The therapeutic effects of Bombyx mori sericin on rat skin psoriasis through modulated epidermal immunity and attenuated cell proliferation

Recycled Sericin Biopolymer in Biotechnology and Bioelectronics

In a world characterized by rapid industrialization and a growing population, plastic or polymeric waste handling has undergone significant transformations. Recycling has become a major strategy where silk sericin has great potential among recyclable polymers. This naturally occurring biopolymer is a sustainable and versatile material with a wide range of potential uses in biotechnology and sensing. Furthermore, preparing and studying new environmentally friendly functional polymers with attractive physicochemical properties can open new opportunities for developing next-generation materials and composites. Herein, we provide an overview of the advances in the research studies of silk sericin as a functional and eco-friendly material, considering its biocompatibility and unique physicochemical properties. The structure of silk sericin and the extraction procedures, considering the influence of preparation methods on its properties, are described. Sericin's intrinsic properties, including its ability to crosslink with other polymers, its antioxidative capacity, and its biocompatibility, render it a versatile material for multifunctional applications across diverse fields. In biotechnology, the ability to blend sericin with other polymers enables the preparation of materials with varied morphologies, such as films and scaffolds, exhibiting enhanced mechanical strength and anti-inflammatory effects. This combination proves particularly advantageous in tissue engineering and wound healing. Furthermore, the augmentation of mechanical strength, coupled with the incorporation of plasticizers, makes sericin films suitable for the development of epidermal electrodes. Simultaneously, by precisely controlling hydration and permeability, the same material can be tailored for applications in packaging and the food industry. This work highlights the multidisciplinary and multifunctional nature of sericin, emphasizing its broad applicability.

Silk Sericin in Dermatological Diseases: From Preclinical Studies to Future Clinical Applications

Biomaterials in medicine are becoming more widespread as a single or complementary treatment option. One such biomaterial is silk, comprised of two primary proteins: fibroin and sericin. Recently, sericin's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, elastase- and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties have been widely investigated. Sericin biomaterials are already used in wound healing and bone tissue engineering. Additionally, there are promising results for its usefulness in many other applications. This review focuses on sericin use in dermatological diseases, above all in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Sericin biomaterials have proven not only to be a promising drug carrier but also to improve the treatment outcome of atopic skin lesions. In psoriasis, sericin's therapeutic effect has reduced inflammation and abnormal epidermal maturation in plaques, with results comparable to standard treatment. Sericin is also observed to diminish skin pigmentation, improve moisture, and increase collagen production so that it can be used as an anti-aging product. There are also reports of its anti-skin-cancer activity. This paper describes the mechanisms behind skin diseases' pathogenesis and, based on the results of scientific studies, highlights and explains sericin's beneficial effects in their treatment. Its versatility, alone or combined with other therapeutic agents, provides new opportunities for dermatological treatments and cosmetic innovations.

Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Sericin Nanofibers and Rice-Encapsulated Nanosericin for Psoriasis: Mechanistic Insights from a 3D Skin Model

Purpose

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting 2-3% of the global population, presents significant treatment challenges, including high recurrence, adverse effects, and socioeconomic burdens. This study explores the therapeutic potential of sericin-based nanofibers and rice-encapsulated nanosericin (ReS) as innovative treatments, aiming to address current limitations by enhancing drug delivery, stability, and efficacy, and providing a targeted approach to managing this complex condition.

Methods

This study investigates the efficacy of sericin nanofibers and derivatives, including ReS, for psoriasis treatment using a 3D artificial human skin model. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted through histopathological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and proteomic analyses.

Results

Results showed that desolvation with glutaraldehyde crosslinking produced stable nanofibrils, while desolvation without crosslinking yielded nanogranules; nanoforms demonstrated high biocompatibility and safety. Treatments with sericin, rice extract, nanosericin, and ReS alleviated psoriasis-induced histopathology, with downregulation of IL-1β, WNT, and β-defensin particularly in the ReS and rice extract groups, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect. Caspase-3 reduction was more pronounced in the sericin and nanosericin groups. Proteomic analysis revealed notable exosomal protein involvement, with sericin modulating cell death through the PAK-2p34 pathway and proteasome activity, while nanosericin enhanced glycolysis and gluconeogenesis via exosomal proteins. Both ReS and nanosericin activated antioxidant pathways, mediated by upregulation of TGF-β and Nrf-2, respectively, especially sericin-based treatment through the selenoamino acid metabolism pathway. ReS further reduced keratinocyte differentiation by targeting cornified envelope proteins, correlating with reduced WNT expression. Gene expression analysis confirmed anti-inflammatory effects and skin barrier restoration, as evidenced by decreased S100-family proteins and increased filaggrin, caspase-14, and involucrin.

Conclusion

ReS and nanosericin show significant therapeutic potential for psoriasis by targeting immunomodulatory pathways, modulating keratinocyte activity, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing skin barrier restoration. Future research should optimize scalability, assess long-term safety, and explore synergistic effects with existing therapies, while further investigating molecular mechanisms for targeted treatment advancements.

Chemical Characterization and Bioactivities of Sericin Extracted from Silkworm Cocoons from Two Regions of Portugal

Sericin has been characterized as demonstrating a variety of bioactivities, establishing it as a valuable resource for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The diverse biological activities of sericin are likely linked to its unique biochemical composition and properties. This study aimed to assess the effect of origin, seasonality, and amino acid composition on the bioactivity of sericin samples from two Portuguese regions compared to commercial sericin. The amino acid profile was analyzed using HPLC-FLD. Moreover, several bioactivities were assessed through in vitro assays, including antiproliferative effects, cell migration, antimicrobial activity, anticoagulant properties, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory effects. The results obtained in this work revealed that the origin and season affect the sericin amino acid profile. In its pure state, sericin exhibited a low content of free amino acids, with tyrosine being the most abundant (53.42-84.99%). In contrast, hydrolyzed sericin displayed a higher amino acid content dominated by serine (54.05-59.48%). Regarding bioactivities, the sericin tested did not demonstrate antioxidant or anti-inflammatory potential in the conducted tests. Notwithstanding, it showed antiproliferative activity in contact with human tumor cell lines at a minimum concentration of 0.52 mg/mL. Regarding antimicrobial activity, sericin had the capacity to inhibit the growth of the bacteria and fungi tested at concentrations between 5 and 10 mg/mL. Additionally, sericin demonstrated its capacity to prolong the coagulation time in pooled human plasma, indicating a potential anticoagulant activity. In addition, the origin and season also revealed their impact on biological activities, and sericin collected in Bragança in 2021 (S3) and 2022 (S4) demonstrated higher antiproliferative, antibacterial, and anticoagulant potentials. Future studies should focus on optimizing sericin's bioactivities and elucidating its molecular mechanisms for clinical and therapeutic applications.

Compliant immune response of silk-based biomaterials broadens application in wound treatment

The unique properties of sericin and silk fibroin (SF) favor their widespread application in biopharmaceuticals, particularly in wound treatment and bone repair. The immune response directly influences wound healing cycle, and the extensive immunomodulatory functions of silk-based nanoparticles and hydrogels have attracted wide attention. However, different silk-processing methods may trigger intense immune system resistance after implantation into the body. In this review, we elaborate on the inflammation and immune responses caused by the implantation of sericin and SF and also explore their anti-inflammatory properties and immune regulatory functions. More importantly, we describe the latest research progress in enhancing the immunotherapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects of composite materials prepared from silk from a mechanistic perspective. This review will provide a useful reference for using the correct processes to exploit silk-based biomaterials in different wound treatments.

Silkworm Cocoon: Dual Functions as a Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Raw Material of Promising Biocompatible Carriers

The silkworm cocoon (SC), both as a traditional Chinese medicine and as the raw material for biocompatible carriers, has been extensively used in the medical and biomedical fields. This review elaborates on the multiple functions of SC, with an in-depth analysis of its chemical composition, biological activities, as well as its applications in modern medicine. The primary chemical components of SC include silk fibroin (SF), silk sericin (SS), and other flavonoid-like bioactive compounds demonstrating various biological effects. These include hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions, which highlight its potential therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, the review explores the applications of silk-derived materials in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and in vitro diagnostics. It also highlights the progression of SC from laboratory research to clinical trials, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of SC-based materials across multiple medical domains. Moreover, we discuss the market products developed from silk proteins, illustrating the transition from traditional uses to contemporary medical applications. This review provides support in understanding the current research status of SC and the further development and application of its derived products.

Translational application of human keratinocyte-fibroblast cell sheets for accelerated wound healing in a clinically relevant type 2 diabetic rat model

BACKGROUND AIMS

Despite advancements in wound care, wound healing remains a challenge, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Cell sheet technology has emerged as an efficient and promising therapy for tissue regeneration and wound repair. Among these, bilayered human keratinocyte-fibroblast cell sheets constructed using temperature-responsive culture surfaces have been shown to mimic a normal tissue-like structure and secrete essential cytokines and growth factors that regulate the wound healing process.

METHODS

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and therapeutic potential of human skin cell sheets to treat full-thickness skin defects in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrate that diabetic wounds transplanted with bilayered cell sheets resulted in accelerated re-epithelialization, increased angiogenesis, enhanced macrophage polarization and regeneration of tissue that closely resembled healthy skin. In contrast, the control group that did not receive cell sheet transplantation presented characteristic symptoms of impaired and delayed wound healing associated with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The secretory cytokines and the upregulation of Nrf2 expression in response to cell sheet transplantation are believed to have played a key role in the improved wound healing observed in diabetic rats. Our study suggests that human keratinocyte-fibroblast cell sheets hold great potential as a therapeutic alternative for diabetic ulcers.

Sericin coated thin polymeric films reduce keratinocyte proliferation via the mTOR pathway and epidermal inflammation through IL17 signaling in psoriasis rat model

Therapeutic treatment forms can play significant roles in resolving psoriatic plaques or promoting wound repair in psoriatic skin. Considering the biocompatibility, mechanical strength, flexibility, and adhesive properties of silk fibroin sheets/films, it is useful to combine them with anti-psoriatic agents and healing stimulants, notably silk sericin. Here, we evaluate the curative properties of sericin-coated thin polymeric films (ScF) fabricated from silk fibroin, using an imiquimod-induced psoriasis rat model. The film biocompatibility and psoriatic wound improvement capacity was assessed. A proteomics study was performed to understand the disease resolving mechanisms. Skin-implantation study exhibited the non-irritation property of ScF films, which alleviate eczema histopathology. Immunohistochemical and gene expression revealed the depletion of β-defensin, caspase-3 and -9, TNF-α, CCL-20, IL-1β, IL-17, TGF-β, and Wnt expressions and S100a14 mRNA level. The proteomics study suggested that ScF diminish keratinocyte proliferation via the mTOR pathway by downregulating mTOR protein, corresponding to the modulation of TNF-α, Wnt, and IL-1β levels, leading to the enhancement of anti-inflammatory environment by IL-17 downregulation. Hematology data demonstrated the safety of using these biomaterials, which provide a potential therapeutic-option for psoriasis treatment due to desirable effects, especially anti-proliferation and anti-inflammation, functioning via the mTOR pathway and control of IL-17 signaling.

Unravelling the potential of insects for medicinal purposes - A comprehensive review

Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practised for centuries in many countries around the world. More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans, but little is known about the possibility of using these insects as a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for treating diseases. This review offers a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic applications of insects and how they might be used in medicine. In this review, 235 insect species from 15 orders are reported to be used as medicine. Hymenoptera contains the largest medicinal insect species, followed by Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. Scientists have examined and validated the potential uses of insects along with their products and by-products in treating various diseases, and records show that they are primarily used to treat digestive and skin disorders. Insects are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, explaining their therapeutic features such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and so on. Challenges associated with the consumption of insects (entomophagy) and their therapeutic uses include regulation barriers and consumer acceptance. Moreover, the overexploitation of medicinal insects in their natural habitat has led to a population crisis, thus necessitating the investigation and development of their mass-rearing procedure. Lastly, this review suggests potential directions for developing insects used in medicine and offers advice for scientists interested in entomotherapy. In future, entomotherapy may become a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating various ailments and has the potential to revolutionize modern medicine.

Skin drug delivery using lipid vesicles: A starting guideline for their development

Lipid vesicles can provide a cost-effective enhancement of skin drug absorption when vesicle production process is optimised. It is an important challenge to design the ideal vesicle, since their properties and features are related, as changes in one affect the others. Here, we review the main components, preparation and characterization methods commonly used, and the key properties that lead to highly efficient vesicles for transdermal drug delivery purposes. We stand by size, deformability degree and drug loading, as the most important vesicle features that determine the further transdermal drug absorption. The interest in this technology is increasing, as demonstrated by the exponential growth of publications on the topic. Although long-term preservation and scalability issues have limited the commercialization of lipid vesicle products, freeze-drying and modern escalation methods overcome these difficulties, thus predicting a higher use of these technologies in the market and clinical practice.

The SELP, CD93, IL2RG, and VAV1 Genes Associated with Atherosclerosis May Be Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Psoriasis

Purpose

Psoriasis and atherosclerosis are immunometabolic diseases. This study aimed to integrate bioinformatics and updated public resources to find potential biological markers associated with atherosclerosis that can cause psoriasis.

Patients and Methods

Microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and functional enrichment analysis was performed. We identified psoriasis and atherosclerosis common immune-related genes (PA-IRGs) by overlapping immune-related genes (IRGs) with genes in the module most associated with psoriasis and atherosclerosis obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNAs). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was conducted to evaluate the predictive ability. The skin expression levels of diagnostic biomarkers were further verified by immunohistochemical staining. CIBERSORT, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and Pearson's correlation analysis were applied to evaluate immune and lipid metabolism relationships in psoriatic tissues. In addition, a lincRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed to find the pathogenesis in which diagnostic markers may be involved.

Results

Four PA-IRGs (SELP, CD93, IL2RG, and VAV1) demonstrated the optimal diagnostic value, with an AUC above 0.8. The immune cell infiltration analysis showed that dendritic resting cells, NK cell activation, neutrophils, macrophages M2, macrophages M0, and B-cell memory were highly abundant in psoriasis. Immune response analysis showed that TNF family members, chemokine receptors, interferons, natural killer cells, and TGF-β family members might be involved in psoriasis. Diagnostic biomarkers are strongly associated with various infiltrating immune cells, immune responses, and lipid metabolism. A lincRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network consisting of 31 lincRNAs and 23 miRNAs was constructed. LINC00662 is involved in modulating four diagnostic biomarkers.

Conclusion

This study identified atherosclerosis-related genes SELP, CD93, VAV1, and IL2RG as potential psoriasis diagnostic markers. Provide novel insights into the possible regulatory mechanisms involved in psoriasis.

Sericin-Based Poly(Vinyl) Alcohol Relieves Plaque and Epidermal Lesions in Psoriasis; a Chance for Dressing Development in a Specific Area

The noncontagious immune-mediated skin disease known as psoriasis is regarded as a chronic skin condition with a 0.09-11.4% global prevalence. The main obstacle to the eradication of the disease continues to be insufficient treatment options. Sericin, a natural biopolymer from Bombyx mori cocoons, can improve skin conditions via its immunomodulatory effect. Many external therapeutic methods are currently used to treat psoriasis, but sericin-based hydrogel is not yet used to treat plaques of eczema. Through the use of an imiquimod rat model, this study sought to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of a silk sericin-based poly(vinyl) alcohol (SS/PVA) hydrogel and assess both its therapeutic and toxic effects on psoriasis. The cytokines, chemokines, and genes involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis were investigated, focusing on the immuno-pathological relationships. We discovered that the SS/PVA had a stable fabrication and proper release. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of SS/PVA reduced the severity of psoriasis in both gross and microscopic skin lesions. This was demonstrated by a decrease in the epidermal histopathology score, upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and interleukin (IL)-10, and a decrease in the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-20. Moreover, the genes S100a7a and S100a14 were downregulated. Additionally, in rats given the SS/PVA treatment, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels were within normal limits. Our findings indicate that SS/PVA is safe and may be potentiated to treat psoriasis in a variety of forms and locations of plaque because of its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

Sustainable Prebiotic Dessert with Sericin Produced by Bombyx mori Worms

(1) Background: The processing of silk threads secreted by the silkworm Bombyx mori leads to large amounts of sericin as textile waste. Its biochemical and medical properties open a new perspective for its use in the food industry and its authorization as a new food ingredient in the European Union, by the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority. (2) Methods: Experimental and physico–chemical analyzes were carried out to obtain a sustainable prebiotic dessert with low energy value, containing Sericin produced by Bombyx Mori, which does not contain sugar and can be consumed both by people who want a healthy diet and people who need food for special nutritional conditions, such as diabetes, dysphagia or inflammatory diseases. (3) Results: The sustainable jelly was made from depectinized apple juice, pectin, sericin, lactoferrin, stevia and pectin. This dessert is natural and can be certified organic and HALAL. (4) Conclusions: Sericin can be used in the manufacture of a very wide range of foods. Being a glycoprotein, it can also be used to obtain jelling foods with low energy value, including foods for patients with dysphagia. This represents an important sustainable resource of essential amino acids for the normal homeostasis of the human body.

The Role of Sphingolipids in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a complex, chronic, immunologically mediated disease which involves skin and joints. Psoriasis is commonly connected with numerous other diseases such as liver diseases, metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. Interestingly, comorbidities of psoriasis are an attention-grabbing issue. Additionally, it can cause impairment of quality of life and may be associated with depressive disorders. Altered levels of ceramides in psoriatic skin may lead to anti-apoptotic and pro-proliferative states, consequently leading to an over-proliferation of keratinocytes and the development of skin lesions. The pathophysiology of psoriasis and its comorbidities is not fully understood yet. Sphingolipids (including ceramides) and their disturbed metabolism may be the link between psoriasis and its comorbidities. Overall, the goal of this review was to discuss the role of sphingolipid disturbances in psoriasis and its comorbidities. We searched the PubMed database for relevant articles published before the beginning of May 2022. The systematic review included 65 eligible original articles.