Current and Alternative Therapies for Nasal Mucosa Injury: A Review

Impact of Topical Corticosteroid Irrigations on Sinonasal Wound Healing

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease frequently requiring surgical intervention and the long-term use of topical corticosteroids to control patient symptoms. However, corticosteroids may delay postoperative recovery following sinus surgery by disrupting tissue inflammation, a key mediator of early wound healing. This study therefore seeks to assess the impact of topical corticosteroids on sinonasal epithelial healing following local injury.MethodsPrimary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were collected from two patients with CRSwNP and differentiated at air-liquid interface (ALI). A linear scratch was introduced to each monolayer of differentiated HNECs, followed by apical treatment with or without budesonide (2 μg/mL) to simulate topical use. Live-cell imaging assessed time to wound closure. Epithelial barrier function was assessed with trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) before the injury as a baseline, immediately post-injury, and at 12 and 24 hours.ResultsAll wounds closed within 19 hours. The average time to wound closure was 15.1 hours for CRSwNP HNECs exposed to budesonide and 12.3 hours for those exposed to control media. This difference was statistically significant (P = .0033) despite a relatively small cohort. TEER values universally increased following an initial drop from baseline induced by scratch injury. No statistically significant difference in TEER recovery was observed between groups.ConclusionWound closure was delayed in CRSwNP HNECs exposed to budesonide versus control; however, no wounds failed to close, and no difference was identified in the return of epithelial barrier function. Topical corticosteroids may be safely initiated 24 hours following ESS.

Effectiveness of hypertonic saline irrigation following functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the impact of hypertonic solutions on various outcomes, including persistence or reduction of nasal crusts, polypoid edema, and postoperative inflammatory symptoms.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies comparing hypertonic with isotonic saline irrigation after FESS in adult patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS). Outcomes were polypoid mucosa, nasal crusts, and variation from the baseline of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) 20/22 and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). For statistical analysis, we used RevMan 5.4.1, and assessed heterogeneity with I2 statistics.

RESULTS

We included a total of 479 patients from 7 studies. In the hypertonic saline group, there was a reduction in the nasal crust Risk Ratio (RR) (RR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.87; p = 0.004; I2 = 0%) after 30-45 days and severe crusts at 14-21 days (RR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.91; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%). Additionally, the persistence of polypoid mucosa was lower in the intervention arm (RR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.65; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) after 14-21 days. In the symptomatic evaluation hypertonic saline group showed an improvement in postoperative symptoms by a VAS Mean Difference (MD) (MD = -5; 95% CI -5.77 to -4.24; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and a SNOT 20/22 Standard Mean Difference (SMD) (SMD = -1.65; 95% CI -2.7 to -0.61; p = 0.002; I2 = 93%) reduction from baseline in 30-45 days after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Hypertonic saline showed a superior improvement in postoperative evaluation by means of nasal crusting, mucosal healing aspect, and nasal inflammatory symptoms compared with isotonic saline irrigation.

Factors Associated with Recurrent Emergency Department Visits for Epistaxis in Adults, Cross Sectional Study in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introduction and Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of recurrent and active epistaxis in adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) and explored the association of recurrent epistaxis with demographic characteristics, comorbidities and medications, and types of emergency interventions in adult epistaxis patients.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with data from Eds of two tertiary hospitals over three years, from January 2019 to January 2022. All adult patients aged ≥18 years with active epistaxis not resolved by pressure on the nose or head positioning were included. Demographic data, details of clinical presentation and clinical management were collected from the patient's electronic medical records.

Results

Of 404 patients, 73 (18.1%) revisited the ED with recurrence of epistaxis within 28 days. There was a male predilection in the study, with an average age of 55.4 ± 18.03. Most patients had unilateral (n = 328, 81.2%) and anterior (n = 376, 93.1%) nasal bleeding. Heart failure as a comorbidity was associated with a significantly increased risk of recurrent epistaxis (p = 0.001). The most common treatments included expandable polyvinyl acetate packs (EPAP) (n = 198, 49%); topical xylometazoline (n = 108, 26.7%); and chemical cautery (n = 57, 14.1%). EPAP for controlling initial bleeding was significantly associated with ED revisits due to epistaxis (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

The prevalence of recurrent epistaxis mostly occurs in older-aged males. Congestive heart failure may be an under-recognised risk factor for recurrent epistaxis. In patients with a high risk of epistaxis recurrence, other treatment modalities should be sought aside from expandable polyvinyl acetate packs as they can increase the risk of rebleeding.

Effects of submucoperichondrial application of platelet-rich plasma on nasal mucosal healing after septoplasty

OBJECTIVE(S)

Our aim is to investigate the effects of the submucoperichondrial application of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on nasal mucosal healing after septoplasty surgery.

METHOD(S)

This prospective randomized observational study was conducted between July 2019 and February 2021, with 40 patients aged 18-60 years who underwent closed the only septoplasty operation for similar septal deviations. Patient divided into two group; 21 patients were placed in PRP group to which PRP was applied on all mucosal surface and submucoperichondrial area of septum and 19 patients were placed in control group to which saline solution was applied on same regions. Nasal obstruction score, mucociliary clearance time, presence of nasal crusting, and bleeding time were evaluated on 5th, 10th, 15th day after surgery and compared between groups.

RESULTS

Intranasal crusting on day 10 was found to be lower in the PRP group (n:13 68.4 %) than control group (n:7 33.3 %) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.028). The nasal obstruction score on day 10 and 15 were found to be lower in the PRP group (3,33 ± 2,75, 2,07 ± 2,20) (than the control group (5,44 ± 2,26, 3,37 ± 1,92) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0,003,p = 0,009). The mucociliary clearance rate was found to be higher and the bleeding time was found to be lower in the PRP group, but a statistically significant difference was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of submucoperichondrial PRP could have beneficial effects on nasal mucosal repair, nasal crusting, and congestion after septoplasty surgery.

Nanomedicines for intranasal delivery: understanding the nano-bio interactions at the nasal mucus-mucosal barrier

INTRODUCTION

Intranasal administration is an effective drug delivery routes in modern pharmaceutics. However, unlike other in vivo biological barriers, the nasal mucosal barrier is characterized by high turnover and selective permeability, hindering the diffusion of both particulate drug delivery systems and drug molecules. The in vivo fate of administrated nanomedicines is often significantly affected by nano-biointeractions.

AREAS COVERED

The biological barriers that nanomedicines encounter when administered intranasally are introduced, with a discussion on the factors influencing the interaction between nanomedicines and the mucus layer/mucosal barriers. General design strategies for nanomedicines administered via the nasal route are further proposed. Furthermore, the most common methods to investigate the characteristics and the interactions of nanomedicines when in presence of the mucus layer/mucosal barrier are briefly summarized.

EXPERT OPINION

Detailed investigation of nanomedicine-mucus/mucosal interactions and exploration of their mechanisms provide solutions for designing better intranasal nanomedicines. Designing and applying nanomedicines with mucus interaction properties or non-mucosal interactions should be customized according to the therapeutic need, considering the target of the drug, i.e. brain, lung or nose. Then how to improve the precise targeting efficiency of nanomedicines becomes a difficult task for further research.

Clinical Presentation and Treatment Patterns of Pediatric Epistaxis: A Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Epistaxis, commonly known as nose bleeding, is a prevalent condition in pediatric patients, often managed either at home or in clinical settings. This study aimed to explore the differences in the management of pediatric epistaxis between home and clinical settings, focusing on gender distribution, clinical presentations, and treatment methods.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted, analyzing pediatric epistaxis cases managed both at home and in clinical settings. Data on gender distribution, clinical presentation, and treatment methods were collected and analyzed. Home remedies, first aid management, and clinical interventions like the use of nasal sprays and septoplasty were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study found significant differences in gender distribution between home (46.2% males) and clinical settings (61% males). Recurrent nasal bleeding was more common in home settings (75%), whereas more complex cases were predominant in clinical settings. Nasal sprays containing decongestants were widely used in clinical settings (62.1%), contrasting with a preference for first aid measures at home. Surgical interventions like septoplasty were occasionally employed in clinical scenarios.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights distinct approaches to managing pediatric epistaxis in home versus clinical settings. It underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies, considering the severity and frequency of epistaxis episodes. These findings suggest a need for comprehensive guidelines to assist caregivers and healthcare professionals in effective decision-making for pediatric epistaxis management. The study also emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research and education in this area.

Real-Life Effects of Omalizumab on Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal and sinus mucosa. This inflammatory process is supported by a multitude of cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 produced by Th2 cells, as well as by IgE produced by B lymphocytes in response to a stimulus. Omalizumab is an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody with well-recognized roles in allergic asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of omalizumab in a cohort of 13 patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with CRSwNP. The inclusion criteria considered were as follows: 18 years of age, with a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with severe nasal polyposis expressed by an NPS greater than or equal to 5 and/or a SNOT-22 greater than or equal to 50. In addition, in the enrolled patients, the classic treatment with corticosteroids had to have been suspended due to recurrence after surgery or lack of response. Our results highlighted that omalizumab treatment for 16 weeks improved the parameters analyzed: SNOT-22, NPS, NRS, and NCS. The clinical efficacy of omalizumab was further strengthened by a significant improvement in respiratory function as well as reductions in the nasal polyps' size and in the associated symptoms.

Self-assembling RADA16 peptide hydrogel supports hemostasis, synechiae reduction, and wound healing in a sheep model of endoscopic nasal surgery

OBJECTIVES

Complications of endoscopic sinus/nasal turbinate surgery include postoperative hemorrhage, synechiae formation, and poor wound healing. Our primary objectives were to evaluate whether a topical hydrogel based on self-assembling RADA16 peptides: i) reduces bleeding and synechiae formation, and ii) supports wound healing, using a sheep nasal surgery model.

METHODS

Thirty sheep received endoscopic surgery-created bilateral nasal mucosal injuries on the middle turbinate/opposing septum. Injuries were randomly assigned RADA16, Gelatin-thrombin, or no treatment. Outcomes included intra-operative hemostasis, scar tissue/synechiae formation and wound healing at 2 weeks and the 6-week study terminus, and histopathology.

RESULTS

Intra-operative hemostasis time improved with RADA16 and Gelatin-thrombin versus Control wounds (139.7±56.2 s, 145.4±58.1 s, and 224.0±69.9 s, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Two-week synechiae scores (maximum 4 points) were similar in Controls (2.9±1.8 points) and Gelatin-thrombin (3.1±1.6 points) wounds (p > 0.05), but were reduced in RADA16 sites by 91% versus Controls and 92% versus Gelatin-thrombin treatment (0.3±0.6 points; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Six-week synechiae scores were similar in Control (1.1±1.7 points) and Gelatin-thrombin (1.7±2.0 points) wounds (p > 0.05), but reduced 100% in RADA16-treated wounds. Synechiae occurred in fewer RADA16-treated sites at 2 weeks (20%) versus Gelatin-thrombin (80%) and Controls (75%; p < 0.01) and at 6 weeks (0%, 50% and 35%, respectively; p < 0.01). RADA16 was associated with significantly lower 6-week histopathology scores, driven by reduced submucosal fibrosis and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Although RADA16 and Gelatin-thrombin similarly accelerated hemostasis in this sheep endoscopic sinus surgery model, only RADA16 reduced postoperative synechiae formation at 2 weeks with an absence of synechiae at 6 weeks. Histology suggested RADA16 enhanced mucosal regeneration.

Maximizing Postoperative Recovery: The Role of Functional Biomaterials as Nasal Packs-A Comprehensive Systematic Review without Meta-Analysis (SWiM)

Numerous biomaterials have been developed over the years to enhance the outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. These products are specifically designed to prevent postoperative bleeding, optimize wound healing, and reduce inflammation. However, there is no singular material on the market that can be deemed the optimal material for the nasal pack. We systematically reviewed the available evidence to assess the functional biomaterial efficacy after ESS in prospective studies. The search was performed using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 31 articles were identified in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used to assess each study's risk of bias. The studies were critically analyzed and categorized into types of biomaterial and functional properties, according to synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines. Despite the heterogeneity between studies, it was observed that chitosan, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and starch-derived materials exhibit better endoscopic scores and significant potential for use in nasal packing. The published data support the idea that applying a nasal pack after ESS improves wound healing and patient-reported outcomes.

Application of Conditioned Medium for In Vitro Modeling and Repair of Respiratory Tissue

Background: The idea of exploring respiratory therapy in vitro predominantly guided by cell-secreted substances has gained ground in recent years. A conditioned medium (CM) consists of protein milieu that contains a diverse spectrum of cytokines, chemokines, angiogenic agents, and growth factors. This review evaluated the efficacy of using CM collected in an in vitro respiratory epithelial model. Methods: Twenty-six papers were included in this review: twenty-one cellular response studies on respiratory secretome application and five studies involving animal research. Results: The CM produced by differentiated cells from respiratory and non-respiratory systems, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), exhibited the similar overall effect of improving proliferation and regeneration. Not only could differentiated cells from respiratory tissues increase proliferation, migration, and attachment, but the CM was also able to protect the respiratory epithelium against cytotoxicity. Most non-respiratory tissue CM was used as a treatment model to determine the effects of the therapy, while only one study used particle-based CM and reported decreased epithelial cell tight junctions, which harmed the epithelial barrier. Conclusion: As it resolves the challenges related to cell development and wound healing while simultaneously generally reducing the danger of immunological compatibility and tumorigenicity, CM might be a potential regenerative therapy in numerous respiratory illnesses. However, additional research is required to justify using CM in respiratory epithelium clinical practice.

The Protecting Activity of RIPACUT®: A New Therapeutic Approach Preserving Epithelial Health Based on the Combination of Iceland Lichen Extract, Silver Salt, and Sodium Hyaluronate

Epithelial integrity and function must be maintained in a dynamic healthy equilibrium, keeping unaltered the oxidative and inflammatory conditions and the microbiome of the cutaneous layers. Beside the skin, other mucous membranes can be injured, such as the nasal and anal ones, because of the contact with the external environment. Here, we detected the effects of RIPACUT^®, a combination of Iceland lichen extract, silver salt and sodium hyaluronate that individually act in diverse biological ways. The findings we obtained on keratinocytes, nasal and intestinal epithelial cells reveal that this combination showed a marked antioxidant activity, further assessed by the DPPH assay. Additionally, by analyzing the release of the IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, we proved the anti-inflammatory effect of RIPACUT^®. In both cases, the main preserving action was due to Iceland lichen. We also observed a notable antimicrobial activity mediated by the silver compound. These data suggest that RIPACUT^® could signify the basis for an attractive pharmacological approach to maintaining healthy epithelial conditions. Interestingly, this may be extended to the nasal and anal areas where it protects against oxidative, inflammatory and infectious insults. Thus, these outcomes encourage the creation of sprays or creams for which sodium hyaluronate can guarantee a surface film-forming effect.

Role of Nasal Fibroblasts in Airway Remodeling of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: The Modulating Functions Reexamined

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of the nose and sinuses that affects more than 10% of the adult population worldwide. Currently, CRS is classified into endotypes according to the inflammatory response (Th1, Th2, and Th17) or the distribution of immune cells in the mucosa (eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic). CRS induces mucosal tissue remodeling. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, fibrin deposition, edema, immune cell infiltration, and angiogenesis are observed in the stromal region. Conversely, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), goblet cell hyperplasia, and increased epithelial permeability, hyperplasia, and metaplasia are found in the epithelium. Fibroblasts synthesize collagen and ECM, which create a structural skeleton of tissue and play an important role in the wound-healing process. This review discusses recent knowledge regarding the modulation of tissue remodeling by nasal fibroblasts in CRS.

The Factors Related to the Time for Sinus Debridement after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery - A Retrospective Study

Introduction

Post-operative care after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is essential for managing the long-term success of chronic rhinosinusitis. Post-operative sinus debridement promotes proper wound healing, but the procedure can be accompanied by discomfort and pain. Hence, we analysed the clinical factors related to sinus debridement time after FESS.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated retrospectively the clinical factors affecting the time taken for post-operative sinus debridement on the first visit after the discharge. We reviewed 101 patients who underwent FESS at our hospital by the same surgeon and extracted patient information. The time for post-operative sinus debridement at the first outpatient clinic was measured.

Results

The days of putting the cotton ball in the operated nostril were negatively associated with sinus debridement time (coefficient - -16.4 ± 5.7 seconds/day, P = 0.005). In contrast, current or history of asthma, amount of bleeding during the surgery, number of opened sinuses by the operation or the number of eosinophils in resected tissues under a microscope at ×400 was not associated.

Discussion

We recommend the use of a cotton ball in the nostril after FESS because it shortens the sinus debridement time. Placing cotton balls in the nostril helps to maintain a humid wound environment and reduce crusting, leading to easier sinus debridement and better wound healing.

Introduction of Steroid Absorbed Spongostan in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy Improves Success Rates

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has become an acceptable alternative to the open approach, with considerable data demonstrating comparable success rates and advantages such as avoiding skin incisions. Drug-eluting bio-absorbable materials are relatively new innovation in sinus surgery, the usefulness of such materials in Endoscopic DCR is yet to be described.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 253 endoscopic DCR procedures performed by a single surgical team from September 2011 to June 2020 was performed. At the end of 2013, a surgical modification took place with the introduction of steroid-eluting Spongostan to the intranasal surgical bed. As a result, 2 cohorts were compared before and after the modification. The first cohort consisted of 55 patients, and the second consisted of 187 patients, respectively. Patient demographics, clinical features, complications and outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 242 procedures were evaluated after exclusion. In the first cohort of 55 patients (48 adults and 7 children), the overall and adult functional success rates were 83.6% and 83.3%, respectively. In the second cohort of 187 patients (167 adults and 20 children), where steroid-eluting Spongostan was used, the overall and adult functional success rates were 92.5% and 93.4%, respectively. These differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

This is a unique study presenting a single surgical team's experience over a 9-year period where a novel technique involving drug-eluted bio-absorbable material (Spongostan) was introduced midway through, creating 2 cohorts to compare. Success rates were significantly higher after applying steroid eluted Spongostan to our endoscopic DCR technique.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine nasal irrigation on chronic rhinosinusitis recovery after endoscopic sinus surgery: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Continuous comprehensive treatment is still needed after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) to promote the recovery of sinus mucosal morphology and function. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nasal irrigation is a promising external treatment of TCM, but at present, the application of TCM nasal irrigation after ESS for CRS has not been recommended by the guidelines. Therefore, this article aims to develop a systematic overview and meta-analysis protocol to assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal nasal rinse for CRS recovery after ESS.

Methods

Seven databases shall be retrieved from their inception until December 2021. Eligible randomized controlled trials will be covered in the study. The outcome indicators of the survey will consist of efficacy, visual analogue scale score, Lund-Kennedy score for nasal endoscopy, Lund-Mackay score for sinus computed tomography and other secondary outcome indicators. The selection of literature, extraction of data, and methodological quality evaluation of literature shall be conducted by two researchers separately. If there is any dispute, it can be discussed and solved by a third researcher. Review Manager 5.3 software will be applied to data analysis.

Results

The article will make a detailed research programme to explore the efficacy and safety of TCM nasal irrigation on CRS recovery after ESS.

Conclusion

This protocol is suitable for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of TCM nasal rinse for CRS recovery after ESS, and can provide corresponding evidence-based medical evidence.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZV73Q.

Genipin-Crosslinking Effects on Biomatrix Development for Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Concise Review

Split skin graft (SSG), a standard gold treatment for wound healing, has numerous limitations such as lack of fresh skin to be applied, tedious process, severe scarring, and keloid formation followed by higher risks of infection. Thus, there is a gap in producing polymeric scaffolds as an alternative for wound care management. Bioscaffold is the main component in tissue engineering technology that provides porous three-dimensional (3D) microarchitecture for cells to survive. Upon skin tissue reconstruction, the 3D-porous structure ensures sufficient nutrients and gaseous diffusion and cell penetration that improves cell proliferation and vascularization for tissue regeneration. Hence, it is highly considered a promising candidate for various skin wound healing applications. To date, natural-based crosslinking agents have been extensively used to tailor the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the skin biomatrix. Genipin (GNP) is preferable to other plant-based crosslinkers due to its biological activities, such as antiinflammatory and antioxidant, which are key players to boost skin wound healing. In addition, it has shown a noncytotoxic effect and is biocompatible with human skin cells. This review validated the effects of GNP in biomatrix fabrication for skin wound healing from the last 7 years of established research articles and stipulated the biomaterial development-scale point of view. Lastly, the possible role of GNP in the skin wound healing cascade is also discussed. Through the literature output, it can be concluded that GNP has the capability to increase the stability of biomatrix and maintain the skin cells viability, which will contribute in accelerating wound healing.

Promotive effects of four herbal medicine ARCC on wound healing in mice and human

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) had been extensively used in China for wound management and had shown great potential in wound treatment while its mechanism is still needed to be addressed.

Objective

The present study sought to investigate the therapuetic effect of the TCM ARCC on acute and chronic wounds.

Methods

Here, using the ultra‐low temperature preparation method, the mixed ultramicro powder prepared with Angelica (A), Angelica (R), Calcined Gypsum (C) and Caleramide (C) named as ARCC. The effects of ARCC on wound healing in adult and aged mice were comparatively evaluated through a full‐thickness skin defect model. In addition, we randomly selected 10 patients aged 55 to 70 years from a cohort of 500 patients with diabetic feet to assess their prognosis.

Results

As the results showed that the healing rate had delayed in aged mice compared to adult mice, while ARCC prominently augmented the healing process in aged mice. Moreover, ARCC treatment wounds in aged mice showed accelerated re‐epithelization, enhanced granulation tissue formation, and increased vascularization, which was similar to that of adult mice. Furthermore, ARCC also achieved therapeutic effects in diabetic foot patients, accelerating wound healing. The results found that foot ulcers improved significantly 7 days after the ARCC administration, and 80% of patients were healed within 1 month.

Discussion

In the present study, ARCC was found to have therapeutic effects on both acute and chronic wounds in animal models. ARCC also demonstrated therapeutic effects in diabetic feet, which promoted wound healing, prevented wound infection, and avoided the risk of further surgery or amputation. All these evidences suggested ARCC was a promising approach for wound treatment.

Conclusions

ARCC might be recommended as a promising therapeutic medication in diabetic and chronic refractory wounds.

Low Acyl Gellan as an Excipient to Improve the Sprayability and Mucoadhesion of Iota Carrageenan in a Nasal Spray to Prevent Infection With SARS-CoV-2

The COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as the widespread persistence of influenza and the common cold, create the need for new medical devices such as nasal sprays to prevent viral infection and transmission. Carrageenan, a sulfated polysaccharide, has a broad, non-pharmacological antiviral capacity, however it performs poorly in two key areas; spray coverage and mucoadhesion. Therefore gellan, another polysaccharide, was investigated as an excipient to improve these properties. It was found that viscoelastic relaxation time was the key predictor of spray coverage, and by reducing this value from 2.5 to 0.25 s, a mix of gellan and carrageenan gave more than four times the coverage of carrageenan alone (p < 0.0001). Gellan also demonstrated enhanced adhesion to a mucus analog that increased significantly with time (p < 0.0001), suggesting the development of specific gellan–mucin interactions. This property was conferred to carrageenan on mixing the two polymers. Together, this data suggests that gellan is a promising excipient to improve both sprayability and mucoadhesion of carrageenan for use in antiviral nasal sprays.

Airway Fibroblast Secretory Products Enhance Cell Migration

Background:

The nasal fibroblast secretome, which includes various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, promotes cell migration. Currently, the proteomics of airway fibroblast (AF) conditioned medium (AFCM) are being actively studied.

Objective:

This study was aimed at profiling and identifying the AF secreted proteins that can enhance wound healing of the airway epithelium and predict the potential pathway involved.

Methods:

Airway epithelial cells (AECs) and AFs were isolated from redundant human nasal turbinate and cultured. AFCM was collected by culturing the AFs either with serum-free airway epithelium basal medium (AECM) or with serum-free F12:DMEM (FDCM). For evaluating cell migration, the AECs were supplemented with airway epithelium medium and defined keratinocyte medium (1:1; AEDK; control), or with AEDK supplemented with 20% AECM or 20% FDCM. The mass spectrometry sample was prepared by protein precipitation, followed by gel electrophoresis and in-gel digestion.

Results :

AECM promoted better cell migration compared to the FDCM and the control medium. Bioinformatics analysis identified a total of 121, and 92 proteins from AECM and FDCM, respectively: 109 and 82 were identified as secreted proteins, respectively. STRING® analysis predicted that 23 proteins from the AECM and 16 proteins from the FDCM are involved in wound healing.

Conclusion:

Conditioned medium promotes wound healing by enhancing cell migration, and we successfully identified various secretory proteins in a conditioned medium that play important roles in wound healing.

Achievements and Challenges in Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Otorhinolaryngology

Otorhinolaryngology enrolls head and neck surgery in various tissues such as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) that govern different activities such as hearing, breathing, smelling, production of vocal sounds, the balance, deglutition, facial animation, air filtration and humidification, and articulation during speech, while absence of these functions can lead to high morbidity and even mortality. Conventional therapies for head and neck damaged tissues include grafts, transplants, and artificial materials, but grafts have limited availability and cause morbidity in the donor site. To improve these limitations, regenerative medicine, as a novel and rapidly growing field, has opened a new therapeutic window in otorhinolaryngology by using cell transplantation to target the healing and replacement of injured tissues. There is a high risk of rejection and tumor formation for transplantation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) lack these drawbacks. They have easy expansion and antiapoptotic properties with a wide range of healing and aesthetic functions that make them a novel candidate in otorhinolaryngology for craniofacial defects and diseases and hold immense promise for bone tissue healing; even the tissue sources and types of MSCs, the method of cell introduction and their preparation quality can influence the final outcome in the injured tissue. In this review, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs, from different sources, to be safely used for cell-based therapies in otorhinolaryngology, while their achievements and challenges have been described too.

Development and physicochemical analysis of genipin-crosslinked gelatine sponge as a potential resorbable nasal pack

Nasal injury following nasal surgery is an adverse consequence, and prompt treatment should be initiated. Nasal packing, either non-absorbable or absorbable, are commonly used after nasal surgery to prevent bleeding and promote wound healing. In the current study, a novel gelatine sponge crosslinked with genipin was evaluated for suitability to be used as nasal packing and compared to one of the frequently used commercial nasal packing made up of polyurethane. Gelatine at 7% and 10% (w/v) concentration were crosslinked with varying concentrations of genipin, 0.5%, 0.25%, and 0.2% (v/v). The gelatine sponges were further characterised by its water uptake ability, biodegradation, water vapour transmission rate, porosity, contact angle, chemical composition, crosslinking degree, and mechanical properties. The gelatine sponges absorbed five times more water than their dry weight and were degraded within five days. The water vapour transmission rate of the gelatine sponges was 1187.7 ± 430.2 g/(m^-2 day) for 7% gelatine and 779.4 ± 375.5 g/(m^-2 day) for 10% gelatine. Crosslinking of gelatine with genipin resulted in lower porosity and did not affect the wettability of gelatine sponge (contact angle: 95.3 ± 12.1° for 7% gelatine and 88.4 ± 7.2° for 10% gelatine). In terms of biodegradability, the gelatine sponges took 24-48 h to degrade completely. Genipin crosslinking improved the degradation resistance and mechanical strength of gelatine sponge. The physical and chemical properties of the gelatine sponge, i.e. biodegradability and mechanical durability, support its potential as nasal packing.