and those with diabetes mellitus (DM) using RNA sequencing analysis. Our findings revealed 3741 and 2204 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when treating healthy and DM PBMCs with IronQ, respectively. Functional enrichment analyses underscored the biological processes shared by the DEGs in both conditions, including inflammatory responses, cell migration, cellular stress responses, and angiogenesis. A comprehensive exploration of these molecular alterations exposed a network of 20 hub genes essential in response to stimuli, cell migration, immune processes, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The activation of these pathways enabled PBMCs to potentiate angiogenesis and tissue repair. Corroborating this, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and cell phenotyping confirmed the upregulation of candidate genes associated with anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenesis, and tissue repair processes in IronQ-treated PBMCs. In summary, combining IronQ and PBMCs brings about substantial shifts in gene expression profiles and activates pathways that are crucial for tissue repair and immune response, which is promising for the enhancement of the therapeutic potential of PBMCs, especially in diabetic wound healing.

Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Modulators of Inflammation and Wound Healing in Primary Dermal Fibroblasts of Ulcers

Venous leg ulcers are one of the most common nonhealing conditions and represent an important clinical problem. The application of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (PRF-EMFs), already applied for pain, inflammation, and new tissue formation, can represent a promising approach for venous leg ulcer amelioration. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PRF-EMF exposure on the inflammatory, antioxidant, cell proliferation, and wound healing characteristics of human primary dermal fibroblasts collected from venous leg ulcer patients. The cells' proliferative and migratory abilities were evaluated by means of a BrdU assay and scratch assay, respectively. The inflammatory response was investigated through TNFα, TGFβ, COX2, IL6, and IL1β gene expression analysis and PGE2 and IL1β production, while the antioxidant activity was tested by measuring GSH, GSSG, tGSH, and GR levels. This study emphasizes the ability of PRF-EMFs to modulate the TGFβ, COX2, IL6, IL1β, and TNFα gene expression in exposed ulcers. Moreover, it confirms the improvement of the proliferative index and wound healing ability presented by PRF-EMFs. In conclusion, exposure to PRF-EMFs can represent a strategy to help tissue repair, regulating mediators involved in the wound healing process.

Critical Role of CD55 in Controlling Wound Healing

How reparative processes are coordinated following injury is incompletely understood. In recent studies, we showed that autocrine C3a and C5a receptor (C3ar1 and C5ar1) G protein-coupled receptor signaling plays an obligate role in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 growth signaling in vascular endothelial cells. We documented the same interconnection for platelet-derived growth factor receptor growth signaling in smooth muscle cells, epidermal growth factor receptor growth signaling in epidermal cells, and fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in fibroblasts, indicative of a generalized cell growth regulatory mechanism. In this study, we examined one physiological consequence of this signaling circuit. We found that disabling CD55 (also known as decay accelerating factor), which lifts restraint on autocrine C3ar1/C5ar1 signaling, concomitantly augments the growth of each cell type. The mechanism is heightened C3ar1/C5ar1 signaling resulting from the loss of CD55's restraint jointly potentiating growth factor production by each cell type. Examination of the effect of lifted CD55 restraint in four types of injury (burn, corneal denudation, ear lobe puncture, and reengraftment of autologous skin) showed that disabled CD55 function robustly accelerated healing in all cases, whereas disabled C3ar1/C5ar1 signaling universally retarded it. In wild-type mice with burns or injured corneas, applying a mouse anti-mouse CD55 blocking Ab (against CD55's active site) to wounds accelerated the healing rate by 40-70%. To our knowledge, these results provide new insights into mechanisms that underlie wound repair and open up a new tool for accelerating healing.

The effect of topical 0.5% humic acid gel on male rats with skin ulcer

Background

Humic derivatives have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the experimental wound-healing effect of 0.5% humic acid gel.

Materials and Methods

A full-thickness skin wound was created on the dorsal side of 24 Sprague Dawley male rats (220-250 g). The animals were then randomly divided into the control, sham, and experimental groups. Skin wounds were bandaged daily using sterile gauze dipped in normal saline, carboxymethylcellulose, and 0.5% humic acid for 21 days. The wound-healing rate was evaluated grossly and histologically at various time intervals post-injury.

Results

Wound-healing percentage was significantly higher in the gel treatment group at all time points (P < 0.05). The mean number of inflammatory cells was significantly lower in the humic acid gel group than in the other groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, the number of new vascular cells and fibroblasts were significantly increased in the humic acid gel compared to the control (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These data confirmed that 0.5% humic acid gel accelerates wound healing, probably by anti-inflammatory effects, as well as by promoting vascular and fibroblast proliferation. Therefore, the humic acid gel may be used to improve wound care.

miR-21 Expressed by Dermal Fibroblasts Enhances Skin Wound Healing Through the Regulation of Inflammatory Cytokine Expression

The management of skin wound healing is still a challenge. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has been reported to play important roles in wound repair; however, the underlying mechanism needs to be further clarified. The present study aimed to study the direct role of miR-21 in skin wound healing in miR-21 KO mice and to investigate the role of miR-21 in controlling the migration and proliferation of primary human skin cells and its underlying mechanism(s). miR-21 KO and wild-type (WT) mice were used for in vivo wound healing assays, while mouse and human primary skin cells were used for in vitro assays. miR-21 inhibitors or mimics or negative control small RNAs were transfected to either inhibit or enhance miR-21 expression in the human primary dermal fibroblasts or epidermal cells. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify the potential molecular pathways involved. We found that the loss of miR-21 resulted in slower wound healing in miR-21 KO mouse skin and especially delayed the healing of dermal tissue. In vitro assays demonstrated that the reduced expression of miR-21 caused by its inhibitor inhibited the migration of human primary dermal fibroblasts, which could be enhanced by increased miR-21 expression caused by miR-21 mimics. RNA-sequence analysis revealed that the inhibition of miR-21 expression downregulated the inflammatory response pathways associated with the decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines, and the addition of IL-1β into the culture medium enhanced the migration and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts in vitro. In conclusion, miR-21 in dermal fibroblasts can promote the migration and growth of epidermal and dermal cells to enhance skin wound healing through controlling the expression of inflammatory cytokines.

Biomaterials for immunomodulation in wound healing

The substantial economic impact of non-healing wounds, scarring, and burns stemming from skin injuries is evident, resulting in a financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system. This review paper provides an overview of the skin's vital role in guarding against various environmental challenges as the body's largest protective organ and associated developments in biomaterials for wound healing. We first introduce the composition of skin tissue and the intricate processes of wound healing, with special attention to the crucial role of immunomodulation in both acute and chronic wounds. This highlights how the imbalance in the immune response, particularly in chronic wounds associated with underlying health conditions such as diabetes and immunosuppression, hinders normal healing stages. Then, this review distinguishes between traditional wound-healing strategies that create an optimal microenvironment and recent peptide-based biomaterials that modulate cellular processes and immune responses to facilitate wound closure. Additionally, we highlight the importance of considering the stages of wounds in the healing process. By integrating advanced materials engineering with an in-depth understanding of wound biology, this approach holds promise for reshaping the field of wound management and ultimately offering improved outcomes for patients with acute and chronic wounds.

MicroRNA-155 mediates multiple gene regulations pertinent to the role of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in skin regeneration

Introduction: The role of Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) in skin wound healing remains to be fully characterized. This study aims to evaluate the regenerative potential of autologous AD-MSCs in a non-healing porcine wound model, in addition to elucidate key miRNA-mediated epigenetic regulations that underlie the regenerative potential of AD-MSCs in wounds. Methods: The regenerative potential of autologous AD-MSCs was evaluated in porcine model using histopathology and spatial frequency domain imaging. Then, the correlations between miRNAs and proteins of AD-MSCs were evaluated using an integration analysis in primary human AD-MSCs in comparison to primary human keratinocytes. Transfection study of AD-MSCs was conducted to validate the bioinformatics data. Results: Autologous porcine AD-MSCs improved wound epithelialization and skin properties in comparison to control wounds. We identified 26 proteins upregulated in human AD-MSCs, including growth and angiogenic factors, chemokines and inflammatory cytokines. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted cell signalling-associated pathways and immunomodulatory pathways. miRNA-target modelling revealed regulations related to genes encoding for 16 upregulated proteins. miR-155-5p was predicted to regulate Fibroblast growth factor 2 and 7, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Transfecting human AD-MSCs cell line with anti-miR-155 showed transient gene silencing of the four proteins at 24 h post-transfection. Discussion: This study proposes a positive miR-155-mediated gene regulation of key factors involved in wound healing. The study represents a promising approach for miRNA-based and cell-free regenerative treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds. The therapeutic potential of miR-155 and its identified targets should be further explored in-vivo.

Epigenetic integration of signaling from the regenerative environment

Skeletal muscle has an extraordinary capacity to regenerate itself after injury due to the presence of tissue-resident muscle stem cells. While these muscle stem cells are the primary contributor to the regenerated myofibers, the process occurs in a regenerative microenvironment where multiple different cell types act in a coordinated manner to clear the damaged myofibers and restore tissue homeostasis. In this regenerative environment, immune cells play a well-characterized role in initiating repair by establishing an inflammatory state that permits the removal of dead cells and necrotic muscle tissue at the injury site. More recently, it has come to be appreciated that the immune cells also play a crucial role in communicating with the stem cells within the regenerative environment to help coordinate the timing of repair events through the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Evidence also suggests that stem cells can help modulate the extent of the inflammatory response by signaling to the immune cells, demonstrating a cross-talk between the different cells in the regenerative environment. Here, we review the current knowledge on the innate immune response to sterile muscle injury and provide insight into the epigenetic mechanisms used by the cells in the regenerative niche to integrate the cellular cross-talk required for efficient muscle repair.

Plants with Anti-Ulcer Activity and Mechanism: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Ulcer disorders including the oral mucosa, large intestine, and stomach mucosa, cause significant global health burdens. Conventional treatments such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and cytoprotective agents have drawbacks like mucosal injury, diminish gastric acid secretion, and interact with concurrent medications. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches are needed to tackle this health concern. Plants are rich in active metabolites in the bark, roots, leaves, fruits, and seeds, and have been utilized for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The use of herbal therapy is crucial, and regulations are necessary to ensure the quality of products, particularly in randomized studies, to assess their efficacy and safety in treating ulcer disorders. This study aims to explore the anti-ulcer activity of medicinal plants in treating peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, and aphthous ulcers. Articles were searched in Scopus and PubMed, and filtered for publication from 2013 to 2023, resulting in a total of 460 from Scopus and 239 from PubMed. The articles were further screened by title and abstract and resulted in 55 articles. Natural products, rich in active metabolites, were described to manage ulcer disease by protecting the mucosa, reducing ulcer effects, inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors, and reducing bacterial load, thus improving patients' quality of life. Natural extracts have proven effective in managing other health problems, including ulcers by reducing pain and decreasing lesions. This review provides an overview of preclinical and clinical studies on medicinal plants, focusing on their effectiveness in treating conditions like peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and aphthous ulcers.

Paxillin/HDAC6 regulates microtubule acetylation to promote directional migration of keratinocytes driven by electric fields

Endogenous electric fields (EFs) have been demonstrated to facilitate wound healing by directing the migration of epidermal cells. Despite the identification of numerous molecules and signaling pathways that are crucial for the directional migration of keratinocytes under EFs, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain undefined. Previous studies have indicated that microtubule (MT) acetylation is linked to cell migration, while Paxillin exerts a significant influence on cell motility. Therefore, we postulated that Paxillin could enhance EF-induced directional migration of keratinocytes by modulating MT acetylation. In the present study, we observed that EFs (200 mV/mm) induced migration of human immortalized epidermal cells (HaCaT) towards the anode, while upregulating Paxillin, downregulating HDAC6, and increasing the level of microtubule acetylation. Our findings suggested that Paxillin plays a pivotal role in inhibiting HDAC6-mediated microtubule acetylation during directional migration under EF regulation. Conversely, downregulation of Paxillin decreased microtubule acetylation and electrotaxis of epidermal cells by promoting HDAC6 expression, and this effect could be reversed by the addition of tubacin, an HDAC6-specific inhibitor. Furthermore, we observed that EFs also mediated the polarization of Paxillin and acetylated α-tubulin, which is critical for directional migration. In conclusion, our study revealed that MT acetylation in EF-guided keratinocyte migration is regulated by the Paxillin/HDAC6 signaling pathway, providing a novel theoretical foundation for the molecular mechanism of EF-guided directional migration of keratinocytes.

Comparing the wound healing potential of natural rubber latex serum and F1-protein: An in vivo approach

Chronic wounds pose significant health concerns. Current treatment options include natural compounds like natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis. NRL, particularly the F1 protein fraction, has demonstrated bioactivity, biocompatibility, and angiogenic effects. So far, there is no study comparing F1 protein with total NRL serum, and the necessity of downstream processing remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the angiogenic potential of F1 protein compared to total NRL serum and the need for downstream processing. For that, ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-Sepharose), antioxidant activity, physicochemical characterization, cell culture in McCoy fibroblasts, and wound healing in Balb-C mice were performed. Also, the evaluation of histology and collagen content and the levels of inflammatory mediators were quantified. McCoy fibroblast cell assay showed that F1 protein (0.01 %) and total NRL serum (0.01 %) significantly increased cell proliferation by 47.1 ± 11.3 % and 25.5 ± 2.5 %, respectively. However, the AA of F1 protein (78.9 ± 0.8 %) did not show a significant difference compared to NRL serum (77.0 ± 1.1 %). F1 protein and NRL serum were more effective in wound management in rodents. Histopathological analysis confirmed accelerated healing and advanced tissue repair. Similarly, the F1 protein (0.01 %) increased collagen, showing that this fraction can stimulate the synthesis of collagen by fibroblastic cells. Regarding cytokines production (IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ), F1 protein and NRL serum did not exert an impact on the synthesis of these cytokines. Furthermore, we did not observe statistically significant changes in dosages of enzymes (MPO and EPO) among the groups. Nevertheless, Nitric Oxide dosage was reduced drastically when the F1 protein (0.01 %) protein was applied topically. These findings contribute to the understanding of F1 protein and NRL serum properties and provide insights into cost-effectiveness and practical applications in medicine and biotechnology. Therefore, further research is needed to assess the economic feasibility of downstream processing for NRL-based herbal medicine derived from Hevea brasiliensis.

Biological processes and factors involved in soft and hard tissue healing

Wound healing is a complex and iterative process involving myriad cellular and biologic processes that are highly regulated to allow satisfactory repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. This review is intended to be an introductory chapter in a volume focusing on the use of platelet concentrates for tissue regeneration. In order to fully appreciate the clinical utility of these preparations, a sound understanding of the processes and factors involved in soft and hard tissue healing. This encompasses an appreciation of the cellular and biological mediators of both soft and hard tissues in general as well as specific consideration of the periodontal tissues. In light of good advances in this basic knowledge, there have been improvements in clinical strategies and therapeutic management of wound repair and regeneration. The use of platelet concentrates for tissue regeneration offers one such strategy and is based on the principles of cellular and biologic principles of wound repair discussed in this review.

M2 exosomes modified by hydrogen sulfide promoted bone regeneration by moesin mediated endocytosis

Bone defects caused by trauma or tumor led to high medical costs and poor life quality for patients. The exosomes, micro vesicles of 30-150 nm in diameter, derived from macrophages manipulated bone regeneration. However, the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the biogenesis and function of exosomes and its effects on bone regeneration remains elusive. In this study, we used H2S slow releasing donor GYY4137 to stimulate macrophages and found that H2S promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages to increase bone regeneration of MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we developed the H2S pre-treated M2 macrophage exosomes and found these exosomes displayed significantly higher capacity to promote bone regeneration in calvarial bone defects by re-establishing the local immune microenvironment. Mechanically, H2S treatment altered the protein profile of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages. One of the significantly enriched exosomal proteins stimulated by H2S, moesin protein, facilitated the exosomes endocytosis into MSCs, leading to activated the β-catenin signaling pathway to promote osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. In summary, H2S pretreated M2 exosomes promoted the bone regeneration of MSCs via facilitating exosomes uptake by MSCs and activate β-catenin signaling pathway. This study not only provides new strategies for promoting bone regeneration, but also provides new insights for the effect and mechanism of exosomes internalization.

Adhesive, Flexible, and Fast Degradable 3D-Printed Wound Dressings with a Simple Composition

3D printing technology has revolutionized the field of wound dressings, offering tailored solutions with mechanical support to facilitate wound closure. In addition to personalization, the intricate nature of the wound healing process requires wound dressing materials with diverse properties, such as moisturization, flexibility, adhesion, anti-oxidation and degradability. Unfortunately, current materials used in digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing have been inadequate in meeting these crucial criteria. This study introduces a novel DLP resin that is biocompatible and consists of only three commonly employed non-toxic compounds in biomaterials, that is, dopamine, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and N-vinylpyrrolidone. Simple as it is, this material system fulfills all essential functions for effective wound healing. Unlike most DLP resins that are non-degradable and rigid, this material exhibits tunable and rapid degradation kinetics, allowing for complete hydrolysis within a few hours. Furthermore, the high flexibility enables conformal application of complex dressings in challenging areas such as finger joints. Using a difficult-to-heal wound model, the manifold positive effects on wound healing in vivo, including granulation tissue formation, inflammation regulation, and vascularization are substantiated. The simplicity and versatility of this material make it a promising option for personalized wound care, holding significant potential for future translation.

Photosynthetic and Self-Draining Biohybrid Dressing for Accelerating Healing of Diabetic Wound

Wound healing is a well-orchestrated progress associated with angiogenesis, epithelialization, inflammatory status, and infection control, whereas these processes are seriously disturbed in diabetic wounds. In this study, a biohybrid dressing integrating the inherent ability of Bromeliad leaf (photosynthesis and self-draining) with the therapeutic effect of artificial materials (glucose-degrading and ROS-scavenging) is presented. The dressing consists of double-layered structures as follows: 1) Outer layer, a Bromeliad leaf substrate full of alginate hydrogel-immobilized glucose oxidase (GOx@Alg@Bromeliad substrate, abbreviated as BGA), can generate oxygen to guarantee the GOx-catalyzed glucose oxidation by photosynthesis, reducing local hyperglycemia to stabilize hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) for angiogenesis and producing hydrogen peroxide for killing bacteria on the surface of wound tissue. The sophisticated structure of the leaf drains excessive exudate away via transpiration-mimicking, preventing skin maceration and impeding bacterial growth. 2) Inner layer, microneedles containing catalase (CAT-HA MNs, abbreviated as CHM), reduces excessive oxidative stress in the tissue to promote the proliferation of fibroblasts and inhibits proinflammatory polarization of macrophages, improving re-epithelialization of diabetic wounds. Together, the biohybrid dressing (BGA-CHM, abbreviated as BCHM) can enhance angiogenesis, strengthen re-epithelialization, alleviate chronic inflammation, and suppress bacterial infection, providing a promising strategy for diabetic wound therapy.

Alloplastic Epidermal Skin Substitute in the Treatment of Burns

The goal of burn wound treatment is to ensure rapid epithelialization in superficial burns and the process of rebuilding the lost skin in deep burns. Topical treatment plays an important role. One of the innovations in the field of synthetic materials dedicated to the treatment of burns is epidermal skin substitutes. Since the introduction of Suprathel®, the alloplastic epidermal substitute, many research results have been published in which the authors investigated the properties and use of this substitute in the treatment of wounds of various origins, including burn wounds. Burn wounds cause both physical and psychological discomfort, which is why ensuring comfort during treatment is extremely important. Alloplastic epidermal substitute, due to its biodegradability, plasticity, no need to remove the dressing until healing, and the associated reduction in pain, is an alternative for treating burns, especially in children.

Unveiling COVID-19 Secrets: Harnessing Cytokines as Powerful Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Predicting Severity

Introduction

In coronavirus disease (COVID-19), inflammation takes center stage, with a cascade of cytokines released, contributing to both inflammation and lung damage. The objective of this study is to identify biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the severity of COVID-19.

Materials and Methods

Cytokine levels were determined in the serum from venous blood samples collected from 100 patients with COVID-19 and 50 healthy controls. COVID-19 patients classified based on the Modified Early Warning (MEWS) score. Cytokine concentrations were determined with a multiplex ELISA kit (Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine Screening Panel).

Results

The concentrations of all analyzed cytokines were elevated in the serum of COVID-19 patients relative to the control group, but no significant differences were observed in interleukin-9 (IL-9) and IL-12 p70 levels. In addition, the concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2Rα, IL-6, IL-12 p40, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were significantly higher in symptomatic patients with accompanying pneumonia without respiratory failure (stage 2) than in asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic patients (stage 1).

Conclusion

The study revealed that IL-1ra, IL-2Rα, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 p40, IL-16, and IL-18 levels serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, elevated IL-1α levels proved to be valuable in assessing the severity of COVID-19.

Targeting DNA methylation and demethylation in diabetic foot ulcers

BACKGROUND

Poor wound healing is a significant complication of diabetes, which is commonly caused by neuropathy, trauma, deformities, plantar hypertension and peripheral arterial disease. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are difficult to heal, which makes patients susceptible to infections and can ultimately conduce to limb amputation or even death in severe cases. An increasing number of studies have found that epigenetic alterations are strongly associated with poor wound healing in diabetes.

AIM OF REVIEW

This work provides significant insights into the development of therapeutics for improving chronic diabetic wound healing, particularly by targeting and regulating DNA methylation and demethylation in DFU. Key scientific concepts of review: DNA methylation and demethylation play an important part in diabetic wound healing, via regulating corresponding signaling pathways in different breeds of cells, including macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and keratinocytes. In this review, we describe the four main phases of wound healing and their abnormality in diabetic patients. Furthermore, we provided an in-depth summary and discussion on how DNA methylation and demethylation regulate diabetic wound healing in different types of cells; and gave a brief summary on recent advances in applying cellular reprogramming techniques for improving diabetic wound healing.

Investigation of the potential roles of adipose stem cells and substances of natural origin in the healing process of E. coli infected wound model in Rats

Skin infections by pathogenic microorganisms are a serious problem due to the potential of dissemination through the bloodstream to various organs causing toxic effects that may be up to mortality. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most predominant Gram-negative bacterial species present globally with great attention for investigation. The current study is designed to investigate the possible role of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), as well as natural products such as Trichoderma viride (T. viride) extract, Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) solution in the enhancement of wound healing process in the infected skin with E. coli. Ninety-six female rats were divided into 8 groups (12 animal/group): normal skin, wounded skin, wounded skin infected with E. coli, infected-wounded skin treated by ADSCs, infected-wounded skin treated by T. viride extract, infected-wounded skin treated by S. boulardii solution, infected-wounded skin treated a combination of treatments, infected-wounded skin treated by gentamicin. At day 21 animal weights and bacterial count were detected and compared. Animals were sacrificed and skin from various groups was investigated using a light microscope for sections stained by (hematoxylin eosin, Masson trichrome, and PCNA) as well as transmission electron microscopy. Pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF- α, and IL-13), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4), and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase) were assessed in various groups revealing that ADSCs lightly shift levels of these parameters in various rat groups to regular levels, while administration of T. viride extract, S. boulardii solution, their combination with ADSCs and gentamicin treatment drive the tested cytokines and enzymes to significant levels similar to a normal level where combination therapy gave the best result. The current findings revealed the possibility of using certain natural products as possible substitutes to regularly applied antibiotics with successive protective results in the wound infection model.

Scars

Wound healing occurs as a response to disruption of the epidermis and dermis. It is an intricate and well-orchestrated response with the goal to restore skin integrity and function. However, in hundreds of millions of patients, skin wound healing results in abnormal scarring, including keloid lesions or hypertrophic scarring. Although the underlying mechanisms of hypertrophic scars and keloid lesions are not well defined, evidence suggests that the changes in the extracellular matrix are perpetuated by ongoing inflammation in susceptible individuals, resulting in a fibrotic phenotype. The lesions then become established, with ongoing deposition of excess disordered collagen. Not only can abnormal scarring be debilitating and painful, it can also cause functional impairment and profound changes in appearance, thereby substantially affecting patients' lives. Despite the vast demand on patient health and the medical society, very little progress has been made in the care of patients with abnormal scarring. To improve the outcome of pathological scarring, standardized and innovative approaches are required.

The molecular perspective on the melanoma and genome engineering of T-cells in targeting therapy

Melanoma, an aggressive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in humans, is on the rise globally, with limited non-surgical treatment options available. Recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immune escape, tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and cancer metastasis have paved the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. Combination therapy targeting multiple pathways simultaneously has been shown to be promising in treating melanoma, eliciting favorable responses in most melanoma patients. CAR T-cells, engineered to overcome the limitations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-dependent tumor cell detection associated with T-cell receptors, offer an alternative approach. By genetically modifying apheresis-collected allogeneic or autologous T-cells to express chimeric antigen receptors, CAR T-cells can appreciate antigens on cell surfaces independently of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), providing a significant cancer cell detection advantage. However, identifying the most effective target antigen is the initial step, as it helps mitigate the risk of toxicity due to "on-target, off-tumor" and establishes a targeted therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, evaluating signaling pathways and critical molecules involved in melanoma pathogenesis remains insufficient. This study emphasizes the novel approaches of CAR T-cell immunoediting and presents new insights into the molecular signaling pathways associated with melanoma.

Fragmented Dermo-Epidermal Units (FdeU) as an Emerging Strategy to Improve Wound Healing Process: An In Vitro Evaluation and a Pilot Clinical Study

Innovative strategies have shown beneficial effects in healing wound management involving, however, a time-consuming and arduous process in clinical contexts. Micro-fragmented skin tissue acts as a slow-released natural scaffold and continuously delivers growth factors, and much other modulatory information, into the microenvironment surrounding damaged wounds by a paracrine function on the resident cells which supports the regenerative process. In this study, in vitro and in vivo investigations were conducted to ascertain improved effectiveness and velocity of the wound healing process with the application of fragmented dermo-epidermal units (FdeU), acquired via a novel medical device (Hy-Tissue® Micrograft Technology). MTT test; LDH test; ELISA for growth factor investigation (IL) IL-2, IL-6, IL-7 IL-8, IL-10; IGF-1; adiponectin; Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF); Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF); and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) were assessed. Therefore, clinical evaluation in 11 patients affected by Chronic Wounds (CW) and treated with FdeU were investigated. Functional outcome was assessed pre-operatory, 2 months after treatment (T0), and 6 months after treatment (T1) using the Wound Bed Score (WBS) and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). In this current study, we demonstrate the potential of resident cells to proliferate from the clusters of FdeU seeded in a monolayer that efficiently propagate the chronic wound. Furthermore, in this study we report how the discharge of trophic/reparative proteins are able to mediate the in vitro paracrine function of proliferation, migration, and contraction rate in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Our investigations recommend FdeU as a favorable tool in wound healing, displaying in vitro growth-promoting potential to enhance current therapeutic mechanisms.

Regulation of adult stem cell function by ketone bodies

Adult stem cells play key roles in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Recent evidence suggests that dietary interventions can significantly impact adult stem cell function. Some of these effects depend on ketone bodies. Adult stem cells could therefore potentially be manipulated through dietary regimens or exogenous ketone body supplementation, a possibility with significant implications for regenerative medicine. In this review we discuss recent findings of the mechanisms by which ketone bodies could influence adult stem cells, including ketogenesis in adult stem cells, uptake and transport of circulating ketone bodies, receptor-mediated signaling, and changes to cellular metabolism. We also discuss the potential effects of ketone bodies on intracellular processes such as protein acetylation and post-transcriptional control of gene expression. The exploration of mechanisms underlying the effects of ketone bodies on stem cell function reveals potential therapeutic targets for tissue regeneration and age-related diseases and suggests future research directions in the field of ketone bodies and stem cells.

The Effects of Tissue Healing Factors in Wound Repair Involving Absorbable Meshes: A Narrative Review

Wound healing is a complex and meticulously orchestrated process involving multiple phases and cellular interactions. This narrative review explores the intricate mechanisms behind wound healing, emphasizing the significance of cellular processes and molecular factors. The phases of wound healing are discussed, focusing on the roles of immune cells, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Cellular shape alterations driven by cytoskeletal modulation and the influence of the 'Formin' protein family are highlighted for their impact on wound healing processes. This review delves into the use of absorbable meshes in wound repair, discussing their categories and applications in different surgical scenarios. Interleukins (IL-2 and IL-6), CD31, CD34, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are discussed in their respective roles in wound healing. The interactions between these factors and their potential synergies with absorbable meshes are explored, shedding light on how these combinations might enhance the healing process. Recent advances and challenges in the field are also presented, including insights into mesh integration, biocompatibility, infection prevention, and postoperative complications. This review underscores the importance of patient-specific factors and surgical techniques in optimizing mesh placement and healing outcomes. As wound healing remains a dynamic field, this narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and potential avenues for future research and clinical applications.