Local drug delivery of folic acid promotes oral mucosal wound healing

Low folate biomarker concentrations are associated with increase the risk and severity of periodontitis in adults: A cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014

We sought to test the hypothesis that adult folate biomarker concentrations are negatively associated with the risk and severity of periodontitis. Data were pooled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009 to 2014. A total of 9252 dentate adult subjects aged 30 years and older who received a periodontal examination and had complete folate biomarker data were included in the analysis. Both logistic regression and linear regression models were built to analyze the associations between folate biomarker concentrations and periodontitis, followed by multisubgroup and sensitivity analyses. In addition, restricted cubic spline models were applied to observe the shape of the associations. We found negative associations between serum folate and periodontitis status (odds ratio [OR] = 0.775, 95% CI: 0.691-0.869), periodontal probing depth (PPD) (β = -0.048, 95% CI: -0.069 to -0.027), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) (β = -0.061, 95% CI: -0.098 to -0.025). A negative association was also found between red blood cell folate and periodontitis status (OR = 0.727, 95% CI: 0.613-0.861), PPD (β = -0.055, 95% CI: -0.086 to -0.024), and CAL (β = -0.084, 95% CI: -0.128 to -0.040). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed robust results. Restricted cubic spline models demonstrated significant linearity for associations. Folate biomarker concentrations were negatively associated with periodontitis in adults aged 30 years and older, indicating that folate may have a restrictive effect on the risk and severity of periodontitis. This finding may provide a clinical target for preventive and interventional measures to promote periodontal nutrition and health.

Investigating the regenerative effects of folic acid on human amniotic epithelial stem cells and amniotic pore culture technique (APCT) model in vitro using an integrated pharmacological-bioinformatic approach

INTRODUCTION

Disruption of fetal membranes before the onset of labor is referred to as premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Lack of maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation reportedly leads to PROM. However, there is a lack of information on the location of FA receptors in the amniotic tissue. Additionally, the regulatory role and potential molecular targets of FA in PROM in vitro have rarely been investigated.

METHODS

The three FA receptors (folate receptor α isoform [FRα], transporter of reduced folate [RFC], and proton-coupled folate transporter [PCFT]) in human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) and amniotic tissue were localized using immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry staining. Effect and mechanism analyses of FA were performed in hAESCs and amniotic pore culture technique (APCT) models. An integrated pharmacological-bioinformatics approach was utilized to explore the potential targets of FA for the treatment of PROM.

RESULTS

The three FA receptors were widely expressed in human amniotic tissue, especially in the hAESC cytoplasm. FA stimulated the amnion regeneration in the in vitro APCT model. This mimics the PROM status, in which cystathionine-β-synthase, an FA metabolite enzyme, may play an important role. The top ten hub targets (STAT1, mTOR, PIK3R1, PTPN11, PDGFRB, ABL1, CXCR4, NFKB1, HDAC1, and HDAC2) of FA for preventing PROM were identified using an integrated pharmacological-bioinformatic approach.

DISCUSSION

FRα, RFC, and PCFT are widely expressed in human amniotic tissue and hAESCs. FA aids the healing of ruptured membrane.

Tailoring the proliferation of fibroblast cells by multiresponsive and thermosensitive stem cells composite F127 hydrogel containing folic acid.MgO:ZnO/chitosan hybrid microparticles for skin regeneration

In this study, biodegradable and thermosensitive F127 hydrogel containing folic acid.MgO:ZnO/chitosan hybrid particles (FMZC) was fabricated as a 3D mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivery vehicle for regenerative medicine and wound healing purposes, in such a way to be responsive to lysozyme and UVA irradiation. The results showed that F127 hydrogel containing FMZC is a suitable and nontoxic construct for encapsulation of MSCs in the presence of lysozyme and UVA irradiation, bearing high stem cell viability and proliferation. The final hydrogel, MSC&FMZC, in response to lysozyme induced a higher proliferation rate and migration in human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF). These phenomena were attributed to the released F.MgO:ZnO nanocomposites from chitosan microparticles and paracrine factors from MSCs within the hydrogel, resulting in synergistic biological effects. Moreover, lysozyme-treated MSC&FMZC hydrogel showed higher antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria than bare hydrogel. However, a significant increase in the antibacterial activity of MSC&FMZC was observed as the treated bacteria were subjected to UVA irradiation owing to the photocatalytic activity of F.MgO:ZnO nanocomposites. Regarding the antibacterial activity and stimulating skin cell behavior of MSC&FMZC hydrogel that can promote the regenerative activities of skin, it could be considered as a promising scaffold for bacteria-accompanied wound healing.