In Situ Hydrogel Formulation for Advanced Wound Dressing: Influence of Co-Solvents and Functional Excipient on Tailored Alginate-Pectin-Chitosan Blend Gelation Kinetics, Adhesiveness, and Performance

Chronic skin wounds affect more than 40 million patients worldwide, representing a huge problem for healthcare systems. This study elucidates the optimization of an in situ gelling polymer blend powder for biomedical applications through the use of co-solvents and functional excipients, underlining the possibility of tailoring microparticulate powder properties to generate, in situ, hydrogels with advanced properties that are able to improve wound management and patient well-being. The blend was composed of alginate, pectin, and chitosan (APC). Various co-solvents (ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone), and salt excipients (sodium bicarbonate and ammonium carbonate) were used to modulate the gelation kinetics, rheology, adhesiveness, and water vapor transmission rate of the gels. The use of co-solvents significantly influenced particle size (mean diameter ranging from 2.91 to 5.05 µm), depending on the solvent removal rate. Hydrogels obtained using ethanol were able to absorb over 15 times their weight in simulated wound fluid within just 5 min, whereas when sodium bicarbonate was used, complete gelation was achieved in less than 30 s. Such improvement was related to the internal microporous network typical of the particle matrix obtained with the use of co-solvents, whereas sodium bicarbonate was able to promote the formation of allowed particles. Specific formulations demonstrated an optimal water vapor transmission rate, enhanced viscoelastic properties, gel stiffness, and adhesiveness (7.7 to 9.9 kPa), facilitating an atraumatic removal post-use with minimized risk of unintended removal. Microscopic analysis unveiled that porous inner structures were influencing fluid uptake, gel formation, and transpiration. In summary, this study provided valuable insights for optimizing tailored APC hydrogels as advanced wound dressings for chronic wounds, including vascular ulcers, pressure ulcers, and partial and full-thickness wounds, characterized by a high production of exudate.

3D printed macroporous scaffolds of PCL and inulin-g-P(D,L)LA for bone tissue engineering applications

Bone repair and tissue-engineering (BTE) approaches require novel biomaterials to produce scaffolds with required structural and biological characteristics and enhanced performances with respect to those currently available. In this study, PCL/INU-PLA hybrid biomaterial was prepared by blending of the aliphatic polyester poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with the amphiphilic graft copolymer Inulin-g-poly(D,L)lactide (INU-PLA) synthetized from biodegradable inulin (INU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The hybrid material was suitable to be processed using fused filament fabrication 3D printing (FFF-3DP) technique rendering macroporous scaffolds. PCL and INU-PLA were firstly blended as thin films through solvent-casting method, and then extruded by hot melt extrusion (HME) in form of filaments processable by FFF-3DP. The physicochemical characterization of the hybrid new material showed high homogeneity, improved surface wettability/hydrophilicity as compared to PCL alone, and right thermal properties for FFF process. The 3D printed scaffolds exhibited dimensional and structural parameters very close to those of the digital model, and mechanical performances compatible with the human trabecular bone. In addition, in comparison to PCL, hybrid scaffolds showed an enhancement of surface properties, swelling ability, and in vitro biodegradation rate. In vitro biocompatibility screening through hemolysis assay, LDH cytotoxicity test on human fibroblasts, CCK-8 cell viability, and osteogenic activity (ALP evaluation) assays on human mesenchymal stem cells showed favorable results.

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 medieval skincare routine according to the formulations of Madgistra Trotula and the Medical School of Salerno and its reflection on cosmetology of the third millennium

BACKGROUND

Officinal plants, minerals, animal derivatives, and miscellaneous have always been used to treat and improve appearance despite the different aesthetic canons of a specific historical and cultural context.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to make a critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics analyzing the works of Trotula de Ruggiero, a female doctor of the 11th century teaching and working inside the illustrious "Medical School of Salerno," who devoted particular attention to the promotion of female care, beauty, and well-being.

METHODS

We applied the historical-critical method analyzing the Latin text and the nglish translation of the standardized corpus of the main Trotula medieval manuscript De Ornatu Mulierum with a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from botany to pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, pharmacology and pathology.

RESULTS

We identified the medicinal plants, derivatives of animal origin and minerals used in the recipes of Trotula, highlighting their biological properties in the light of current scientific knowledge. A critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics is reported also taking into consideration the chemical, pharmaceutical, and technological literature.

CONCLUSION

Beyond the obvious changes in the paradigms of cosmetology and the different beauty canons of Middle Age with respect to modern times, our results emphasize the attention of Trotula to female care, beauty and well-being as well as the extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity in her work.

Post-COVID Syndrome: The Research Progress in the Treatment of Pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19 Infection

Post-COVID syndrome or long COVID is defined as the persistence of symptoms after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, the pathogen responsible for coronavirus disease. The content herein presented reviews the reported long-term consequences and aftereffects of COVID-19 infection and the potential strategies to adopt for their management. Recent studies have shown that severe forms of COVID-19 can progress into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a predisposing factor of pulmonary fibrosis that can irreversibly compromise respiratory function. Considering that the most serious complications are observed in the airways, the inhalation delivery of drugs directly to the lungs should be preferred, since it allows to lower the dose and systemic side effects. Although further studies are needed to optimize these techniques, recent studies have also shown the importance of in vitro models to recreate the SARS-CoV-2 infection and study its sequelae. The information reported suggests the necessity to develop new inhalation therapies in order to improve the quality of life of patients who suffer from this condition.

Advanced printable hydrogels from pre-crosslinked alginate as a new tool in semi solid extrusion 3D printing process

With the aim to overcome alginate shape fidelity issue during the semisolid extrusion 3D printing and matrix collapsing after drying, we speculated that a pre-crosslinking step of the alginate ink-gel with low amount of Ca⁺² could improve the hydrogel performance. To verify this, the influence of pre-crosslinker concentration (10-25 mM) on the ink gel rheological properties were studied and flow behaviour and viscoelastic properties were determined. The developed ink gels were fully characterised by DSC and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Moreover, extrudability and the shape retention of extruded forms after printing and after drying were studied. The rheological and MRI data, combined with the morphological analysis of printed forms allowed us to identify the relationship between printability, shape retention and shear thinning behaviour of gels, showing good extrudability for all the pre-crosslinked gels with a calcium concentration between 0.15 and 0.25, corresponding to both egg-box dimers and multimers interactions.

A Novel Three-Polysaccharide Blend In Situ Gelling Powder for Wound Healing Applications

In this paper, alginate/pectin and alginate/pectin/chitosan blend particles, in the form of an in situ forming hydrogel, intended for wound repair applications, have been successfully developed. Particles have been used to encapsulate doxycycline in order to control the delivery of the drug, enhance its antimicrobial properties, and the ability to inhibit host matrix metalloproteinases. The presence of chitosan in the particles strongly influenced their size, morphology, and fluid uptake properties, as well as drug encapsulation efficiency and release, due to both chemical interactions between the polymers in the blend and interactions with the drug demonstrated by FTIR studies. In vitro antimicrobial studies highlighted an increase in antibacterial activity related to the chitosan amount in the powders. Moreover, in situ gelling powders are able to induce a higher release of IL-8 from the human keratinocytes that could stimulate the wound healing process in difficult-healing. Interestingly, doxycycline-loaded particles are able to increase drug activity against MMPs, with good activity against MMP-9 even at 0.5 μg/mL over 72 h. Such results suggest that such powders rich in chitosan could be a promising dressing for exudating wounds.

Coaxial semi-solid extrusion and ionotropic alginate gelation: A successful duo for personalized floating formulations via 3D printing

With the aim to fulfill the patient-centered approach of precision medicine, in this research, innovative floating drug delivery systems have been developed through the use of alginate matrix and fully characterized. Particularly, to exploit the ionotropic gelation of alginate, a customized coaxial extruder for Semi-solid Extrusion 3D printing, has been used for the simultaneous dispensing of ink gel (sodium alginate 6% w/v) and crosslinking gel (hydroxyethyl cellulose 3 %w/v, calcium chloride 0.1M and Tween 85 0.1% v/v). The latter also loaded with Propranolol Hydrochloride 12.5%w/v. A novel single-step process gelation for the extemporaneous gelation of loaded oral systems has been therefore developed. These technologically advanced formulations showed high printing reproducibility in manufacturing different models (mass of a single layer 535.41 ± 40.00 mg with an average drug loading efficiency of 85% w/w) and similar release behavior, paving the way for their customization in terms of drug dosages via this pioneering process.

Identification of a novel subpopulation of Caspase-4 positive non-small cell lung Cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Therapy/prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients are strongly related to gene alteration/s or protein expression. However, more than 50% of NSCLC patients are negative to key drugable biomarkers.

METHODS

We used human samples of NSCLC and mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

We showed that caspase-4 was highly present in the tumor mass compared to non-cancerous human tissues. Interestingly, the orthologue murine caspase-11 promoted lung carcinogenesis in mice. Carcinogen-exposed caspase-11 knockout mice had lower tumor lesions than wild type mice, due to the relevance of caspase-11 in the structural lung cell as demonstrated by bone marrow transplantation and adoptive transfer experiments. Similarly to what observed in mice, caspase-4 was correlated to the stage of lung cancer in humans in that it induced cell proliferation in a K-Ras, c-MyC and IL-1α dependent manner. Caspase-4 positive adenocarcinoma (79.3%) and squamous carcinoma (88.2%) patients had lower median survival than patients who had lower levels of caspase-4. Moreover, PD-L1 expression and gene mutation (i.e. EGFR) were not correlated to caspase-4 expression. Instead, NSCLC patients who had K-Ras or c-MyC gene alteration were positively correlated to higher levels of caspase-4 and lower survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a subgroup of NSCLC patients as caspase-4 positive among which double and triple positive caspase-4, K-Ras and/or c-MyC patients which prognosis was poor. Because K-Ras and c-MyC are still undrugable, the identification of caspase-4 as a novel oncoprotein could introduce novelty in the clinical yet unmet needs for NSCLC patients.

Study on Ajuga reptans Extract: A Natural Antioxidant in Microencapsulated Powder Form as an Active Ingredient for Nutraceutical or Pharmaceutical Purposes

The administration of natural antioxidants is considered to be a prevention strategy for chronic diseases and a useful tool for the healthcare system to reduce the administration of expensive and often not effective treatments. The chemical characterization of a methanolic extract (AJ) of Ajuga reptans L. was performed, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated. AJ and the major compounds, characterized by chromatographic techniques as phenylpropanoids and iridoids, were able to reduce the Reactive Oxygen Species levels in cancer cell lines (melanoma, A375, cervical cancer, HeLa, and alveolar adenocarcinoma, A549), stimulated by E. coli lipopolysaccharide. However, a clinical translation of these results encountered a significant limitation represented by the poor water solubility and bioavailability of the extract and compounds. Consequently, a hydro-soluble powder system (AJEP₃) was developed by spray-drying encapsulating AJ into a multi-component solid matrix that is based on L-proline and hydroxyethylcellulose as loading and coating agents, and lecithin as solubility enhancer. The technological approach led to a satisfactory process yield (71.5%), encapsulation efficiency (99.9%), and stability. The in vitro water dissolution rate of the bioactive compounds appeared to be improved with respect to the extract, suggesting higher feasibility in the manufacturing and administration; even the in vitro biological activity of the produced multi-component AJEP₃ was clearly enhanced.

Development of Chitosan/Mannitol Microparticles as Delivery System for the Oral Administration of a Spirulina Bioactive Peptide Extract

Spirulina platensis contains several compounds showing nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Recently, a series of peptides able to reduce the blood pressure level and to enhance the endothelial vasorelaxation was isolated from the hydrolyzed highly water-soluble Spirulina extract (HSE). However, HSE shows critical organoleptic characteristics also having poor intestinal permeability, limiting absorption when orally delivered. This research aims to overcome the critical issues through the encapsulation of HSE in Chitosan/Mannitol—(CM)-based microparticles by spray drying. The produced powders (CM-HSE) showed good process yield (≈70%) and encapsulation efficiency (≈100%) also having good derived flow properties as well as stability up to six months storage. The microparticles constituting the spray-dried powder resulted in an amorphous micrometric state (d₅₀ ≈ 14 µm) able to retain dark colour and unpleasant smell of raw HSE. Moreover, the in vitro permeation study by Franz cell indicated that the engineered microparticles are able to enhance the permeation of HSE through an intestinal biomimetic barrier (551.13 μg/cm² CM-HSE vs. 315.46 μg/cm² HSE at 270 min).

Design and Development of Spray-Dried Microsystems to Improve Technological and Functional Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Hazelnut Shells

An extract obtained from hazelnut shells by-products (HSE) has antioxidant and chemopreventive effects on human melanoma and cervical cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis by caspase-3 activation. A clinical translation is limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Dried plant extracts often show critical characteristics such as sticky/gummy appearance, unpleasant smell, and instability involving practical difficulties in processing for industrial use. A spray drying method has been applied to transform raw HSE in a microparticulate powder. The biopolymeric matrix was based on l-proline as loading carrier, hydroxyethylcellulose in combination with pectin as coating polymers; lecithin and ethanol were used as solubility enhancers. A Hot-Cold-Hot method was selected to prepare the liquid feed. The thus prepared powder showed good technological properties (solid-state, particle dimensions, morphology, and water dissolution rate), stability, and unchanged chemopreventive effects with respect to the unprocessed HSE.

Zinc and Calcium Cations Combination in the Production of Floating Alginate Beads as Prednisolone Delivery Systems

The aim of this research was to verify the application of alginate in combination with Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions to produce a floating and prolonged release system for the oral administration of prednisolone. Hollow and floating gel-beads were designed using prilling/ionotropic gelation as the microencapsulation technique, zinc acetate in the gelling solution as the alginate external crosslinker, and calcium carbonate in the feed as the internal crosslinking agent able to generate gas when in contact with the acidic zinc acetate solution. To achieve this goal, drug/alginate solutions were opportunely combined with different amounts of calcium carbonate. The effect of the addition of calcium carbonate into the feed solution on buoyancy, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, size distribution, as well as in vitro drug release profile of the alginate particles was studied. Moreover, the ability of the floating beads to modulate in vivo the anti-inflammatory response was assayed using the carrageenan-induced acute oedema in rat paw. The proposed strategy allowed obtaining alginate beads with extremely high encapsulation efficiency values (up to 94%) and a very porous inner matrix conferring buoyancy in vitro in simulated gastric fluid up to 5 h. Moreover, in vivo, the best formulation, F4, resulted in the ability to prolong the anti-inflammatory effect up to 15 h compared with raw prednisolone.

Pectin and Zinc Alginate: The Right Inner/Outer Polymer Combination for Core-Shell Drug Delivery Systems

Core-shell beads loaded with betamethasone were developed using co-axial prilling as production technique and pectin plus alginate as polymeric carriers. During this study, many operative conditions were intensively investigated to find the best ones necessary to produce uniform core-shell particle systems in a reproducible way. Particularly, feed solutions' composition, polymers mass ratios and the effect of the main process parameters on particles production, micromeritics, inner structure, drug loading and drug-release/swelling profiles in simulated biological fluids were studied. The optimized core-shell formulation F5 produced with a pectin core concentration of 4.0% w/v and an alginate shell concentration of 2.0% w/v (2:1 core:shell ratio) acted as a sustained drug delivery system. It was able to reduce the early release of the drug in the upper part of the gastro-intestinal tract for the presence of the zinc-alginate gastro-resistant outer layer and to specifically deliver it in the colon, thanks to the selectivity of amidated low methoxy pectin core for this district. Therefore, these particles may be proposed as colon targeted drug delivery systems useful for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy.

Halimium halimifolium: From the Chemical and Functional Characterization to a Nutraceutical Ingredient Design

Halimium halimifolium (Hh) is a shrub used in Algerian folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal pain. An UHPLC-PDA-ESI/MSⁿ method was developed to identify the metabolic profile of the traditionally used infusion (Hh-A) from the aerial parts. The structures of flavanols were confirmed by NMR analysis after the isolation procedure from a hydrohalcolic extract (Hh-B) that also allowed for the identification of phenolic acids, an aryl butanol glucoside, and different derivatives of quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol. Tiliroside isomers were the chemical markers of Hh-A and Hh-B (54.33 and 36.00 mg/g, respectively). Hh-A showed a significant scavenging activity both against the radicals 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (EC₅₀ = 10.49 µg/mL and TEAC value = 1.98 mM Trolox/mg infusion) and the lipopolysaccharide-induced reactive oxygen species release in A375 and HeLa cells. Moreover, the antihyperglycemic properties, by inhibiting the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes (IC₅₀ = 0.82 mg/mL and 25.01 µg/mL, respectively), were demonstrated. To upgrade the therapeutic effect, a microencapsulation process is proposed as a strategy to optimize stability, handling, and delivery of bioactive components, avoiding the degradation and loss of the biological efficacy after oral intake. Hh-loaded microparticles were designed using cellulose acetate phthalate as the enteric coating material and spray drying as a production process. The results showed a satisfactory process yield (67.9%), encapsulation efficiency (96.7%), and micrometric characteristics of microparticles (laser-scattering, fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopy). In vitro dissolution studies (USPII-pH change method) showed that Hh-loaded microparticles are able to prevent the release and degradation of the bioactive components in the gastric tract, releasing them into the intestinal environment.

The Inhibition of Caspase-1- Does Not Revert Particulate Matter (PM)-Induced Lung Immunesuppression in Mice

Background: Air pollution is becoming a threatening issue for human health. Many epidemiological studies relate air pollution index to adverse effects in terms of disease incidence and/or disease exacerbation. In our previous studies, we found air pollutants can induce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from human peripheral blood cells. To better understand, the effects of air pollution in the lung, we took advantage of an animal model. Experimental Approach: Mice were intratracheally and daily exposed to urban collected particulate matter (PM, PM10, and PM1) and to the sub-micrometric carbonaceous component, Soot. Results: We found that PM10, PM1, and Soot promoted lung inflammation associated to higher bronchial responsiveness and lower dilation together with an immunosuppressive lung environment, characterized by tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and myeloid -derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), the latter two Arginase I positive. In support, higher recruitment of Treg associated to higher levels of IL-10 were detected in the lung of PM10, PM1, and Soot treated mice. This effect was not abolished by the administration of a caspase-1 inhibitor, Ac-Y-VAD, implying that the canonical inflammasome complex was not associated to PMx-induced lung immunosuppression in mice. Conclusion: Our study proves that PM exposure leads to an immunosuppressive lung environment in a caspase-1-independent manner, paving the way to understand the molecular and cellular mechanism/s underlying the establishment of some respiratory disorders according to the exposure to air pollution.

Design of Aerogels, Cryogels and Xerogels of Alginate: Effect of Molecular Weight, Gelation Conditions and Drying Method on Particles' Micromeritics

Processing and shaping of dried gels are of interest in several fields like alginate aerogel beads used as highly porous and nanostructured particles in biomedical applications. The physicochemical properties of the alginate source, the solvent used in the gelation solution and the gel drying method are key parameters influencing the characteristics of the resulting dried gels. In this work, dried gel beads in the form of xerogels, cryogels or aerogels were prepared from alginates of different molecular weights (120 and 180 kDa) and concentrations (1.25, 1.50, 2.0 and 2.25% (w/v)) using different gelation conditions (aqueous and ethanolic CaCl₂ solutions) and drying methods (supercritical drying, freeze-drying and oven drying) to obtain particles with a broad range of physicochemical and textural properties. The stability of physicochemical properties of alginate aerogels under storage conditions of 25 °C and 65% relative humidity (ICH-climatic zone II) during 1 and 3 months was studied. Results showed significant effects of the studied processing parameters on the resulting alginate dried gel properties. Stability studies showed small variations in aerogels weight and specific surface area after 3 months of storage, especially, in the case of aerogels produced with medium molecular weight alginate.

AIM2 Inflammasome Activation Leads to IL-1α and TGF-β Release From Exacerbated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Derived Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. The progressive decline of lung function and airway remodelling are a consequence of chronic inflammatory responses. It was recently postulated the involvement of the inflammasome in COPD, although the underlying mechanism/s still need to be elucidated. Therefore, we isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from exacerbated/unstable COPD patients. The stimulation of PBMCs with an AIM2 inflammasome activator, Poly dA:dT, led to IL-1α, but not IL-1β, release. The release of this cytokine was caspase-1- and caspase-4-dependent and correlated to higher levels of 8-OH-dG in COPD compared to non-smoker and smoker-derived PBMCs. Interestingly, AIM2-depedent IL-1α release was responsible for higher TGF-β levels, crucial mediator during pro-fibrotic processes associated to COPD progression. In conclusion, our data highlight the involvement of AIM2/caspase-1/caspase-4 in IL-1α-induced TGF-β release in unstable COPD-derived PBMCs, opening new therapeutic perspectives for unstable COPD patients.

Circulating and tumor-associated caspase-4: a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer

Late diagnosis limits therapeutic options and survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Therefore the identification of biomarkers represents an emerging medical need.

A highly sensitive and specific test was developed to identify/quantify a novel/selective diagnostic biomarker for NSCLC patients, caspase-4. This test was validated by using i) plasma from 125 NSCLC patients and 79 healthy (non-pathological) subjects, ii) plasma from 139 smokers and iii) from 70 chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Caspase-4 quantification was also assessed in the lung tumor mass of 98 paired NSCLC patients compared to 10 non-tumor lung tissues (i.e. tuberculosis).

Circulating caspase-4 was detected in both healthy and NSCLC patients; however at different range values: 2.603–3.372 ng/ml for NSCLC patients (95% CI) compared to 0.3994-0.6219 ng/ml for healthy subjects (95% CI). The sensitivity of the test ranged from 97.07% to 100%; the specificity was 88.1% with a positive predictive value of 92.54%, accuracy of 95.19% and AUC of 0.971. Smokers (95% CI, 0.3947–0.6197 ng/ml) and COPD patients (95% CI, 1.703–2.995 ng/ml) showed intermediate values of circulating caspase-4. Tissue levels of caspase-4 in the tumor mass showed that 72 (72.7%) out of 99 patients were positive. More importantly, higher levels (cut-off value = 0.307 ng/ml) of caspase-4 in the tumor mass were associated to reduced overall survival (median 0.92 years) compared to NSCLC patients with lower levels (median 3.02 years).

We report for the first time caspase-4 as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, opening new therapeutic perspectives for NSCLC patients.

Activation of the Absent in Melanoma 2 Inflammasome in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Leads to the Release of Pro-Fibrotic Mediators

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibro-proliferative disease characterized by poor prognosis, with a mean survival of ~2–3 years after definite diagnosis. The cause of IPF is still unknown but it is a heterogeneous condition in which the aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix leads to extensive lung remodeling. This remodeling is a consequence of inflammatory responses, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. In this study, we first analyzed a bleomycin-induced mouse model, which showed that higher expression of IL-1β, but not IL-18, was correlated to pulmonary cell infiltration and fibrosis. Then, we found that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from IPF patients released IL-1α and IL-18 in a NLRP3- and calpain-independent manner after LPS ± ATP stimulation. Instead, the activation of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome induced the release of IL-1α in a caspase-1-/caspase-8-independent manner; whereas IL-18 release was caspase-1 dependent. These effects correlated with the release of the pro-fibrotic TGF-β, which was induced by AIM2 activation in a caspase-1- and TLR4-independent manner, but dependent on IL-1α. In this context, the activation of AIM2 induced the release of caspase-4 from IPF-derived PBMCs, which correlated with the mRNA levels of this caspase that was higher in IPF than in healthy PBMCs. In conclusion, our findings identify a novel molecular mechanism whereby the activation of AIM2 could lead to the activation of the non-canonical inflammasome (caspase-4 dependent) that induces the release of IL-1α responsible for the release of TGF-β from PBMCs of IPF patients.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Derived Circulating Cells Release IL-18 and IL-33 under Ultrafine Particulate Matter Exposure in a Caspase-1/8-Independent Manner

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered the fourth-leading causes of death worldwide; COPD is caused by inhalation of noxious indoor and outdoor particles, especially cigarette smoke that represents the first risk factor for this respiratory disorder. To mimic the effects of particulate matter on COPD, we isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and treated them with combustion-generated ultrafine particles (UFPs) obtained from two different fuel mixtures, namely, pure ethylene and a mixture of ethylene and dimethylfuran (the latter mimicking the combustion of biofuels). UFPs were separated in two fractions: (1) sub-10 nm particles, named nano organic carbon (NOC) particles and (2) primarily soot particles of 20–40 nm and their agglomerates (200 nm). We found that both NOC and soot UFPs induced the release of IL-18 and IL-33 from unstable/exacerbated COPD-derived PBMCs. This effect was associated with higher levels of mitochondrial dysfunction and derived reactive oxygen species, which were higher in PBMCs from unstable COPD patients after combustion-generated UFP exposure. Moreover, lower mRNA expression of the repairing enzyme OGG1 was associated with the higher levels of 8-OH-dG compared with non-smoker and smokers. It was interesting that IL-18 and IL-33 release from PBMCs of unstable COPD patients was not NOD-like receptor 3/caspase-1 or caspase-8-dependent, but rather correlated to caspase-4 release. This effect was not evident in stable COPD-derived PBMCs. Our data suggest that combustion-generated UFPs induce the release of caspase-4-dependent inflammasome from PBMCs of COPD patients compared with healthy subjects, shedding new light into the biology of this key complex in COPD.

Synergistic effect of divalent cations in improving technological properties of cross-linked alginate beads

Gelling solution parameters are some of the most important variables in ionotropic gelation and consequently influence the technological characteristics of the product. To date, only a few studies have focused on the simultaneous use of multiple cations as gelling agents. With the aim to deeply explore this possibility, in this research we investigated the effect of two divalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺) on alginate beads formation and properties. Alginate beads containing prednisolone (P) as model drug were prepared by prilling technique. The main critical variables of the ionotropic gelation process i.e. composition of the aqueous feed solutions (sodium alginate and prednisolone concentration) and cross-linking conditions (Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺ or Ca²⁺+Zn²⁺), were studied. The obtained beads were characterized and their in vitro release performances were assessed in conditions simulating the gastrointestinal environment. Results evidenced a synergistic effect of the two cations, affecting positively both the encapsulation efficiency and the ability of the alginate polymeric matrix to control the drug release. A Ca²⁺/Zn²⁺ ratio of 4:1, in fact, exploited the Ca²⁺ ability of establish quicker electrostatic interactions with guluronic groups of alginate and the Zn²⁺ ability to establish covalent-like bonds with carboxylate groups of both guluronic and mannuronic moieties of alginate.

Prednisolone Delivery Platforms: Capsules and Beads Combination for a Right Timing Therapy

In this work, a platform of alginate beads loaded with Prednisolone in hypromellose/gellan gum capsules (F6/Cps) able to delay steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (SAID) release as needed for chronotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis is proposed. Rheumatoid arthritis, showing a worsening in symptoms in the morning upon waking, is a pathology that can benefit from chronotherapy. With the aim to maximize prednisolone therapeutic action allowing the right timing of glucocorticoid therapy, different engineered microparticles (gel-beads) were manufactured using prilling (laminar jet break-up) as micro-encapsulation technique and Zn-alginate as gastroresistant carrier. Starting from various feed solutions and process parameters, the effect of the variables on particles size, morphology, solid state properties and drug release was studied. The optimization of operative and prilling/ionotropic gelation variables led to microspheres with almost spherical shape and a narrow dimensional range. The feed solution with the highest alginate (2.5% w/v) amount and drug/polymer ratio (1:5 w/w) gave rise to the highest encapsulation efficiency (78.5%) as in F6 formulation. As to drug release, F6 exhibited an interesting dissolution profile, releasing about 24% of the drug in simulated gastric fluid followed by a more sustained profile in simulated intestinal fluid. #F6, acting as a gastro-resistant and delayed release formulation, was selected for in vivo studies on male Wistar rats by means of a carrageenan-induced oedema model. Finally, this efficacious formulation was used as core material for the development of a final dosage form: F6/Cps allowed to significantly reduce prednisolone release in simulated gastric fluid (12.6%) and delayed drug release up to about 390 minutes.

Red wine activates plasma membrane redox system in human erythrocytes

In the present study, we report that polyphenols present in red wine obtained by a controlled microvinification process are able to protect human erythrocytes from oxidative stress and to activate Plasma Membrane Redox System (PMRS). Human plasma obtained from healthy subjects was incubated in the presence of whole red wine at a concentration corresponding to 9.13-73 μg/ml gallic acid equivalents to verify the capacity to protect against hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-induced plasma oxidation and to minimize chloramine formation. Red wine reduced hemolysis and chloramine formation induced by HOCl of 40 and 35%, respectively. PMRS present on human erythrocytes transfers electrons from intracellular molecules to extracellular electron acceptors. We demonstrated that whole red wine activated PMRS activity in human erythrocytes isolated from donors in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum at about 70-100 μg/ml gallic acid equivalents. We also showed that red wine increased glutathione (GSH) levels and erythrocytic antioxidant capacity, measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) quenching assay. Furthermore, we reported that GSH played a crucial role in regulating PMRS activity in erythrocytes. In fact, the effect of iodoacetamide, an alkylating agent that induces depletion of intracellular GSH, was completely counteracted by red wine. Bioactive compounds present in red wine, such as gallic acid, resveratrol, catechin, and quercetin were unable to activate PMRS when tested at the concentrations normally present in aged red wines. On the contrary, the increase of PMRS activity was associated with the anthocyanin fraction, suggesting the capacity of this class of compounds to positively modulate PMRS enzymatic activity.

Rheological Properties of Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Secretion and in Vitro Drug Permeation Study: The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a thick, sticky mucus responsible for both airway obstruction and resistance to drug diffusion, reducing the effectiveness of drug delivery to the lung. Studies of drug-mucus interaction may be a crucial step in therapeutic management of CF. In the present research, the effect of a saline solution of sodium bicarbonate (100 mM) on sputum viscosity and the permeation properties of ketoprofen lysinate (Klys) from a previously developed dry powder inhaler were evaluated.

METHODS

Rheological measurements were performed using an ARES rotational rheometer (Rheometrics, Inc.) with a parallel plate geometry. The gel fraction, separated from the liquid phase of various sputum samples from CF patients was loaded onto the plate. The elastic (G') and the viscous (G") moduli, tan δ (ratio of G" to G') and η* (complex viscosity) were evaluated as frequency-dependent parameters. Drug permeation across CF sputum from dry powders was studied by means of Franz-type vertical diffusion cells. The experiments were conducted on untreated sputum and on sputum treated with bicarbonate.

RESULTS

Rheological studies showed that the elastic modulus (G') was always greater than the viscous modulus (G") and the viscosity decreased with increasing frequency, as for pseudo-plastic fluids. Bicarbonate caused a downward shift of both the elastic and viscous moduli, with a reduction in complex viscosity. As to drug permeation, the untreated sputum slowed down drug dissolution and permeation compared to buffer permeability (control). Permeation studies across CF sputum treated with bicarbonate showed higher Klys dissolution/permeation than untreated sputum.

CONCLUSIONS

The interesting results confirm the previously reported bicarbonate. effectiveness in CF; this weak base seems to act by decreasing high viscosity of the CF bronchial secretion and, potentially, resulting in better mucus clearance and in fighting pulmonary infections.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of a polar extract of Thymelaea microphylla Coss. et Dur

Thymelaea microphylla Coss. et Dur. (Thymelaeaceae) is a rare medicinal plant endemic to Algeria. In order to continue our studies on this species, herein we report the isolation and characterisation of 20 compounds from a hydroalcoholic extract (EtOH-H2O 7:3) of the aerial parts. They include monoterpene glucosides (1-3), phenolic acid derivatives (4, 8 and 9), phenylpropanoid glucosides (5 and 6), flavonoids (7, 10 and 11), a benzyl alcohol glucoside (12), ionol glucosides (13-16), lignans (17-19) and a bis-coumarin (20). All the structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as ESI-MS analysis. Moreover, the extract of T. microphylla showed a significant and concentration-dependent free radical-scavenging activity in vitro, correlated to the presence of phenolic and chlorogenic acid derivatives (8, 9 and 4).

In situ forming antibacterial dextran blend hydrogel for wound dressing: SAA technology vs. spray drying

This study focuses on designing microparticulate carriers based on high-mannuronic alginate and amidated pectin blend loaded with gentamicin sulphate able to move rapidly from dry to soft hydrogel. Supercritical assisted atomization was used to produce microparticles in form of dry powder and characteristics were compared with those obtained by spray-drying. Particles with very high encapsulation efficiency (approximately 100%) and small diameter (less than 2 μm) showed good flowability and high fluid uptake enabling wound site filling and limiting bacterial proliferation. Moisture transmission of the in situ formed hydrogel was about 95 g/m(2)h, ideal to avoid wound dehydration or occlusion phenomena. All formulations presented a burst effect, suitable to prevent infection spreading at the beginning of the therapy, followed by prolonged release (4-10 days) related to drug/polymers ratio. Antimicrobial tests showed stronger effect than pure GS over time (up-to 24 days) and the ability to degrade preformed biofilms, essential to properly treat infected wounds.

Design of alginate-based aerogel for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs controlled delivery systems using prilling and supercritical-assisted drying

In this study, a novel preparation method for alginate-based aerogels charged with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was developed using prilling in combination with supercritical fluid technique. Nanoporous carriers were prepared by laminar jet breakup of drug/alginate solutions or suspensions followed by cross-linking in ethanol or aqueous CaCl(2) solutions, water replacement, and supercritical-CO(2) -assisted drying. A substantial drug loss was observed for highly soluble ketoprofen lysinate, whereas encapsulation efficiency was satisfying for slightly soluble ketoprofen. The tandem technique successfully produced almost spherical aerogels (sphericity coefficient 0.97-0.99) in narrow size distribution with reduced particle shrinkage and smooth surface (surface roughness 1.10-1.13); the internal porous texture of the parent hydrogels was preserved and appeared as a network of nanopores with diameters around 200 nm. Drug release profiles were monitored using a pH change method to evaluate the possible application of the aerogels as fast dissolving NSAIDs formulation. Aqueous cross-linking led to aerogels encapsulating ketoprofen in the amorphous form and with an enhanced burst effect in simulated gastric fluid (75% in 30 min), whereas ethanol cross-linking produced aerogels embedding drug in crystal clusters with slower dissolution rate. The system appears an interesting potential carrier for the fast delivery of slightly soluble drugs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Screening of a polar extract of Paeonia rockii: composition and antioxidant and antifungal activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Paeonia (Paeoniaceae), is one of the most important source of crude drugs in traditional Chinese medicine and investigation on many species is large. Up to now studies on Paeonia rockii, one of the eight species recognized in the section Moutan, are very limited.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research aimed to investigate the composition of Paeonia rockii roots and to evaluate the in vitro free-radical scavenging and antifungal activities of a polar extract (PPR) and its major constituents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PPR was obtained from defatted dried roots of Paeonia rockii using MeOH as extraction solvent. Its n-BuOH soluble portion (PPR-B) was purified by Sephadex LH-20 followed by RP-HPLC to give nineteen compounds belonging to the classes polyphenols, monoterpenes and triterpenes. Their structure were spectrally characterized (UV, 1D and 2D NMR, MS). The polyphenols content of PPR and PPR-B was examined by the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric assay and HPLC method. Both extracts (PPR and PPR-B) and their major constituents were tested for the free-radical scavenging activity by DPPH-test, and for the antifungal activity by three methods (micro-broth dilution method, XTT assay and Candida albicans morphological analysis).

RESULTS

5-Butylhydroxy-γ-lactone (1), and ethyl-arabinopyranoside (2) have been isolated for the first time as naturally occurring compounds and taxifolin (3) was reported for the first time in Paeonia spp. Nine polyphenols, four monoterpenes and three triterpenes were also identified. Both the extracts PPR and PPR-B had high polyphenol content, and high concentration of gallic acid derivatives and paeoniflorin, chemotaxonomic characteristic markers of the genus. PPR, gallic acid and methyl-gallate displayed high potency in scavenging free-radicals (DPPH test, EC(50) 13.3, 1.2, 1.9 μg/ml, respectively). Both the extracts and gallic acid individually showed an interesting antifungal property (MIC(50) at 24 h 25, 0.9 and 30 μg/ml, respectively) and notably, a combination of paeoniflorin/gallic acid (MIC(50)=0.5+20 μg/ml, respectively) was more active than the single compound in inhibiting Candida growth.

CONCLUSION

The polar methanolic extract (PPR), its n-BuOH soluble fraction and constituents of Paeonia rockii were extensively investigated. Both extracts and some of their compounds have the ability to scavenge free-radicals and to inhibit Candida albicans growth.

An extract of Lannea microcarpa: composition, activity and evaluation of cutaneous irritation in cell cultures and reconstituted human epidermis

Lannea microcarpa (Anacardiaceae) is a tropical tree used in African folk medicine and commercial dermopharmaceutical formulations. Fractionation and analysis of its polar extract allowed the identification of 4′-methoxy-myricetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, vitexin, isovitexin, gallic acid and epi-catechin, as the major constituents. In-vivo assay (the croton oil ear test in mice) showed that the extract had significant anti-inflammatory effect (ID50 = 900 μg cm2) but ten times lower than that of indometacin (ID50 = 93 μg cm2), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as reference. Cytotoxicity and cutaneous irritation of the extract and its constituents were investigated. The crude extract and its major components did not affect cell viability in-vitro either in three different cultures (J774.A1, WEHI-164 and HEK-293) of cells grown in monolayers or in the reconstituted human epidermis (RHE, 3D model), nor did they cause release of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1α) or histomorphological modification of RHE.

Encapsulation of ketoprofen and ketoprofen lysinate by prilling for controlled drug release

In this paper, ketoprofen and ketoprofen lysinate were used as model drugs in order to investigate release profiles of poorly soluble and very soluble drug from sodium alginate beads manufactured by prilling. The effect of polymer concentration, viscosity, and drug/polymer ratio on bead micromeritics and drug release rate was studied. Ketoprofen and ketoprofen lysinate loaded alginate beads were obtained in a very narrow dimensional range when the Cross model was used to set prilling operative conditions. Size distribution of alginate beads in the hydrated state was strongly dependent on viscosity of drug/polymer solutions and frequency of the vibration. The release kinetics of the drugs showed that drug release rate was related with alginate concentration and solubility of the drug. Alginate solutions with concentration higher than 0.50% (w/w) were suitable to prepare ketoprofen gastro-resistant formulation, while for ketoprofen lysinate alginate, concentration should be increased to 1.50% (w/w) in order to retain the drug in gastric environment. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms and Fourier transform infrared analyses of drug-loaded alginate beads indicated complex chemical interactions between carboxyl groups of the drug and polymer matrix in drug-loaded beads that contribute to the differences in release profile between ketoprofen and ketoprofen lysinate. Total release of the drugs in intestinal medium was dependent on the solubility of the drug and was achieved between 4 and 6 h.

An extract of Apium graveolens var. dulce leaves: structure of the major constituent, apiin, and its anti-inflammatory properties

Flavonoids, natural compounds widely distributed in the plant kingdom, are reported to affect the inflammatory process and to possess anti-inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory activity in-vitro and in-vivo. Since nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is one of the inflammatory mediators, the effects of the ethanol/water (1:1) extract of the leaves of Apium graveolens var. dulce (celery) on iNOS expression and NO production in the J774.A1 macrophage cell line stimulated for 24 h with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated. The extract of A. graveolens var. dulce contained apiin as the major constituent (1.12%, w/w, of the extract). The extract and apiin showed significant inhibitory activity on nitrite (NO) production in-vitro (IC50 0.073 and 0.08 mg mL(-1) for the extract and apiin, respectively) and iNOS expression (IC50 0.095 and 0.049 mg mL(-1) for the extract and apiin, respectively) in LPS-activated J774.A1 cells. The croton-oil ear test on mice showed that the extract exerted anti-inflammatory activity in-vivo (ID50 730 microg cm(-2)), with a potency seven-times lower than that of indometacin (ID50 93 microg cm(-2)), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as reference. Our results clearly indicated the inhibitory activity of the extract and apiin in-vitro on iNOS expression and nitrite production when added before LPS stimulation in the medium of J774.A1 cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of the extract demonstrated in-vivo might have been due to reduction of iNOS enzyme expression.

Characterization of topical antiinflammatory compounds in Rosmarinus officinalis L

The topical antiinflammatory activity of three extracts at increasing polarity (n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol) from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Labiatae) has been tested using the croton oil ear test in mice. Both the n-hexane and the chloroform (CE-1) extracts from the leaves showed a dose-dependent activity, the last one possessing an antiinflammatory potency similar to that of indomethacin, the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug used as a reference drug (ID50 = 83 and 93 microg/cm2, respectively). The bioassay-oriented fractionation of CE-1 led to the identification of tritepenes, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and micromeric acid as the main antiinflammatory principles. Furthermore, the CE-1 extract obtained from the residue of the steam distillation of the leaves (extract A) showed the same antiinflammatory potency of CE-1, suggesting this waste product as a source of antiinflammatory products.

Anti-inflammatory activity of verminoside from Kigelia africana and evaluation of cutaneous irritation in cell cultures and reconstituted human epidermis

Kigelia africana is a plant used in Africa for anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-skin-aging effects. Various papers have reported on the composition and biological activities of its CH2Cl2 extracts and dermal formulations. Chemical analysis of a polar extract of fruit from K. africana indicated the presence of verminoside (1), an iridoid, as a major constituent, and of a series of polyphenols such as verbascoside (2). In vitro assays showed that 1 had significant anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting both iNOS expression and NO release in the LPS-induced J774.A1 macrophage cell line. Cytotoxicity and cutaneous irritation of the extract and of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated. The crude extract and 1 did not affect cell viability in vitro either in cells grown in monolayers (ML) or in the reconstituted human epidermis (RHE, 3D) model; neither caused release of pro-inflammatory mediators or histomorphological modification of RHE.