Cinnamtannin B-1 Promotes Migration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Accelerates Wound Healing in Mice

Comparative study of antioxidant activities of Allium sativum (a novel variety, HG17) and Allium ampeloprasum (SMG): Revealing the higher potential of HG17 and analyzing its phytochemicals

Garlic, belonging to the genus Allium, is renowned for its rich antioxidant potential. Snow Mountain garlic (SMG) (Allium ampeloprasum) has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes because of its higher antioxidant potential. Considering its potential in medical therapies, we compared the antioxidant activity of SMG with a novel variety of Allium sativum, Hisar garlic 17 (HG17). Comparative antioxidant activity data (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) revealed the higher antioxidant activity of HG17 than SMG, which prompted us to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical investigation to elucidate the factors contributing to antioxidant potential of HG17. To get a detailed antioxidant and phytoconstituents profiling, we differentially extracted HG17 by processing it in different forms (fresh, dry, heated, and aged) with two solvents (50% methanol and n-butanol). Our data (antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and flavonoids) showed that dry garlic methanolic extract (DgM) had maximum potential than other HG17 forms/solvents, which concludes that different extraction techniques had direct impact on the phenolics/flavonoids and antioxidant potential of the extracts. Further, phytochemical analysis of HG17 extracts by high resolution liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer quadrupole time of flight validated the maximum potential of DgM. LCMS revealed the presence of garcimangosone C, osmanthuside A, and protoaphin aglucone polyphenols exclusively in DgM compared to other HG17 extracts, which possibly contributing in its high antioxidant potential. The overall differential extraction and LCMS data of HG17 strongly depict that it may be used as an alternative of SMG under diverse medical applications. HG17 higher antioxidant potential and rich array of unique phytochemicals make it valuable for food and pharmaceutical industries to integrate into functional foods/therapeutics. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Garlic unique phytochemical composition and its remarkable ability to scavenge different radicals make it valuable therapeutic asset to mitigate diseases associated with oxidative stress. SMG is well known for its anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. HG17 showed higher antioxidant potential than SMG and can be used as an alternative of SMG for anti-arthritic properties.

(S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate has the potential to improve atopic dermatitis symptoms in NC/Nga mice by upregulating epidermal barrier function and inhibiting type 2 alarmin cytokine induction

Atopic dermatitis is a multi-pathogenic disease characterized by chronic skin inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Therefore, improving the skin's ability to form an epidermal barrier and suppressing the production of cytokines that induce type 2 inflammatory responses are important for controlling atopic dermatitis symptoms. (-)-Blebbistatin, a non-muscle myosin II inhibitor, has been suggested to improve pulmonary endothelial barrier function and control inflammation by suppressing immune cell migration; however, its efficacy in atopic dermatitis is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate, a derivative of (-)-blebbistatin, improves dermatitis symptoms in a mite antigen-induced atopic dermatitis model using NC/Nga mice. The efficacy of the compound was confirmed using dermatitis scores, ear thickness measurements, serum IgE levels, histological analysis of lesions, and filaggrin expression analysis, which is important for barrier function. (S)-(-)-Blebbistatin O-benzoate treatment significantly reduced the dermatitis score and serum IgE levels compared to those in the vehicle group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the histological analysis revealed enhanced filaggrin production and a decreased number of mast cells (p < 0.05), indicating that (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate improved atopic dermatitis symptoms in a pathological model. In vitro analysis using cultured keratinocytes revealed increased expression of filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, and ceramide production pathway-related genes, suggesting that (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate promotes epidermal barrier formation. Furthermore, the effect of (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate on type 2 alarmin cytokines, which are secreted from epidermal cells upon scratching or allergen stimulation and are involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, was evaluated using antigens derived from mite feces. The results showed that (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate inhibited the upregulation of these cytokines. Based on the above, (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate has the potential to be developed as an atopic dermatitis treatment option that controls dermatitis symptoms by suppressing inflammation and improving barrier function by acting on multiple aspects of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Extracellular Vesicles Improve Wound Closure and Angiogenesis in Diabetic Mice

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is a lack in therapy that promotes the reepithelialization of diabetic wounds as an alternative to skin grafting. Here, the authors hypothesized that extracellular vesicles from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-EVs) could accelerate wound closure through rescuing the function of keratinocytes in diabetic mice.

METHODS

The effect of ADSC-EVs on the biological function of human keratinocyte cells was assayed in vitro. In vivo, 81 male severe combined immune deficiency mice aged 8 weeks were divided randomly into the extracellular vesicle-treated diabetes group (n = 27), the phosphate-buffered saline-treated diabetes group (n = 27), and the phosphate-buffered saline-treated normal group (n = 27). A round, 8-mm-diameter, full-skin defect was performed on the back skin of each mouse. The wound closure kinetics, average healing time, reepithelialization rate, and neovascularization were evaluated by histological staining.

RESULTS

In vitro, ADSC-EVs improved proliferation, migration, and proangiogenic potential, and inhibited the apoptosis of human keratinocyte cells by suppressing Fasl expression with the optimal dose of 40 μg/mL. In vivo, postoperative dripping of ADSC-EVs at the dose of 40 μg/mL accelerated diabetic wound healing, with a 15.8% increase in closure rate and a 3.3-day decrease in average healing time. ADSC-EVs improved reepithelialization (18.2%) with enhanced epithelial proliferation and filaggrin expression, and suppressed epithelial apoptosis and Fasl expression. A 2.7-fold increase in the number of CD31-positive cells was also observed.

CONCLUSION

ADSC-EVs improve diabetic wound closure and angiogenesis by enhancing keratinocyte-mediated reepithelialization and vascularization.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

ADSC-EVs could be developed as a regenerative medicine for diabetic wound care.

Tunable Biomaterials for Myocardial Tissue Regeneration: Promising New Strategies for Advanced Biointerface Control and Improved Therapeutic Outcomes

Following myocardial infarction (MI) and the natural healing process, the cardiac mechanostructure changes significantly leading to reduced contractile ability and putting additional pressure on the heart muscle thereby increasing the...

Wound healing properties of flavonoids: A systematic review highlighting the mechanisms of action

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids are a class of compounds with a wide variety of biological functions, being an important source of new products with pharmaceutical potential, including treatment of skin wounds.

PURPOSE

This review aimed to summarize and evaluate the evidence in the literature in respect of the healing properties of flavonoids on skin wounds in animal models.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a systematic review following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

METHODS

This was carried out through a specialized search of four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. The following keyword combinations were used: "flavonoidal" OR "flavonoid" OR "flavonoidic" OR "flavonoids" AND "wound healing" as well as MeSH terms, Emtree terms and free-text words.

RESULTS

Fifty-five (55) articles met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Flavonoids presented effects in respect of the inflammatory process, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization and oxidative stress. They were shown to be able to act on macrophages, fibroblasts and endothelial cells by mediating the release and expression of TGF-β1, VEGF, Ang, Tie, Smad 2 and 3, and IL-10. Moreover, they were able to reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines, NFκB, ROS and the M1 phenotype. Flavonoids acted by positively regulating MMPs 2, 8, 9 and 13, and the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt and NO pathways.

CONCLUSION

Flavonoids are useful tools in the development of therapies to treat skin lesions, and our review provides a scientific basis for future basic and translational research.

Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells derived from adult stem cells. Primary MSCs can be obtained from diverse sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. Recently, MSCs have been recognized as therapeutic agents for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. The skin can be damaged by wounds, caused by cutting or breaking of the tissue, and burns. Moreover, skin aging is a process that occurs naturally but can be worsened by environmental pollution, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and undernourishment. MSCs have healing capacities that can be applied in damaged and aged skin. In skin regeneration, MSCs increase cell proliferation and neovascularization, and decrease inflammation in skin injury lesions. In skin rejuvenation, MSCs lead to production of collagen and elastic fibers, inhibition of metalloproteinase activation, and promote protection from ultraviolet radiation-induced senescence. In this review, we focus on how MSCs and MSC-derived molecules improve diseased and aged skin. Additionally, we emphasize that induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs are potentially advanced MSCs, which are suitable for cell therapy.

Recruitment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Damaged Sites by Plant-Derived Components

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into a limited number of diverse cells and secrete regenerative factors that contribute to the repair of damaged tissue. In response to signals emitted by tissue damage, MSCs migrate from the bone marrow and area surrounding blood vessels within tissues into the circulating blood, and accumulate at the site of damage. Hence, MSC transplantation therapy is beginning to be applied to the treatment of various intractable human diseases. Recent medicinal plants studies have shown that plant-derived components can activate cell functions. For example, several plant-derived components activate cell signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), enhance expression of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, stimulate extracellular matrix remodeling, and consequently, promote cell migration of MSCs. Moreover, plant-derived components have been shown to promote recruitment of MSCs to damaged tissues and enhance healing in disease models, potentially advancing their therapeutic use. This article provides a comprehensive review of several plant-derived components that activate MSC migration and homing to damaged sites to promote tissue repair.

Cinnamtannin B-1, a novel antioxidant for sperm in red deer

Cinnamtannin B-1 (CNB-1) is a naturally occurring trimeric A-type proanthocyanidin contained in several plants such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). It is considered to be a potent antioxidant. The protective effect of CNB-1 against oxidative stress was assessed in red deer epididymal sperm incubated at 37 °C. Cryopreserved sperm from six stags were thawed, pooled and extended to 400 × 10⁶ sperm/ml in BGM (bovine gamete medium). After being aliquoted, the samples were supplemented with different concentrations of CNB-1 (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL), with or without induced oxidative stress (100 μM Fe²⁺/ascorbate). The samples were evaluated after 0, 2 and 4 h of incubation at 37 °C. This experiment was replicated six times. Spermmotility (CASA), viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosomal status, lipoperoxidation (C11 BODIPY 581/591), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA status (TUNEL) were assessed. After 4 h of incubation, CNB-1 prevented the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, thus improved sperm progressivity and velocity (P<0.05). Furthermore, 1 and 10 μM CNB-1 improved sperm linearity, even when compared to those samples that had not been subjected to oxidative stress (P<0.05). The greatest concentration, 100 μM, prevented sperm lipoperoxidation and reduced ROS production in samples subjected to oxidative stress.

From Inflammation to Current and Alternative Therapies Involved in Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex event that develops in three overlapping phases: inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling. These phases are distinct in function and histological characteristics. However, they depend on the interaction of cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, and chemical mediators from cells to perform regulatory events. In this article, we will review the pathway in the skin healing cascade, relating the major chemical inflammatory mediators, cellular and molecular, as well as demonstrating the local and systemic factors that interfere in healing and disorders associated with tissue repair deficiency. Finally, we will discuss the current therapeutic interventions in the wounds treatment, and the alternative therapies used as promising results in the development of new products with healing potential.

A Cooperative Copper Metal-Organic Framework-Hydrogel System Improves Wound Healing in Diabetes

Chronic non-healing wounds remain a major clinical challenge that would benefit from the development of advanced, regenerative dressings that promote wound closure within a clinically relevant time frame. The use of copper ions has shown promise in wound healing applications possibly by promoting angiogenesis. However, reported treatments that use copper ions require multiple applications of copper salts or oxides to the wound bed, exposing the patient to potentially toxic levels of copper ions and resulting in variable outcomes. Herein we set out to assess whether copper metal organic framework nanoparticles (HKUST-1 NPs) embedded within an antioxidant thermoresponsive citrate-based hydrogel would decrease copper ion toxicity and accelerate wound healing in diabetic mice. HKUST-1 and poly-(polyethyleneglycol citrate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PPCN) were synthesized and characterized. HKUST-1 NP stability in a protein solution with and without embedding them in PPCN hydrogel was determined. Copper ion release, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and in vitro migration processes were measured. Wound closure rates and wound blood perfusion were assessed in vivo using the splinted excisional dermal wound diabetic mouse model. HKUST-1 NP disintegrated in protein solution while HKUST-1 NPs embedded in PPCN (H-HKUST-1) were protected from degradation and copper ions were slowly released. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis due to copper ion release were significantly reduced while dermal cell migration in vitro and wound closure rates in vivo were significantly enhanced. In vivo, H-HKUST-1 induced angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization during wound healing in diabetic mice. These results suggest that a cooperatively stabilized, copper ion-releasing H-HKUST-1 hydrogel is a promising innovative dressing for the treatment of chronic wounds.