Taurine improves the wound healing process in cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice model, based on stereological parameters

Cutaneous manifestations of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a mutation in the Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, and features recurrent sinus and pulmonary infections, steatorrhea, and malnutrition. CF is associated with diverse cutaneous manifestations, including transient reactive papulotranslucent acrokeratoderma of the palms, nutrient deficiency dermatoses, and vasculitis. Rarely these are presenting symptoms of CF, prior to pulmonary or gastrointestinal sequelae. Cutaneous drug eruptions are also highly common in patients with CF (PwCF) given frequent antibiotic exposure. Finally, CFTR modulating therapy, which has revolutionized CF management, is associated with cutaneous side effects ranging from acute urticaria to toxic epidermal necrolysis. Recognition of dermatologic clinical manifestations of CF is important to appropriately care for PwCF. Dermatologists may play a significant role in the diagnosis and management of CF and associated skin complications.

Use of a taurolidine containing antimicrobial wash to reduce cardiac implantable electronic device infection

AIMS

TauroPace (Tauropharm, Bavaria Germany), a taurolidine solution for combating cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, was compared with a historical control of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a prospective observational study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The device pocket was irrigated, and all hardware accessible within (leads, suture sleeves, pulse generator) was wiped with H2O2, TauroPace, or taurolidine in a galenic formulation during any invasive CIED procedure at the study centre. Only CIED procedures covered by TauroPace or H2O2 from 1 January 2017 to 28 February 2022 were included for analysis. Patients who underwent >1 procedure were censored for the last treatment group and reassigned at the next procedure. The primary endpoint was major CIED infection within 3 months. The secondary endpoints were CIED infection beyond 3 months, adverse events potentially related to the antimicrobial solutions, CIED system, procedure, and death, till the end of follow-up. TauroPace covered 654 procedures on 631 patients, and H2O2 covered 551 procedures on 532 patients. The TauroPace group had more patient risk factors for infection than the H2O2 group (P = 0.0058) but similar device and procedure-specific risk factors (P = 0.17). Cardiac implantable electronic device infection occurred in 0/654 (0%) of the TauroPace group and 6/551 (1.1%) of the H2O2 group (P = 0.0075). Death occurred in 23/654 (3.5%) of the TauroPace group and 14/551 (2.5%) of the H2O2 group (P = 0.33). Non-infection related adverse events were rarer in the TauroPace (3.8%) than the H2O2 (6.0%) group (P = 0.0802).

CONCLUSION

TauroPace is safe but more effective than H2O2 in reducing CIED infection.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05576194.

Leishmania mexicana centrin knockout parasites promote M1-polarizing metabolic changes

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease prevalent in 90 countries. Presently, there is no approved vaccine for human use. We developed a live attenuated L. mexicana Cen-/-(LmexCen-/-) strain as a vaccine candidate that showed excellent efficacy, characterized by reduced Th2 and enhanced Th1 responses in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, respectively, compared to wild-type L. mexicana (LmexWT) infection. Toward understanding the immune mechanisms of protection, we applied untargeted mass spectrometric analysis to LmexCen-/- and LmexWT infections. Data showed enrichment of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in ears immunized with LmexCen-/-versus naive and LmexWT infection. PPP promotes M1 polarization in macrophages, suggesting a switch to a pro-inflammatory phenotype following LmexCen-/- inoculation. Accordingly, PPP inhibition in macrophages infected with LmexCen-/- reduced the production of nitric oxide and interleukin (IL)-1β, hallmarks of classical activation. Overall, our study revealed the immune regulatory mechanisms that may be critical for the induction of protective immunity.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Taurine Against Cadmium-Induced Liver Injury in Female Mice

Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal contaminant, seriously threatens human and animal health. Taurine (Tau) has been used against hepatotoxicity caused by different environmental toxins. However, it has not been elucidated whether Tau exerts its protective function against Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the ameliorative function of Tau (500 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally) on Cd-induced (2 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally) liver toxicity in mice for 14 days. The histopathologic and ultrastructure changes as well as alterations in indexes related to liver function, antioxidant biomarkers, inflammatory, and apoptosis were evaluated. The results showed that Tau alleviated the vacuolar degeneration, nuclear condensation, mitochondria swelling, and cristae lysis of hepatocytes induced by Cd. In addition, Tau treatment significantly reduced the ALT, AST levels in serum, and inflammatory factor TNF-α and IL-1β in liver tissue. Furthermore, Tau treatment decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression levels. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that Tau has an important hepatic protective function against the inflammation and apoptosis induced by Cd.

Er-Chen Decoction Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats through Remodeling Gut Microbiota and Regulating the Serum Metabolism

Many studies have found that the dysfunction in gut microbiota and the metabolic dysfunction can promote nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. Er-Chen decoction (EC) can be used in the treatment of NAFLD. However, the mechanism of this hepatoprotection is still unknown. In this study, we constructed a rat model with NAFLD fed with high-fat chow and administered EC treatment. The therapeutic effects of EC on NAFLD were evaluated by measuring transaminases, blood lipid levels, and pathological changes in the liver. In addition, we measured the effects of EC on liver inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The changes in gut microbiota after EC treatment were studied using 16S rRNA sequencing. Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis was also used to study the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of EC on NAFLD. The results showed that EC decreased the serum transaminases and lipid levels and improved the pathological changes in NAFLD rats. Furthermore, EC enhanced the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and decreased MDA level in the liver. EC treatment also decreased the gene and protein levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the liver and serum. The 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics indicated that EC treatment affected the gut microbiota and regulated serum metabolism. Correlation analysis showed that the effects of EC on taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism pathways were associated with affecting in the abundance of Lactobacillus, Dubosiella, Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibri, Romboutsia, Akkermansia, Intestinimonas, and Candidatus_saccharimonas in the gut. In conclusion, our study confirmed the protective effect of EC on NAFLD. EC could treat NAFLD by inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing inflammatory responses, and improving the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the modulation of the taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism pathways in serum.

Salvage of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Pocket Infection with Skin Erosion in Frail 92-Year-Old

We reported the novel use of a taurolidine-containing antimicrobial solution in the successful salvage of a partially exposed and polymicrobially infected cardiac implantable electronic device pulse generator in a frail patient unfit for lead extraction. The old, salvaged device was entirely internalized, and there were no signs of recurrent infection at 9 months follow-up.

Salvage of infected cardiac implantable electronic device with taurolidine—a case report

Background

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are commonly used to treat cardiac arrhythmias and prevent sudden cardiac death. Complications of CIED therapy include component malfunction, lead dislodgement, skin erosion and infection. Infection can result in significant morbidity and even mortality. The recommended treatment of CIED skin erosion and infection is urgent complete device extraction. When this is infeasible due to patient or resource factors, an attempt could be made to salvage the exposed or infected CIED system by debridement of all the infected necrotic tissues and irrigation of the pocket and contaminated hardware with anti-septic/antibiotic solutions. Taurolidine, when dissolved in an aqueous solution, produces a broad spectrum of antimicrobial actions and may be used as a novel irrigation agent during CIED salvage.

Case presentation

This report describes the first use of a taurolidine-containing solution for pocket irrigation and in situ hardware sterilisation that resulted in the successful salvage of a CIED infected with multi-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Conclusions

A taurolidine-containing antimicrobial solution can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional antiseptic/antibiotic solutions for pocket irrigation and in situ hardware sterilisation during CIED salvage, and may produce better clinical outcomes by some unique mechanisms of action such as inhibition of biofilm formation and neutralisation of endotoxins, with little risk of inducing and encountering resistance.

Spectrochemical and biochemical assay comparison study of the healing effect of the Aloe vera and Hypericum perforatum loaded nanofiber dressings on diabetic wound

Diabetic wounds have a slow healing process and easy to be infected. In addition to current drug treatments, supportive approaches are needed for diabetic wound treatment. In this study, we aimed to load Aloe Vera (AV) and Hypericum perforatum oil (HPO) with PCL/Ge (Poly (ɛ-caprolactone)/Gelatine) polymeric biodegradable by electrospinning method into nanofiber dressings on an experimental diabetic wound model to compare the diabetic wound healing effect. Changes in the amount and chemical structure of phospholipids, proteins, and lipids were investigated in the blood and serum samples of the animals using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. To evaluate biological events associated with the wound repair process in inflammatory phase we used oxidant and antioxidant status to determine the healing status of wounds such as Total antioxidant status (TAS), Total oxidant level (TOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. TOS level increased in DM groups and decreased in the AV and HPO group. Oxidative stress index decreased and TNF-α level increased in the HPO group. FTIR spectra showed changes in the phospholipids, proteins, and carbon chain of lipids in the whole blood as well as serum of DM rats. FTIR spectra combined with Principal component analysis (PCA) showed, that treated DM rats by AV and HPO caused return chemical structure of blood and serum to this observed in control group. Higher similarity with control group for HPO rats was observed. HPO is better than AV in the alternative for healing on diabetic wound. Thus, we have demonstrated that IR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis and biochemical assays are consistent and correlative with each other.

Cross-Interplay between Osmolytes and mTOR in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis

Alzheimer's disease, categorized by the piling of amyloid-β (Aβ), hyperphosphorylated tau, PHFs, NFTs and mTOR hyperactivity, is a neurodegenerative disorder, affecting people across the globe. Osmolytes are known for osmoprotectants and play a pivotal role in protein folding, function and protein stability, thus, preventing proteins aggregation, and counteracting effects of denaturing solutes on proteins. Osmolytes (viz., sorbitol, inositol, and betaine) perform a pivotal function of maintaining homeostasis during hyperosmotic stress. The selective advantage of utilising osmolytes over inorganic ions by cells is in maintaining cell volume without compromising cell function, which is important for organs such as the brain. Osmolytes have been documented not only as neuroprotectors but they also seem to act as neurodegenerators. Betaine, sucrose and trehalose supplementation has been seen to induce autophagy thereby inhibiting the accumulation of Aβ. In contrast, sucrose has also been associated with mTOR hyperactivity, a hallmark of AD pathology. The neuroprotective action of taurine is revealed when taurine supplementation is seen to inhibit neural damage, apoptosis and oxidative damage. Inositol stereoisomers (viz., scyllo-inositol and myo-inositol) have also been seen to inhibit Aβ production and plaque formation in the brain, inhibiting AD pathogenesis. However, TMAO affects the aging process adversely by deregulating the mTOR signalling pathway and then kindling cognitive dysfunction via degradation of chemical synapses and synaptic plasticity. Thus, it can be concluded that osmolytes may act as a probable therapeutic approach for neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we have reviewed and focussed upon the impact of osmolytes on mTOR signalling pathway and thereby its role in AD pathogenesis.

Topical Bambusa vulgaris Extract Enhances Wound Healing in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background

Bambusa vulgaris (Tabashir) has been shown to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of ascorbic acid, vitamin B2, flavonoid, and phenolic compounds which can be beneficial in the process of wound healing. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical Tabashir extract on cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania major in BALB/c mice.

Methods

Twenty-eight female BALB/c mice (4 weeks old, 18 ± 4 grams) were injected subcutaneously in tail-base with L. major amastigotes. Treatment started when the CL lesions were appeared and continued for 21 days. Mice were then divided into four groups: E1, treated daily with 5% of Tabashir extract gel; E2, treated daily with 10% Tabashir gel; C1, irrigated daily only with normal saline; and C2, received vehicle gel daily. The wounds' sizes were measured every 3 days, using vernier caliper. The volume densities of vessels, collagens, and hair follicles, vessels' length density, and mean diameter were soteriologically determined.

Results

Tabashir enhanced wound closure rate through increasing the number of fibroblasts, collagen bundles, and vessels, according to histomorphometric evaluation while it did not affect the parasitic load. Findings of the in vitro study revealed that the extract has substantial mortality for the Leishmania promastigotes.

Conclusion

Topical Tabashir showed promising effects on the healing process of skin wounds caused by CL in this experimental study. Further studies are suggested to find out the molecules which are involved in the healing process.

Althaea officinalis improves wound healing in rats: a stereological study

Althaea officinalis (AO) is reported to have the ability to activate fibroblasts as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Herein, we investigated the effects of this herbal medicine on wound healing in rat models by using stereological methods. In this experiment, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups randomly (n = 12): the control group with no treatment, the gel-base treated group, 5% and 10% AO-gel treated groups. The treatments were administered every 24 hours. Wound closure rate, volume densities of collagen bundles, hair follicles, and vessels, vessel's length density and mean diameter, and fibroblast populations were estimated. Fibroblast populations, hair follicles, and mean diameter of vessels in the dermis of AO-treated groups were noticeably higher than those of control and base groups. Also, collagen bundles synthesis was significantly higher in the AO10%-treated group compared to the control and base groups. According to our research and previous studies, AO has the potential to be considered as an alternative medicine in wound healing treatment; however, further clinical investigations are suggested.

Systems Toxicology Approaches Reveal the Mechanisms of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Diosbulbin B in Male Mice

Diosbulbin B (DIOB) is an effective component of air potato yam with antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities, and it is the main toxic component leading to hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of its hepatotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to systematically elucidate the molecular action of DIOB on liver metabolic function through systems toxicology approaches. C57BL/6 mice were orally treated with DIOB (10, 30, 60 mg/kg) for 28 days, and the liver metabonomics and histopathology, molecular docking, mRNA expression levels, and activities of enzymes were analyzed. The results illustrated that DIOB could affect fatty acid and glucose metabolism, block the TCA cycle, and DIOB also could disorder bile acid synthesis and transport and promote the occurrence of hyperbilirubinemia. In addition, DIOB increased Cyp3a11 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, these results provide new insights into the mechanism of hepatotoxicity caused by DIOB.

Taurine and its analogs in neurological disorders: Focus on therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and known as semi-essential in mammals and is produced chiefly by the liver and kidney. It presents in different organs, including retina, brain, heart and placenta and demonstrates extensive physiological activities within the body. In the several disease models, it attenuates inflammation- and oxidative stress-mediated injuries. Taurine also modulates ER stress, Ca2+ homeostasis and neuronal activity at the molecular level as part of its broader roles. Different cellular processes such as energy metabolism, gene expression, osmosis and quality control of protein are regulated by taurine. In addition, taurine displays potential ameliorating effects against different neurological disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, epilepsy and diabetic neuropathy and protects against injuries and toxicities of the nervous system. Several findings demonstrate its therapeutic role against neurodevelopmental disorders, including Angelman syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, sleep-wake disorders, neural tube defects and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Considering current biopharmaceutical limitations, developing novel delivery approaches and new derivatives and precursors of taurine may be an attractive option for treating neurological disorders. Herein, we present an overview on the therapeutic potential of taurine against neurological disorders and highlight clinical studies and its molecular mechanistic roles. This article also addresses the neuropharmacological potential of taurine analogs.

The Healing Effect of Plantago Major and Aloe Vera Mixture in Excisional Full Thickness Skin Wounds: Stereological Study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies indicated that both Plantago major and Aloe vera have anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration, antioxidant, and immune-stimulatory effects. It is assumed that a mixture of these two herbal medicines may provide a potent material in treatment of skin wound injuries. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of Plantago major and Aloe vera mixture in the process of wound healing in rat models according to stereological parameters.

METHODS

In an experiential study, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats (200±20 g) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=12): The control group which received no treatment, gel base treated group, and the 5% Plantago major and 5% Aloe vera mixture gel treated group (PA group). Treatments were done every 24 hrs for 15 days. Wound closure rate, volume densities of the collagen bundles and the vessels, vessel's length density and mean diameter, and fibroblast populations were estimated using stereological methods.

RESULTS

PA treated group showed faster wound closure rate in comparison with control and gel-base groups (p<0.05). Numerical density of fibroblasts, volume density of collagen bundles, mean diameter, and volume densities of the vessels in PA group were significantly higher than the control and the gel-base treated groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

We showed that Plantago major and Aloe vera mixture has the ability to improve wound healing by enhancing fibroblast proliferation, collagen bundle synthesis and re-vascularization in skin injuries.

The Healing Effect of Plantago Major and Aloe Vera Mixture in Excisional Full Thickness Skin Wounds: Stereological Study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies indicated that both Plantago major and Aloe vera have anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration, antioxidant, and immune-stimulatory effects. It is assumed that a mixture of these two herbal medicines may provide a potent material in treatment of skin wound injuries. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of Plantago major and Aloe vera mixture in the process of wound healing in rat models according to stereological parameters.

METHODS

In an experiential study, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats (200±20 g) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=12): The control group which received no treatment, gel base treated group, and the 5% Plantago major and 5% Aloe vera mixture gel treated group (PA group). Treatments were done every 24 hrs for 15 days. Wound closure rate, volume densities of the collagen bundles and the vessels, vessel’s length density and mean diameter, and fibroblast populations were estimated using stereological methods.

RESULTS

PA treated group showed faster wound closure rate in comparison with control and gel-base groups (p<0.05). Numerical density of fibroblasts, volume density of collagen bundles, mean diameter, and volume densities of the vessels in PA group were significantly higher than the control and the gel-base treated groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

We showed that Plantago major and Aloe vera mixture has the ability to improve wound healing by enhancing fibroblast proliferation, collagen bundle synthesis and re-vascularization in skin injuries.

Clinical Efficacy Associated with Enhanced Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract, Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Murine Model of Leishmania major

Leishmaniasis is one of the most significant vector-borne syndromes of individuals. This parasitic infection can be affected by many species of Leishmania, most of which are zoonotic. Natural products have made and are continuing to make important contributions to the search for new antileishmanial agents. The use of plants in the production assembly of silver nanoparticles has drawn attention because of its rapid, eco-friendly, non-pathogenic, economical protocol and provides a single step technique for the biosynthetic process. Hence, we aimed to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and investigated the antileishmanial activity of these nanoparticles in a murine model of Leishmania major infection. A total of 50 mice were used and divided into five groups-healthy control, infected, infected mice treated with pentostam, infected mice treated with Ag-NPs and infected mice pretreated with Ag-NPs. In the present study, the leaf extract of the plant species Moringa oleifera was found to be a good source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, their formation being confirmed by color change and stability in solution. In the present murine model of Leishmania major infection, we found that oral treatment with silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Moringa oleifera extract resulted in a significant reduction in the average size of leishmaniasis cutaneous lesions compared with untreated mice. Furthermore, the clinical efficacy of Moringa oleifera extract was associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, treatment with silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Moringa oleifera extract has higher and faster clinical efficacy than standard pentavalent antimonial treatment, probably by boosting the endogenous antioxidant activity.

Time-Dependent Resolution of Collagen Deposition During Skin Repair in Rats: A Correlative Morphological and Biochemical Study

Skin samples were used to compare microscopy methods used to quantify collagen with potential applicability to resolve time-dependent collagen deposition during skin wound healing in rats. Skin wounds by secondary intention were made in rats and tissue fragments were collected every 7 days for 21 days. Collagen content determined by biochemical analysis was compared with collagen measured by point counting (PC) on histological skin sections stained by Gomori's trichrome method (Trichrome/PC), Sirius red under polarized light (PL) microscopy (Sirius red/PL-PC), and computational color segmentation (CS) applied to sections stained with Sirius red (Sirius red/PL-CS). All microscopy methods investigated resolved the time-dependent dynamics of collagen deposition in scar tissue during skin wound healing in rats. Collagen content measured by Sirius red/PL-PC and Sirius red/PL-CS was significantly lower when compared with Trichrome/PC. The Trichrome/PC method provided overestimated values of collagen compared with biochemical analysis. In the early stages of wound healing, which shows high production of noncollagenous molecules, Sirius red/PL-CS and Sirius red/PL-PC methods were more suitable for quantification of collagen fibers. Trichrome staining did not allow clear separation between collagenous and noncollagenous elements in skin samples, introducing a marked bias in collagen quantification.

Topical Hypericum perforatum Improves Tissue Regeneration in Full-Thickness Excisional Wounds in Diabetic Rat Model

Delayed wound healing process is one of the most important concerns in diabetes. Healing of wounds has four phases, namely, hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. For a successful repair, all four factors must occur properly. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the healing effects of Hypericum perforatum (HP) on full-thickness diabetic skin wounds by using stereological methods. Forty-eight female diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12): gel base treated group, HP 5% gel treated group, HP 10% gel treated group, and the control group which received no treatment. A circular 1 cm² full-thickness wound was created on the animal's neck and wound area was measured every three days. After sacrificing the animals, skin samples were fixed and prepared for stereological evaluations. Based on the results, HP treated group showed faster wound closure rate in comparison with control and vehicle groups (P < 0.05). In addition, numerical density of fibroblasts, volume density of collagen bundles, and mean diameter and volume densities of the vessels in HP group were significantly higher than control and vehicle groups. The results of this study showed that HP has the ability to improve tissue regeneration by enhancing fibroblast proliferation, collagen bundle synthesis, and revascularization.