GlicoPro, Novel Standardized and Sterile Snail Mucus Extract for Multi-Modulative Ocular Formulations: New Perspective in Dry Eye Disease Management

Hydroxypropyl-Methylcellulose and GlicoPro® Eyedrops in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: In Vitro and Clinical Study

INTRODUCTION

Artificial tear substitutes are key elements in the first-line treatment of dry eye disease (DED). We hypothesized that GlicoPro®, a new multimolecular complex based on proteins, sulfured and unsulfured glycosaminoglycans and opiorphin, was able to significantly improve the effect of hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC) eyedrops in treating DED.

METHODS

We performed an in vitro experiment and a clinical study, comparing an HPMC + GlicoPro®-based to an HPMC-based ophthalmic formulation (similar kinematic viscosity and comparable HPMC concentration). An in vitro dry eye model was established by inducing hyperosmolarity in the base medium of human corneal epithelial cells HCE-2. After treatment with ophthalmic formulations, the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes (IL-20, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-9, and MCP-1) was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, we performed a single-blind randomized 1:1 clinical trial, aimed to compare the efficacy of the two formulations instilled four times per day (QID), in treating mild-to-moderate DED. Symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index and Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye), clinical signs, and ocular surface imaging data were assessed at baseline and after 1 and 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

In vitro experiment: under hyperosmotic conditions, corneal epithelial cells upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-20, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Treatment with HPMC + GlicoPro® significantly decreased the expression of all inflammatory markers tested, including cytokines, MMP-9, and MCP-1 (P < 0.05).

CLINICAL STUDY

the HPMC + GlicoPro® formulation showed a significantly higher effect in improving symptoms (overall treatment effect: P < 0.001), tear film stability, and markers of inflammation on corneal confocal microscopy (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both in vitro and clinical data provided evidence supporting the role of GlicoPro® in improving the effect of HPMC in DED treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT06726525.

From Nature to Nurture: The Science and Applications of Snail Slime in Health and Beauty

BACKGROUND

Snail slime (SS), a complex biological substance produced by various snail species, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its diverse applications in health, cosmetics, and biotechnology.

AIMS

Our previous review focused on the biological activities of SS, while the current one explores the science behind SS with a special focus on environmental factors affecting its quality and quantity, non-lethal extraction methods, its composition, current applications in health and cosmetics followed by its emerging applications, and future prospects while achieving sustainability.

METHODS

A literature review on background, uses in health and cosmetics, and future prospects of SS was conducted. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to find the key articles exploring SS and the data is summarized and described here.

RESULTS

Extraction methods range from traditional farming practices to advanced, non-invasive techniques aimed at minimizing stress on snails. Emerging applications include potential use in sustained and targeted drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and as components in advanced biomaterials. Future perspectives involve technological advancements in production, such as precision farming and biotechnology-enhanced mucin production. The development of synthetic alternatives and sustainable practices is crucial for the industry's long-term viability.

CONCLUSION

As research continues to uncover new properties and applications, SS is poised to play an increasingly important role in the health and beauty industries, highlighting the need for balanced exploitation, standardization, quality control, and regulatory compliance in its production and use.

Unveiling the therapeutic journey of snail mucus in diabetic wound care

A diabetic wound (DW) is an alteration in the highly orchestrated physiological sequence of wound healing especially, the inflammatory phase. These alterations result in the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation at the injury site. This further leads to the impairment in the angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization. Additionally, in DW there is the presence of microbial load which makes the wound worse and impedes the wound healing cycle. There are several treatment strategies which have been employed by the researchers to mitigate the aforementioned challenges. However, they failed to address the multifactorial pathogenic nature of the disease. Looking at the severity of the disease researchers have explored snail mucus and its components such as achacin, allantoin, elastin, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan due to its multiple therapeutic potentials; however, glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) is very important among all because they accelerate the wound-healing process by promoting reepithelialization, vascularization, granulation, and angiogenesis at the site of injury. Despite its varied applications, the field of snail mucus in wound healing is still underexplored. The present review aims to highlight the role of snail mucus in diabetic wound healing, the advantages of snail mucus over conventional treatments, the therapeutic potential of snail mucus, and the application of snail mucus in DW. Additionally, clinical trials, patents, structural variations, and advancements in snail mucus characterization have been covered in the article.

Bionic sulfated glycosaminoglycan-based hydrogel inspired by snail mucus promotes diabetic chronic wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization

The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers remains a significant challenge, as their morbidity is increasing while current therapies are expensive and often ineffective. The dried mucus from the snail Achatina fulica promotes diabetic wound healing. Herein, to develop a more controllable and stable wound dressing for diabetic wound treatment, the AFG/StarPEG hydrogel mimicking snail mucus was prepared by covalently coupling of sulfated glycosaminoglycan from A. fulica (AFG) with star-shaped polyethylene glycol (StarPEG) amine. The AFG/StarPEG hydrogel reduced excessive inflammation in wound tissues by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Moreover, it promoted the polarization of macrophages to M2 anti-inflammatory type in diabetic wound. By improving transition of diabetic chronic wound from inflammatory phase to proliferative phase, it promoted angiogenesis, collagen deposition and re-epithelialization, and thus tissue regeneration for wound healing. This work provides a convenient and effective dressing for treating chronic diabetic wound.

Opiorphin: an endogenous human peptide with intriguing application in diverse range of pathologies

Mammalian zinc ectopeptidases have significant functions in deactivating neurological and hormonal peptide signals on the cell surface. The identification of Opiorphin, a physiological inhibitor of zinc ectopeptidases that inactivate enkephalin, has revealed its strong analgesic effects in both chemical and mechanical pain models. Opiorphin achieves this by increasing the transmission of endogenous opioids, which are dependent on the body's own opioid system. The function of opiorphin is closely linked to the rat sialorphin peptide, which inhibits pain perception by enhancing the activity of naturally occurring enkephalinergic pathways that depend on μ- and δ-opioid receptors. Opiorphin is highly intriguing in terms of its physiological implications within the endogenous opioidergic pathways, particularly in its ability to regulate mood-related states and pain perception. Opiorphin can induce antidepressant-like effects by influencing the levels of naturally occurring enkephalin, which are released in response to specific physical and/or psychological stimuli. This effect is achieved through the modulation of delta-opioid receptor-dependent pathways. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that opiorphin's impact on the cardiovascular system is facilitated by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), sympathetic ganglia, and adrenal medulla, rather than the opioid system. Hence, opiorphin shows great potential as a solitary candidate for the treatment of several illnesses such as neurodegeneration, pain, and mood disorders.

Biological Properties of the Mucus and Eggs of Helix aspersa Müller as a Potential Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Raw Material: A Preliminary Study

In recent years, snail mucus (SM) has become popular as an active ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In turn, snail eggs (SEs) also seem to be a promising active compound, but the biological activities of SEs are significantly less known. Therefore, our preliminary study aimed to compare the biological activities of the SEs and SM of Helix aspersa Müller. The metabolomic analysis (LC-MS technique), determination of the antimicrobial activity (agar diffusion test, broth microdilution methods), antioxidant activity (ABTS assay), cytotoxicity assay (MTT), and proapoptotic properties (flow cytometry) of the SEs and SM were evaluated. It was found that the SEs and SM contain 8005 and 7837 compounds, respectively. The SEs showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC 12.5 mg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (MIC 3.12 mg/mL). The EC50 estimation of the antioxidant activity is 89.64 mg/mL and above 100 mg/mL for the SEs and SM, respectively. The SEs also inhibited the cell proliferation of cancer cell lines (HCT-116, MCF-7, HT-29) more strongly compared to the SM. The highest proportion of apoptotic cells in HCT-116 was observed. The reach composition of the compounds in the SEs and SM may be crucial for the creation of new cosmetic and pharmaceutical raw materials with different biological activities. However, further extended studies on the biological activities of H. aspersa-delivered materials are still necessary.

Snail extract for skin: A review of uses, projections, and limitations

BACKGROUND

Snail mucin is becoming increasingly popular for its wide range of ingredients and potential benefits. Snail extract's widespread appearance in cosmetic formulations encourages an investigation into the medical and cosmetic benefits.

AIMS

This study aims to explore current literature on the variety of snail mucin applications. Specifically, we present a review of the uses, global market estimates and projects, and limitations to snail mucin.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on PubMed reviewing snail mucin and their application in medical and dermatologic fields examining their uses. Economic reports were also investigated for Global Market estimates.

RESULTS

The therapeutic use of snail mucin in medical fields has been studied as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, antitumor agents, wound healing agents, and biomaterial coatings among others. Additionally, the use in cosmetic fields includes antiaging, hydrating, anti-acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation treatments. It is important to highlight that most studies conducted were preclinical or small clinical studies, stressing the need for additional large-scale clinical trials to support these claims. Investigations into the global market found estimates ranging from $457 million to $1.2 billion with upward projections in the upcoming decade. Limitations include ethical habitats for collection, allergy investigation, and missing clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings presented here emphasize the expanding uses of snail mucin and its ingredients alongside a growing market cosmetic industry should consider. We also emphasize the need for appropriate clinical trials into the stated benefits of snail mucin to ensure consumer safety and ethical extraction of mucin.

Snail Mucus-Enhanced Adhesion of Human Chondrocytes on 3D Porous Agarose Scaffolds

This study reports the preparation of a novel porous 3D scaffold from agarose-snail mucus (AGSMu) for cartilage tissue repair applications. AG is reported for its unique thermal and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, making it suitable for biomedical applications. Still, it lacks the cell adhesion properties required for tissue engineering applications. SMu is a complex substance identified to contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and other bioactive molecules that promote wound healing and reduce cartilage deterioration and inflammation. Hence, porous 3D blend scaffolds containing AG and SMu were prepared by the freeze-drying method, characterized, and investigated for bioactive effects on human chondrocyte (C28/I2) cells. The scaffolds had a microporous structure with an average pore size of 245 μm. FTIR spectroscopy showed that SMu was successfully incorporated into the scaffolds. The SMu increased the mechanical strength of the composite scaffolds by more than 80% compared to the pristine AG scaffold. The scaffolds were found to be biocompatible with tunable degradation. The human chondrocyte cells attached and proliferated well on the 3D scaffolds in a few days, demonstrating a marked improvement in adhesion due to the presence of SMu. Enhanced cell adhesion and mechanical properties of 3D porous AG scaffolds could make them suitable for articular cartilage repair and regeneration.

A Novel Ophthalmic Solution Containing Glicopro® Complex for the Treatment of Patients with Dry Eye Disease: Results from a Pilot Study

(1) Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease characterized by an imbalance in ocular surface homeostasis, and tear substitutes constitute the first line of treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in the signs and symptoms of patients with DED treated with a novel tear substitute containing the GlicoPro® complex. (2) Methods: Patients with DED not successfully responding to other tear substitutes were enrolled and treated with a novel ophthalmic solution (two drops four times daily). Patients were examined before starting the study treatment (T0) and after 30 (T1) and 60 (T2) days of treatment by means of Keratograph for the evaluation of the following: (i) tear meniscus height (TMH); (ii) noninvasive Keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT); (iii) bulbar redness; and (iv) infrared meibography. The SANDE questionnaire was administered to assess ocular discomfort symptoms. Analysis of the tear content of proenkephalin and Met/Leu-enkephalin was also performed. (3) Results: At T2, a significant improvement in NIKBUT first, average, and class, TMH, and SANDE score was found. The tear content of proenkephalins was significantly higher at T1, whereas processed active Met/Leu-enkephalins increased at both T1 and T2. (4) Conclusions: Our novel tear substitute based on GlicoPro® resulted in a significant improvement in ocular discomfort symptoms, tear volume, and stability in the patients treated. The increase in active peptides processed in tears may represent the pathophysiological substrate underlying this finding.

Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus

Snail mucus had medical applications for wound healing as early as ancient Greece and the late Han Dynasty (China). A literature search found 165 modern research papers discussing the extraction methods, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and applications of snail mucus. Thus, this review summarized the research progress on the extraction, structure, pharmacological activities, and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus. The extraction methods of snail mucus include natural secretion and stimulation with blunt force, spray, electricity, un-shelling, ultrasonic-assisted, and ozone-assisted. As a natural product, snail mucus mainly comprises two polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycan, dextran), seven glycoproteins (mucin, lectin), various antibacterial peptides, allantoin, glycolic acid, etc. It has pharmacological activities that encourage cell migration and proliferation, and promote angiogenesis and have antibacterial, anti-oxidative and anticancer properties. The mechanism of snail mucus' chemicals performing antibacterial and wound-healing was proposed. Snail mucus is a promising bioactive product with multiple medical applications and has great potential in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Therefore, this review provides a valuable reference for researching and developing snail mucus.

Gastropod Mucus: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biological Activities, Applications, and Strategic Priorities

Terrestrial gastropod mucus exhibits multifunctional attributes, enabling diverse applications. This comprehensive review integrates insights across biomedicine, biotechnology, and intellectual property to elucidate the bioactivities, physicochemical properties, and ecological roles of snail and slug mucus. Following an overview of mucus functional roles in gastropods, promising applications are highlighted in wound healing, antimicrobials, biomaterials, and cosmetics, alongside key challenges. An analysis of global patent trends reveals surging innovation efforts to leverage gastropod mucus. Strategic priorities include bioprospecting natural diversity, optimizing stabilization systems, recombinant biosynthesis, and fostering collaboration to translate promising potentials sustainably into impactful technologies. Ultimately, harnessing the remarkable multifunctionality of gastropod mucus holds immense opportunities for transformative innovations in biomedicine, biotechnology, and beyond.

Engineering Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Dry Eye: A Review

Dry eye disease (DED) is a widespread and frequently reported multifactorial ocular disease that not only causes ocular discomfort but also damages the cornea and conjunctiva. At present, topical administration is the most common treatment modality for DED. Due to the existence of multiple biological barriers, instilled drugs generally exhibit short action times and poor penetration on the ocular surface. To resolve these issues, several advanced drug delivery systems have been proposed. This review discusses new dosage forms of drugs for the treatment of DED in terms of their characteristics and advantages. Innovative formulations that are currently available in the market and under clinical investigation are elaborated. Meanwhile, their deficiencies are discussed. It is envisioned that the flourishing of advanced drug delivery systems will lead to improved management of DED in the near future.

New Perspectives in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pain in Patients with Dry Eye Disease

Ocular discomfort and eye pain are frequently reported by patients with dry eye disease (DED), and their management remains a real therapeutic challenge for the Ophthalmologist. In DED patients, injury at the level of each structure of the ocular surface can determine variable symptoms, ranging from mild ocular discomfort up to an intolerable pain evoked by innocuous stimuli. In refractory cases, the persistence of this harmful signal is able to evoke a mechanism of maladaptive plasticity of the nervous system that leads to increased pain responsiveness. Peripheral and, subsequently, central sensitization cause nociceptor hyperexcitability and persistent pain perception that can culminate in the paradoxical situation of perceiving eye pain even in the absence of ocular surface abnormalities. Effective therapeutic strategies of these cases are challenging, and new options are desirable. Recently, a theoretical novel therapeutic approach concerns enkephalins thanks to the evidence that eye pain sensations are modulated by endogenous opioid peptides (enkephalins, endorphins and dynorphins). In this regard, new topical agents open up a new theoretical scenario in the treatment of ocular discomfort and eye pain in the setting of DED, such as, for example, a multimolecular complex based on proteins and glycosaminoglycans also containing opiorphin that may assist the physiological pain-relieving mechanism of the eye.