Discovery of β-sitosterol's effects on molecular changes in rat diabetic wounds and its impact on angiogenesis and macrophages

Skin Healing Potential of Bioactive Components From Lycoperdon lividum Mushroom Versus β-Sitosterol in Rat Model of Burn Wounds

Burn injury elicits an inflammatory response, metabolic abnormalities, and distributional shock leading to diverse organ dysfunctions with remarkable morbidity and mortality. Sluggish wound healing, infections, and hypertrophic scars still struggle in burn treatment. Lycoperdon lividum, a puffball mushroom enriched in polyphenols, has outstanding antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to assess the benefits of L. lividum on second-degree burn lesions in a rat model at 100°C. Seventy-five male rats were haphazardly separated into five groups of 15 rats each: Control (without any skin burn induction/treatment), skin burn (skin burn induction/non-treated), β-sitosterol (treated with topical β-sitosterol 0.25%), Vehicle (treated with Vaseline), and L. lividum (treated with topical L. lividum watery extract 10%). Rats were euthanized on Days 5, 10, and 20 of the experiment. Lycoperdon lividum extract was analyzed using HPLC techniques. Skin samples were collected for microscopical and histopathological examinations. Biomarkers involving IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β1, TNF-α, and VEGF were analyzed in skin homogenates. The chromatogram revealed distinct peaks for bioactive compounds of L. lividum, including kaempferol, rutin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and gallic acid. Lycoperdon lividum greatly alleviated the burn lesions via improving wound contraction, correcting inflammation, and granulation aberrations while boosting fibrosis. The outcomes were validated by histopathological analyses. Further, L. lividum markedly improved the healing of burn wounds by regulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1), and angiogenic cytokines (VEGF) in skin tissues. Lycoperdon lividum has potential in healing burn wounds thanks to its outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Anti-dengue Viral Protein NS5 and Antibacterial Efficacy of Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata: An In Silico Approach

The current study examines the anti-dengue and antibacterial potential and in silico drug development of the andrographolide against the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus (1JIJ) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6MVN) and the dengue viral protein NS5. The phytochemical analysis identified the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, glycosides, and steroids in the Andrographis paniculata methanolic leaf extract. Based on the GC-MS analysis, andrographolide was identified as the primary chemical constituent of the medicinal plant A. paniculata and the compound with the largest peak area among other compounds. The agar well diffusion method was employed to observe the antibacterial potential of the methanolic leaf extract against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The maximal inhibition zones were 15.6 ± 0.34 mm and 11.7 ± 0.42 mm, respectively. Additionally, andrographolide was docked with the NS5 viral protein and bacterial proteins, including S. aureus TyrRS (PDB: 1JIJ) and P. aeruginosa LasR PDB (ID: 6MVN), resulting in a docking score of - 20.7384 kJ/mol, - 15.0969 kJ/mol, and - 11.1171 kJ/mol, respectively. In summary, our molecular docking experiments with the identified andrographolide compound demonstrated its potential as a drug with anti-dengue viral and antibacterial properties.

Multifunctional carboxymethyl chitosan-based sponges loaded with epigallocatechin-3-gallate for accelerating wound healing in diabetic rats with full-thickness burns

Full-thickness burn wounds in diabetes often present significant challenges in terms of timely progression of healing and even mortality. Multifunctional dressings that possess strong absorptivity and mechanical property while effectively regulating inflammation and promoting angiogenesis is therefore crucial. We have developed a novel sponge (CCGE) comprising carboxymethyl chitosan, gelatin, and glycerin for the purpose of promoting accelerated healing of scald wounds in diabetic rats. This sponge is loaded with epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The incorporation of the crosslinker BDDE reinforces its mechanical characteristics by augmenting the interplay between the sponge structure through hydrogen bonding and covalent bonding. Moreover, the crosslinked sponges provide a highly absorptive layer, carboxymethyl chitosan show good biocompatibility and angiogenic effects, and the gelatin provide matrix metalloproteinases-9 targeting. The CCGE sponges exhibit high biocompatibility, facilitate fibroblast migration, and promote tube formation. The application of the CCGE sponges significantly accelerates wound healing of full-thickness scald wounds in diabetic rats, exhibits enhanced collagen synthesis, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased blood vessel formation within the wounded area. In summary, this study presents a multifunctional composite CCGE sponge dressing that effectively modulates ROS, inflammation, and angiogenesis to facilitate comprehensive burn wound tissue repair in diabetes.

Aloe vera and the Proliferative Phase of Cutaneous Wound Healing: Status Quo Report on Active Principles, Mechanisms, and Applications

Aloe vera is commonly used as traditional medicine for cutaneous wound healing. Nonetheless, the wound healing mechanisms of Aloe vera remain unclear. This review aims to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of Aloe vera in promoting cutaneous wound healing, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms that stimulate cell proliferation and migration. Aloe vera has been shown to upregulate growth factors such as keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cyclin D1, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF), and microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4), as well as collagen, fibrillin, elastin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), integrins, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1, also known as CD31), while downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, Aloe vera was also found to upregulate PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, as well as the TGF-β signalling pathway via Smad proteins. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that certain chemical constituents of Aloe vera bind to some of the forementioned growth factors or signalling molecules. With regards to current applications, although human clinical trials have reported positive results from using Aloe vera in healing open wounds and burns and alleviating some inflammatory skin diseases, the current commercial uses of Aloe vera remain largely focused on cosmetic products. Thus, greater advances are required to promote the use of Aloe vera products in clinical settings.

Porous Gelatin Methacrylate Gel Engineered by Freeze-Ultraviolet Promotes Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis

Alveolar bone defect reconstruction is a common challenge in stomatology. To address this, a thermosensitive/photosensitive gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) gel was developed based on various air solubilities and light-curing technologies. The gel was synthesized by using a freeze-ultraviolet (FUV) method to form a porous and quickly (within 15 min) solidifying modified network structure. Unlike other gel scaffolds limited by complex preparation procedures and residual products, this FUV-GelMA gel shows favorable manufacturing ability, promising biocompatibility, and adjustable macroporous structures. The results from a rat model suggested that this gel scaffold creates a conducive microenvironment for mandible reconstruction and vascularization. In vitro experiments further confirmed that the FUV-GelMA gel promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Investigation of the underlying mechanism focused on the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. We found that SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, abolished the therapeutic effects of the FUV-GelMA gel on osteogenesis and angiogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. These findings introduced a novel approach for scaffold-based tissue regeneration in future clinical applications.

Exploring the underlying pharmacological, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of phytochemicals against wounds: a molecular insight

BACKGROUND

Numerous cellular, humoral, and molecular processes are involved in the intricate process of wound healing.

PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Numerous bioactive substances, such as ß-sitosterol, tannic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol, along with their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, have been reviewed. These phytochemicals work together to promote angiogenesis, granulation, collagen synthesis, oxidative balance, extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and re-epithelialization during wound healing.

FINDINGS AND NOVELTY

To improve wound contraction, this review delves into how the application of each bioactive molecule mediates with the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing to speed up the process. This review also reveals the underlying mechanisms of the phytochemicals against different stages of wound healing along with the differentiation of the in vitro evidence from the in vivo evidence There is growing interest in phytochemicals, or plant-derived compounds, due their potential health benefits. This calls for more scientific analysis and mechanistic research. The various pathways that these phytochemicals control/modulate to improve skin regeneration and wound healing are also briefly reviewed. The current review also elaborates the immunomodulatory modes of action of different phytochemicals during wound repair.

METTL3-mediated NDUFB5 m6A modification promotes cell migration and mitochondrial respiration to promote the wound healing of diabetic foot ulcer

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the most devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and plays a major role in disability and death in DM patients. NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B5 (NDUFB5) plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial respiration, but whether it is involved in regulating the progression of advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-mediated DFU is still unclear.

METHODS

Firstly, the role of AGEs on cell viability, migration, and mitochondrial respiration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was explored in vitro. Next, NDUFB5 expression was detected in human samples and AGEs-treated HUVECs, and NDUFB5's effect on AGEs-induced HUVECs injury and skin wound in diabetic mice was further clarified. In addition, the role of m6A modification mediated by methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in regulating NDUFB5 expression and AGEs-induced HUVECs injury was investigated.

RESULTS

NDUFB5 promoted cell viability, migration, and mitochondrial respiration in AGEs-treated HUVECs, whereas mitochondrial fusion promoter M1 facilitated cell viability, migration, and mitochondrial oxiadative respiration in NDUFB5 knockdown HUVECs. Meanwhile, NDUFB5 promotes skin wound healing in diabetic mice. Besides, METTL3-mediated m6A modification and insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) enhanced NDUFB5 expression in HUVECs. Furthermore, METTL3 promoted cell viability, migration, and mitochondrial respiration in AGEs-treated HUVECs by increasing NDUFB5.

CONCLUSION

METTL3-mediated NDUFB5 m6A modification inhibits AGEs-induced cell injury in HUVECs. METTL3 and NDUFB5 might serve as potential targets for DFU therapy in the future.

Insights of biopolymeric blended formulations for diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds (DWs) pose a significant health burden worldwide, with their management presenting numerous challenges. Biopolymeric formulations have recently gained attention as promising therapeutic approaches for diabetic wound healing. These formulations, composed of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, offer unique properties such as controlled drug release, enhanced wound closure, and reduced scarring. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and future prospects regarding the application of biopolymeric formulations for diabetic wound healing. The review begins by highlighting the underlying pathophysiology of DWs, including impaired angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and compromised extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. It further explores the key characteristics of biopolymeric materials, such as their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable physicochemical properties, which make them suitable for diabetic wound healing applications. The discussion further delves into the types of biopolymeric formulations utilized in the treatment of DWs. These include hydrogels, nanoparticles (NP), scaffolds, films, and dressings. Furthermore, the review addresses the challenges associated with biopolymeric formulations for diabetic wound healing. In conclusion, biopolymeric formulations present a promising avenue for diabetic wound healing. Their unique properties and versatility allow for tailored approaches to address the specific challenges associated with DWs. However, further research and developments are required to optimize their therapeutic efficacy, stability, manufacturing processes, and regulatory considerations. With continued advancements in biopolymeric formulations, the future holds great promise for improving the management and outcomes of DWs.

Integrating RNA-sequencing and network analysis to explore the mechanism of topical Pien Tze Huang treatment on diabetic wounds

Introduction: Diabetic ulcers have become one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and are a leading cause of death and disabling disease. However, current therapies are not effective enough to meet clinical needs. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, Pien Tze Huang (PZH), is known as a medicine that is used to treat diabetic ulcers. Methods: In this study, PZH (0.05 g/cm2 and 0.15 g/cm2) and the positive drug-rhEGF were topically administered in a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic full-thickness incisional wounds, respectively. Wound healing was assessed by wound closure rate, two-photon microscope (SHG), staining with Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson's trichrome (MTC). Then, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and immunofluorescence (IF), network analysis, were performed. Results and discussion: The results showed that PZH significantly accelerated wound healing, as well as enhanced the expression of collagen. RNA-seq analysis showed that PZH has functions on various biological processes, one of the key biological processes is inflammatory response. Tlr9, Klrk1, Nod2, Tlr2, and Ifng were identified as vital targets and the NF-κB signaling pathway was identified as the vital pathway. Additionally, PZH profoundly reduced the levels of Cleaved caspase-3 and promoted the expression of CD31 and TGF-β1. Mechanically, PZH significantly decreased expression of NKG2-D, NOD2, and TLR2, and further inhibited the activation of downstream NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibited expression of inflammatory factors (IFN-γ and IL-1β). Importantly, we found that several active ingredients may play a significant role in diabetic wound healing, including Notoginsenoside R1, Deoxycorticosterone, Ursolic acid, and 4-Methoxyphenol. In summary, our study sheds light on the complicated mechanisms underlying the promising anti-diabetic wounds of PZH and provides the discovery of agents treating diabetic ulcers.

Identifying and Validating GSTM5 as an Immunogenic Gene in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Using Bioinformatics and Machine Learning

Background

A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious, long-term condition associated with a significant risk of disability and mortality. However, research on its biomarkers is still limited. This study utilizes bioinformatics and machine learning methods to identify immune-related biomarkers for DFU and validates them through external datasets and animal experiments.

Methods

This study used bioinformatics and machine learning to analyze microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify key genes associated with DFU. Animal experiments were conducted to validate these findings. This research employs the datasets GSE68183 and GSE80178 retrieved from the GEO database as the training dataset for building a gene machine learning model, and after conducting differential analysis on the data, this study used package glmnet and package e1071 to construct LASSO and SVM-RFE machine learning models, respectively. Subsequently, we validated the model using the training set and validation set (GSE134431). We conducted enrichment analysis, including GSEA and GSVA, on the model genes. We also performed immune functional analysis and immune-related analysis on the model genes. Finally, we conducted immunohistochemistry (IHC) validation on the model genes.

Results

This study identifies GSTM5 as a potential immune-related key target in DFU using machine learning and bioinformatics methods. Subsequent validation through external datasets and IHC experiments also confirms GSTM5 as a critical biomarker for DFU. The gene may be associated with T cells regulatory (Tregs) and T cells follicular helper, and it influences the NF-κB, GnRH, and MAPK signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study identified and validated GSTM5 as a biomarker for DFU. This finding may potentially provide a target for immune therapy for DFU.