Immunohistochemical expression of Axin-2, as an implication of the role of stem cell in scar pathogenesis and prognosis

In-vitro evaluation of the effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) extract on periodontal cells: a comprehensive study of cellular and molecular impacts

BACKGROUND

This research assessed the potential role of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) extract on periodontal tissue wound healing by evaluating its effects on human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF), human gingival fibroblast (hGF), and human osteoblast (hOB) cells in vitro.

METHODS

The viability effect of okra extract on hPDLF, hGF, and hOB cells was determined using the MTT assay protocol. The highest viability concentrations were applied to hPDLF and hOB cells, and the expression levels of on type 1 collagen (COL1), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) proteins were determined through ELISA. The extract was also tested for antioxidant (CUPRAC, DPPH, FCR, and FRAP tests), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and antimicrobial properties, and its content was determined by HPLC-DAD.

RESULTS

The viability results showed no significant difference between the okra extract-treated and control groups for all cell types. In hPDLF cells, higher expression levels of COL1 and AXIN2 in the okra extract-treated group compared to the control group, while BMP2 expression level was lower. In hOB cells, the extract-treated group had higher levels of COL1, BMP2, and AXIN2 expression than the control group.

CONCLUSION

It can be posited that okra extract may activate the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and may have a beneficial impact on wound healing in periodontal tissues. However, extensive long-term in-vivo research on the activation of signalling pathways by okra extract in periodontal wound healing is required.

Hydrogel Loaded with Components for Therapeutic Applications in Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are common fibroproliferative diseases following injury. Patients with pathologic scars suffer from impaired quality of life and psychological health due to appearance disfiguration, itch, pain, and movement disorders. Recently, the advancement of hydrogels in biomedical fields has brought a variety of novel materials, methods and therapeutic targets for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids, which exhibit broad prospects. This review has summarized current research on hydrogels and loaded components used in preventing and treating hypertrophic scars and keloids. These hydrogels attenuate keloid and hypertrophic scar formation and progression by loading organic chemicals, drugs, or bioactive molecules (such as growth factors, genes, proteins/peptides, and stem cells/exosomes). Among them, smart hydrogels (a very promising method for loading many types of bioactive components) are currently favoured by researchers. In addition, combining hydrogels and current therapy (such as laser or radiation therapy, etc.) could improve the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Then, the difficulties and limitations of the current research and possible suggestions for improvement are listed. Moreover, we also propose novel strategies for facilitating the construction of target multifunctional hydrogels in the future.