Wound-Healing and Skin-Moisturizing Effects of Sasa veitchii Extract

Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process of tissue formation, while polarization of macrophages plays an important role during this process. Darutoside is one of the major components of the ethanol extract from Siegesbeckia, which has the effects of anti-inflammation, healing rheumatism and promoting joint health. To investigate whether darutoside could promote wound healing, we established full-thickness excisional cutaneous wound healing model in C57/BL6 mice and applied darutoside on the skin wounds. The results showed that darutoside can improve wound healing in mice. Mechanistically, we treated RAW264.7 and macrophages with darutoside in vitro, and found that darutoside inhibited the LPS-induced polarization and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in macrophages by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. For in vivo study, we also found that darutoside could promote the growth of epithelial cells in wound tissue and inhibit the expression of iNOS+ macrophages around wound tissue by IHC staining. In addition, we also found that darutoside could inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors in wound tissue by PCR. Our data revealed that darutoside could promote wound healing by regulating macrophage polarization via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.

C24 Ceramide Lipid Nanoparticles for Skin Wound Healing

Background/Objectives: C24 ceramide plays a crucial role in skin regeneration and wound healing; however, its hydrophobic nature limits its application in therapeutic formulations. This study aims to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of C24 ceramide by developing ceramide-based lipid nanoparticles (C24-LNP) and evaluate their impact on skin regeneration and wound healing. Methods: C24-LNP was synthesized and characterized for aqueous stability and bioavailability. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess its effects on keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Molecular biological analysis examined key signaling pathways, including AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Additionally, an in vivo mouse wound model was utilized to evaluate wound healing efficacy, with histological analysis performed to assess epidermal and dermal regeneration. Results: C24-LNP exhibited improved aqueous stability and bioavailability compared to free C24 ceramide. In vitro studies demonstrated that C24-LNP significantly promoted keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Molecular analysis revealed activation of the AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which are critical for cell growth and skin regeneration. In vivo wound healing experiments showed that C24-LNP accelerated wound closure compared to the control group. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced epidermal and dermal regeneration, leading to improved structural and functional skin repair. Conclusion: The lipid nanoparticle formulation of C24 ceramide effectively increases its bioavailability and enhances its therapeutic efficacy in skin regeneration and wound healing. C24-LNP presents a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional growth factor-based therapies, offering significant potential for clinical applications in wound care and dermatological treatments.

Effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin on the expression of genes that regulate skin function

AIMS

Skin disorders occur more frequently with sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors than with other antidiabetic drugs. We conducted basic research using ipragliflozin, with the aim of identifying new measures to prevent skin disorders caused by SGLT2 inhibitors.

METHODS

db/db type 2 diabetes model mice were orally administered ipragliflozin (10 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) once a day for 28 days and skin function genes were analysed by real-time RT-PCR or Western blotting.

RESULTS

No difference in the expression level of collagen (Col1a1 and Col1a2) in the skin was detected between the ipragliflozin treatment group and the control group. On the other hand, the expression levels of enzymes involved in the synthesis and decomposition of hyaluronic acid (Has2 and Hayl1) and enzymes involved in the synthesis and decomposition of ceramide (Sptlc1, Sptlc2, Asah1, and Acer1) were significantly decreased by the administration of ipragliflozin. Furthermore, the expression levels of filaggrin (Flg), loricrin (Lor), elastin (Eln), and aquaporin-3 (Aqp3) in the skin were lower in the ipragliflozin treatment group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

It was revealed that ipragliflozin reduces the expression of genes involved in skin barrier and moisturizing functions, which this may be one of the mechanisms through which this drug causes skin disorders.

A critical overview of challenging roles of medicinal plants in improvement of wound healing technology

PURPOSE

Chronic diseases often hinder the natural healing process, making wound infections a prevalent clinical concern. In severe cases, complications can arise, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. While allopathic treatments offer numerous options for wound repair and management, the enduring popularity of herbal medications may be attributed to their perceived minimal side effects. Hence, this review aims to investigate the potential of herbal remedies in efficiently treating wounds, presenting a promising alternative for consideration.

METHODS

A literature search was done including research, reviews, systematic literature review, meta-analysis, and clinical trials considered. Search engines such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were used while retrieving data. Keywords like Wound healing 'Wound healing and herbal combinations', 'Herbal wound dressing', Nanotechnology and Wound dressing were used.

RESULT

This review provides valuable insights into the role of natural products and technology-based formulations in the treatment of wound infections. It evaluates the use of herbal remedies as an effective approach. Various active principles from herbs, categorized as flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and phenolic compounds, have shown effectiveness in promoting wound closure. A multitude of herbal remedies have demonstrated significant efficacy in wound management, offering an additional avenue for care. The review encompasses a total of 72 studies, involving 127 distinct herbs (excluding any common herbs shared between studies), primarily belonging to the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae. In research, rat models were predominantly utilized to assess wound healing activities. Furthermore, advancements in herbal-based formulations using nanotechnology-based wound dressing materials, such as nanofibers, nanoemulsions, nanofiber mats, polymeric fibers, and hydrogel-based microneedles, are underway. These innovations aim to enhance targeted drug delivery and expedite recovery. Several clinical-based experimental studies have already been documented, evaluating the efficacy of various natural products for wound care and management. This signifies a promising direction in the field of wound treatment.

CONCLUSION

In recent years, scientists have increasingly utilized evidence-based medicine and advanced scientific techniques to validate the efficacy of herbal medicines and delve into the underlying mechanisms of their actions. However, there remains a critical need for further research to thoroughly understand how isolated chemicals extracted from herbs contribute to the healing process of intricate wounds, which may have life-threatening consequences. This ongoing research endeavor holds great promise in not only advancing our understanding but also in the development of innovative formulations that expedite the recovery process.

Effect of the gut microbiota on the expression of genes that are important for maintaining skin function: Analysis using aged mice

The gut microbiota changes greatly at the onset of disease, and the importance of intestinal bacteria has been highlighted. The gut microbiota also changes greatly with aging. Aging causes skin dryness, but it is not known how changes in the gut microbiota with aging affects the expression of genes that are important for maintaining skin function. In this study, we investigated how age-related changes in gut microbiota affect the expression of genes that regulate skin function. The gut microbiotas from young mice and aged mice were transplanted into germ-free mice (fecal microbiota transplantation [FMT]). These recipient mice were designated FMT-young mice and FMT-old mice respectively, and the expression levels of genes important for maintaining skin function were analyzed. The dermal water content was significantly lower in old mice than that in young mice, indicating dry skin. The gut microbiota significantly differed between old mice and young mice. The water channel aquaporin-3 (Aqp3) expression level in the skin of FMT-old mice was significantly higher than that in FMT-young mice. In addition, among the genes that play an important role in maintaining skin function, the expression levels of those encoding ceramide-degrading enzyme, ceramide synthase, hyaluronic acid-degrading enzyme, and Type I collagen were also significantly higher in FMT-old mice than in FMT-young mice. It was revealed that the gut microbiota, which changes with age, regulates the expression levels of genes related to skin function, including AQP3.

Effect of Chimpi, dried citrus peel, on aquaporin-3 expression in HaCaT human epidermal keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Chimpi, the dried peel of Citrus unshiu or Citrus reticulata, has various pharmacological effects. Chimpi extract was recently shown to affect the skin, including its inhibitory effect against atopic dermatitis. In this study, we analyzed the effects of Chimpi extract on the functional molecule aquaporin-3 (AQP3), which is involved in water transport and cell migration in the skin.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Chimpi extract was added to HaCaT human skin keratinocytes, and the AQP3 expression level was analyzed. A wound healing assay was performed to evaluate the effect of Chimpi extract on cell migration. The components of Chimpi extract and fractions obtained by liquid-liquid distribution studies were added to HaCaT cells, and AQP3 expression was analyzed. Chimpi extract significantly increased AQP3 expression in HaCaT cells at both the mRNA and protein levels. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that Chimpi extract also promoted the transfer of AQP3 to the cell membrane. Furthermore, Chimpi extract enhanced cell migration. Hesperidin, narirutin, and nobiletin did not increase AQP3 levels. Although the components contained in the fractions obtained from the chloroform, butanol, and water layer increased AQP3, the active components could not be identified.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal that Chimpi extract may increase AQP3 levels in keratinocytes and increase the dermal water content. Therefore, Chimpi extract may be effective for the management of dry skin.