3-Hydroxytyrosol Promotes Angiogenesis In Vitro by Stimulating Endothelial Cell Migration

Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Framework Capable of Binding Proinflammatory Mediators in Hydrogel Form Promotes Wound Healing Process through a Multiscale Adsorption Mechanism

The regulation of proinflammatory mediators has been explored to promote natural healing without abnormal inflammation or autoimmune response induced by their overproduction. However, most efforts to control these mediators have relied on pharmacological substances that are directly engaged in biological cycles. It is believed that functional porous materials removing target mediators provide a new way to promote the healing process using their adsorption mechanisms. In this study, the Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF)-808 (Zr6 O4 (OH)4 (BTC)2 (HCOO)6 ) crystals are found to be effective at removing proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro and in vivo, because of their porous structure and surface affinity. The MOF-808 crystals are applied to an in vivo skin wound model as a hydrogel dispersion. Hydrogel containing 0.2 wt% MOF-808 crystals shows significant improvement in terms of wound healing efficacy and quality over the corresponding control. It is also proven that the mode of action is to remove the proinflammatory mediators in vivo. Moreover, the application of MOF-808-containing hydrogels promotes cell activation, proliferation and inhibits chronic inflammation, leading to increased wound healing quality. These findings suggest that Zr-based MOFs may be a promising drug-free solution for skin problems related to proinflammatory mediators.

Neuroprotection Afforded by an Enriched Mediterranean-like Diet Is Modified by Exercise in a Rat Male Model of Cerebral Ischemia

Ischemic stroke is an important cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Given that current treatments do not allow a remarkably better outcome in patients after stroke, it is mandatory to seek new approaches to preventing stroke and/or complementing the current treatments or ameliorating the ischemic insult. Multiple preclinical and clinical studies highlighted the potential beneficial roles of exercise and a Mediterranean diet following a stroke. Here, we investigated the effects of a pre-stroke Mediterranean-like diet supplemented with hydroxytyrosol and with/without physical exercise on male rats undergoing transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). We also assessed a potential synergistic effect with physical exercise. Our findings indicated that the diet reduced infarct and edema volumes, modulated acute immune response by altering cytokine and chemokine levels, decreased oxidative stress, and improved acute functional recovery post-ischemic injury. Interestingly, while physical exercise alone improved certain outcomes compared to control animals, it did not enhance, and in some aspects even impaired, the positive effects of the Mediterranean-like diet in the short term. Overall, these data provide the first preclinical evidence that a preemptive enriched Mediterranean diet modulates cytokines/chemokines levels downwards which eventually has an important role during the acute phase following ischemic damage, likely mediating neuroprotection.

Accelerated wound healing induced by spinach extract in experimental model diabetic rats with streptozotocin

Patients with diabetes often have difficult-to-heal wounds. Spinacia oleracea extract comprises anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative compounds; this research, therefore, studied the impact of Spinacia oleracea extracts on ulcer regeneration. This study was conducted on 72 adult Wistar rats (200 [Formula: see text] 20 g). They were randomly divided into six groups of twelve. A: Diabetic group receiving normal saline. B: Non-diabetic group receiving normal saline. C: Diabetic group receiving spinach aqueous extract. D: Diabetic group receiving spinach alcoholic extract. E: preventive group that received aqueous extract for 2 months. F: preventive group that received alcoholic extract for 2 months. Ulcer regeneration, vascular endothelium growth factor, blood sugar, and weight changes were measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30. Macroscopic investigation of the wounds non-diabetic control group, diabetic group, as well as spinach aqueous and alcoholic extract groups, were compared and there were significant changes (P < 0.05). Pathologic examination in the spinach aqueous and alcoholic extract groups, and nondiabetic group than in the diabetic group revealed significant advances (P <  0.05). On the third and seventh days, Vascular endothelium growth factor detected significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Results indicate that, in regenerating diabetic ulcers, Spinacia oleracea may be effective. It influences the ulcer structure and speed.

Couroupita guianensis bark decoction: From Amazonian medicine to the UHPLC-HRMS chemical profile and its role in inflammation processes and re-epithelialization

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In the Amazon rainforest, the shamans of the Mayantuyacu site use the healing virtues of decoctions and teas from different parts of the Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Lecythidaceae) trees as remedies in Ashaninka medicine. However, composition of the remedy and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to compare the metabolite profile of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction produced by Amazonian shamans with that obtained under standardised laboratory conditions and to investigate biological properties of both decoction and isolated constituents in skin wound healing process and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical analyses were carried out by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with UV and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry detectors (UHPLC-UV-HRMS). 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments were performed to identify the main decoction constituents. The decoction and pure compound effect on keratinocyte migration was determined by the in vitro wound healing model; the mechanism of action was elucidated by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

UHPLC-UV-HRMS analysis revealed the occurrence of polyphenolic compounds as catechins, ellagitannins and, notably, of unusual sulphated derivatives of ellagic acid isolated for the first time from Couroupita guianensis bark. A new natural sulphated molecule [4-(2″-O-sulphate- β-D-glucuronopyranosyl) ellagic acid] was identified as the potential active compound responsible for the efficacy of bark decoction stimulating wound healing in human HaCaT keratinocytes. The molecular mechanism involved the induction of pro-migratory pathways mediated by ERK and AKT phosphorylation and the increase of MMP2 expression in HaCaT cells. At the same time, the treatment inhibited inflammation interfering with NFkB activation.

CONCLUSION

Beyond identifying a new bioactive compound, the overall results scientifically validate the traditional use of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Moreover, the beneficial effects on keratinocytes suggest promising therapeutic applications in skin diseases.

The Effect of Hydroxytyrosol in Type II Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Skin Wound Healing

Skin wound healing is a multiphase physiological process that involves the activation of numerous types of cells and is characterized by four phases, namely haemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling. However, on some occasions this healing becomes pathological, resulting in fibrosis. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal fibroblast-like characteristics. Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a phenolic compound extracted from olive oil and has been proven to have several health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of HT in type II EMT in human skin wound healing via cell viability, proliferation, migration, and proteins expression. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) isolated from skin samples were cultured in different concentrations of HT and EMT model, induced by adding 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) to the cells. HT concentrations were determined via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cells’ migrations were evaluated using scratch and transwell migration assay. Protein expressions were evaluated via immunocytochemistry. The result showed that HT at 0.2% and 0.4% significantly increased the proliferation rate of HDF (p < 0.05) compared to control. Scratch assay after 24 h showed increased cell migration in cells treated with 0.4% HT (p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. After 48 h, both concentrations of HT showed increased cell migration (p < 0.05) compared to the TGF-β group. Transwell migration revealed that HT enhanced the migration capacity of cells significantly (p < 0.05) as compared to TGF-β and the control group. In addition, HT supplemented cells upregulate the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin while downregulating the expression of mesenchymal marker vimentin in comparison to TGF-β group and control group. This study showed that HT has the ability to inhibit EMT, which has potential in the inhibition of fibrosis and persistent inflammation related to skin wound healing.

Effects of Hydroxytyrosol in Endothelial Functioning: A Comprehensive Review

Pharmacologists have been emphasizing and applying plant and herbal-based treatments in vascular diseases for decades now. Olives, for example, are a traditional symbol of the Mediterranean diet. Hydroxytyrosol is an olive-derived compound known for its antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. Acknowledging the merit of antioxidants in maintaining endothelial function warrants the application of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial dysfunction salvage and recovery. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an impairment of endothelial cells that adversely affects vascular homeostasis. Disturbance in endothelial functioning is a known precursor for atherosclerosis and, subsequently, coronary and peripheral artery disease. However, the effects of hydroxytyrosol on endothelial functioning were not extensively studied, limiting its value either as a nutraceutical supplement or in clinical trials. The action of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial functioning at a cellular and molecular level is gathered and summarized in this review. The favorable effects of hydroxytyrosol in the improvement of endothelial functioning from in vitro and in vivo studies were scrutinized. We conclude that hydroxytyrosol is capable to counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular aging, and arterial stiffness; thus, it is beneficial to preserve endothelial function both in vitro and in vivo. Although not specifically for endothelial dysfunction, hydroxytyrosol safety and efficacy had been demonstrated via in vivo and clinical trials for cardiovascular-related studies.

Hydroxytyrosol: Its role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

In recent years, non-pharmacology treatments and their effectiveness have gained popularity due to their beneficial properties in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Phenolic compounds intake provides a natural means of improving in vivo antioxidant status. Thus, the purpose of this review is to discuss the potential benefits of hydroxytyrosol (HT), a phenolic compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in preventing and reducing cardiovascular risk factors, concretely atherosclerosis. Closer inspection of the studies showed a significant improvement of lipid profile, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory state. A note of caution is due in vitro studies because the lack of validated approaches difficult the goodness of fit with the in vivo and clinical research. However, animal and clinical studies were very encouraging, determining HT supplementation useful on inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial function and cardiovascular diseases in general.

Pro-Angiogenic Effects of Natural Antioxidants Extracted from Mango Leaf, Olive Leaf and Red Grape Pomace over Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, mainly triggered by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that reduce blood flow. Angiogenic cell therapy based on endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) constitutes a promising alternative to promote vascular revascularization; however, under the oxidative environment that prevails in ischemic areas, these cells become impaired. Thus, it is necessary to investigate strategies to enhance their regenerative properties. Antioxidant substances, such as polyphenols, have been shown to be useful for this purpose. In the current study we evaluated the potential of mango leaves, olive leaves and red grape pomace extracts, rich in polyphenols, to promote ECFC reparative effects. For this, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the aforementioned raw materials were obtained by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). After evaluating the polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity, in vitro assays were carried out, and we found that ethanolic extracts at low concentrations improved angiogenic capacities of ECFCs and reduced proliferation, apoptosis, and the inflammatory response of these cells. Overall, mango leaves ethanolic extract provided the most promising results, but all three extracts ameliorated the functionality of ECFCs.

Angioprevention of Urologic Cancers by Plant-Derived Foods

The number of cancer cases worldwide keeps growing unstoppably, despite the undeniable advances achieved by basic research and clinical practice. Urologic tumors, including some as prevalent as prostate, bladder or kidney tumors, are no exceptions to this rule. Moreover, the fact that many of these tumors are detected in early stages lengthens the duration of their treatment, with a significant increase in health care costs. In this scenario, prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the global control of these diseases. Although specialized diets are not the only way to decrease the chances to develop cancer, epidemiological evidence support the role of certain plant-derived foods in the prevention of urologic cancer. In many cases, these plants are rich in antiangiogenic phytochemicals, which could be responsible for their protective or angiopreventive properties. Angiogenesis inhibition may contribute to slow down the progression of the tumor at very different stages and, for this reason, angiopreventive strategies could be implemented at different levels of chemoprevention, depending on the targeted population. In this review, epidemiological evidence supporting the role of certain plant-derived foods in urologic cancer prevention are presented, with particular emphasis on their content in bioactive phytochemicals that could be used in the angioprevention of cancer.

Mangostanin, a Xanthone Derived from Garcinia mangostana Fruit, Exerts Protective and Reparative Effects on Oxidative Damage in Human Keratinocytes

The fruit of Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) is known in ancient traditional Asian medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities. These effects are mainly due to the action of polyphenols known as xanthones, which are contained in the pericarp of the fruit. In recent years, there has been a growing interest from pharmaceutical companies in formulating new topicals based on mangosteen full extracts to prevent skin aging. However, the molecules responsible for these effects and the mechanisms involved have not been investigated so far. Here, the arils and shells of Garcinia mangostana were extracted with chloroform and methanol, and the extracts were further purified to yield 12 xanthone derivatives. Their effects were evaluated using in vitro cultures of human epidermal keratinocytes. After confirming the absence of cytotoxicity, we evaluated the antioxidant potential of these compounds, identifying mangostanin as capable of both protecting and restoring oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂. We showed how mangostanin, by reducing the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), prevents the activation of AKT (protein kinase B), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), p53, and other cellular pathways underlying cell damage and apoptosis activation. In conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate that mangostanin is effective in protecting the skin from the action of free radicals, thus preventing skin aging, confirming a potential toward its development in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields.

Conjugated Metabolites of Hydroxytyrosol and Tyrosol Contribute to the Maintenance of Nitric Oxide Balance in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells at Physiologically Relevant Concentrations

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule involved in many pathophysiological processes. NO mediates vasodilation and blood flow in the arteries, and its action contributes to maintaining vascular homeostasis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle contraction and growth, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Dietary antioxidants and their metabolites have been found to be directly and/or indirectly involved in the modulation of the intracellular signals that lead to the production of NO. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of conjugated metabolites of hydroxytyrosol (HT) and tyrosol (TYR) to the release of NO at the vascular level, and the related mechanism of action, in comparison to their parental forms. Experiments were performed in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) to evaluate the superoxide production, the release of NO and production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the activation of serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (Akt1), and the activation state of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). It was observed that the tested phenolic compounds enhanced NO and cGMP concentration, inhibiting its depletion caused by superoxide overproduction. Moreover, some of them enhanced the activation of Akt (TYR, HT metabolites) and eNOS (HT, HVA, TYR-S, HT-3S). Overall, the obtained data showed that these compounds promote NO production and availability, suggesting that HT and TYR conjugated metabolites may contribute to the effects of parental extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenolics in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Advances of microneedles in hormone delivery

The skin is recognized as a potential target for local and systemic drug delivery and hormone. However, the transdermal route of drug administration seems to be limited by substantial barrier properties of the skin. Recently, delivering hormone via the skin by transdermal patches is a big challenge because of the presence of the stratum corneum that prevents the application of hormone via this route. In order to overcome the limitations, microneedle (MN), consisting of micro-sized needles, are a promising approach to drill the stratum corneum and release hormone into the dermis via a minimal-invasive route. This review aimed to highlight advances in research on the development of MNs-based therapeutics for their implications in hormone delivery. The challenges during clinical translation of MNs from bench to bedside are also discussed.

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

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

Molecular Action of Hydroxytyrosol in Attenuation of Intimal Hyperplasia: A Scoping Review

Objective: Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a polyphenol of olive plant is well known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties. The aim of this systematic search is to highlight the scientific evidence evaluating molecular efficiency of HT in halting the progression of intimal hyperplasia (IH), which is a clinical condition arises from endothelial inflammation.

Methods: A systematic search was performed through PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, based on pre-set keywords which are Hydroxytyrosol OR 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol, AND Intimal hyperplasia OR Neointimal hyperplasia OR Endothelial OR Smooth muscles. Eighteen in vitro and three in vitro and in vivo studies were selected based on a pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Based on evidence gathered, HT was found to upregulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways and supresses inflammatory factors and mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, E-selectin, P-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 in endothelial vascularization and functioning. Two studies revealed HT disrupted vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) cell cycle by dephosphorylating ERK1/2 and AKT pathways. Therefore, HT was proven to promote endothelization and inhibit vascular SMCs migration thus hampering IH development. However, none of these studies described the effect of HT collectively in both vascular endothelial cells (EC) and SMCs in IH ex vivo model.

Conclusions: Evidence from this concise review provides an insight on HT regulation of molecular pathways in reendothelization and inhibition of VSMCs migration. Henceforth, we propose effect of HT on IH prevention could be further elucidated through in vivo and ex vivo model.

Keratinocytes Migration Promotion, Proliferation Induction, and Free Radical Injury Prevention by 3-Hydroxytirosol

3-hydroxytyrosol (HT) is the main phenolic compound found in olive oil with known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in several dermatological conditions, both when taken in the form of olive oil or pure in cosmeceutical formulations. To date, its direct effect on the wound healing process and the molecular mechanisms involved have not yet been elucidated. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to explore its effects in vitro in epidermal keratinocyte cultures focusing on the molecular mechanism implied. HT was able to induce keratinocyte proliferation in the low micromolar range, increasing the expression of cyclin dependent kinases fundamental for cell cycle progression such as CDK2 and CDK6. Furthermore, it increased cell migration through the activation of tissue remodeling factors such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein. Then, we evaluated whether HT also showed antioxidant activity at this concentration range, protecting from H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. The HT prevented the activation of ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM), Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1), Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2), and p53, reducing the number of apoptotic cells. Our study highlighted novel pharmacological properties of HT, providing the first evidence of its capability to induce keratinocyte migration and proliferation required for healing processes and re-epithelialization.

Hydroxytyrosol as a Promising Ally in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic and highly disabling syndrome, which is still underdiagnosed, with controversial treatment. Although its aetiology is unknown, a number of studies have pointed to the involvement of altered mitochondrial metabolism, increased oxidative stress and inflammation. The intake of extra virgin olive oil, and particularly of one of its phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol (HT), has proven to be protective in terms of redox homeostatic balance and the reduction of inflammation. In this context, using a proteomic approach with nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, the present study analysed: (i) Changes in the proteome of dermal fibroblasts from a patient with FM versus a healthy control, and (ii) the effect of the treatment with a nutritional relevant dose of HT. Our results unveiled that fibroblast from FM show a differential expression in proteins involved in the turnover of extracellular matrix and oxidative metabolism that could explain the inflammatory status of these patients. Moreover, a number of these proteins results normalized by the treatment with HT. In conclusion, our results support that an HT-enriched diet could be highly beneficial in the management of FM.