Changes In Collagen Fibers Research Articles

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in daily practice: Image features correlated to histopathology.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) represents a promising technique for noninvasive visualization of skin lesions. In the clinical daily practice, doctors want to know the relationship between the RCM images and the skin pathological changes. The aim of this study was to identify the basic skin pathological changes under RCM, and use RCM terminology to describe these pathological changes. A total of 100 patients were recruited and were evaluated both by RCM and histopathologic examination. Ten healthy volunteers were also recruited as control. RCM examinations were done and biopsies of the lesions at the same site of RCM examination were performed for histopathology analysis. The pathological changes including hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, papilloma, spongiosis, pustule, vacuolar degeneration, hyperpigmentation, changes of collagen fibers, and vascular changes can be imaged by RCM and corresponded well to their histopathology. RCM failed to find the atypical keratinocytes in two squamous cell carcinoma cases because of the hyperkeratosis and failed to find the vascular changes in one port wine stain cases because of the limitation of detecting depth. Features correlating well to histopathology are observed on RCM. RCM can be used as an auxiliary diagnosis tool for the clinical diagnosis.

Doxorubicin combined with low intensity ultrasound suppresses the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma in culture and in xenografts

BackgroundOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) invades surrounding tissues by upregulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2 and −9, which causes over-expression of the Hedgehog signaling proteins Shh and Gli-1 and degradation of the extracellular matrix, thereby creating a “highway” for tumor invasion. We explored the potential of low intensity ultrasound (LIUS) and doxorubicin (DOX) to inhibit the formation of this “highway”.MethodsMTT assays were used to examine OSCC cell viability after exposure to LIUS and DOX. The cell morphological changes and ultrastructure were detected by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Endogenous autophagy-associated proteins were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining and western blotting. Cell migration and invasion abilities were evaluated by Transwell assays. Collagen fiber changes were evaluated by Masson’s trichrome staining. Invasion-associated proteins were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.ResultsLIUS of 1 W/cm2 increased the in vitro DOX uptake into OSCC by nearly 3-fold in three different cell lines and induced transient autophagic vacuoles on the cell surface. The combination of LIUS and 0.2 μg/ml DOX inhibited tumor cell viability and invasion, promoted tumor stromal collagen deposition, and prolonged the survival of mice. This combination also down-regulated MMP-2, MMP-9, Shh and Gli-1 in tumor xenografts. Collagen fiber expression was negatively correlated with the expression of these proteins in human OSCC samples.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that effective low dosages of DOX in combination with LIUS can inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion, which might be through MMP-2/9 production mediated by the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Supraspinatus tendon overuse results in degenerative changes to tendon insertion region and adjacent humeral cartilage in a rat model.

The etiology of rotator cuff tendon overuse injuries is still not well understood. Furthermore, how this overuse injury impacts other components of the glenohumeral joint, including nearby articular cartilage, is also unclear. Therefore, this study sought to better understand the time course of tendon protease activity in a rat model of supraspinatus overuse, as well as determine effects of 10 weeks of overuse on humeral head articular cartilage. For these studies, multiplex gelatin zymography was used to characterize protease activity profiles in tendon and cartilage, while histological scoring/mechanical testing and micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging were used to quantify structural damage in the supraspinatus tendon insertion and humeral articular cartilage, respectively. Histological scoring of supraspinatus tendon insertions revealed tendinopathic cellular and collagen fiber changes after 10 weeks of overuse when compared to controls, while mechanical testing revealed no significant differences between tensile moduli (overuse: 24.5 ± 11.5 MPa; control: 16.3 ± 8.7 MPa). EPIC-μCT imaging on humeral articular cartilage demonstrated significant cartilage thinning (overuse: 119.6 ± 6.34 μm; control: 195.4 ± 13.4μm), decreased proteoglycan content (overuse: 2.1 ± 0.18 cm-1 ; control: 1.65 ± 0.14 cm-1 ), and increased subchondral bone thickness (overuse: 216.2 ± 10.9 μm; control: 192 ± 17.8μm) in the overuse animals. Zymography results showed no significant upregulation of cathepsins or matrix metalloproteinases in tendon or cartilage at 2 or 10 weeks of overuse compared to controls. These results have further elucidated timing of protease activity over 10 weeks and suggest that damage occurs to other tissues in addition to the supraspinatus tendon in this overuse injury model. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1910-1918, 2017.

Прогнозування ризику неспроможності біліодигестивних анастомозів на основі побудови комплексної спектрофотометричної моделі стінки холедоха

У роботі проведено аналіз лікування 156 пацієнтів, яким було застосовано метод хірургічної корекції у формі створення біліодигестивних анастомозів в умовах гострого холангіту. Досліджували питання виникнення неспроможності створених біліодигестивних анастомозів у післяопераційному періоді. Було встановлено, що хронічний запальний процес стінки загальної жовчної протоки призводить до необоротних кількісних та якісних змін шарнірної структури колагенових волокон. Ступінь морфофункціональних змін колагенових волокон стінки загальної жовчної протоки корелює з ризиком виникнення неспроможності біліодигестивних анастомозів. Інтраопераційна діагностика гістооптичних змін колагенових волокон відбувалась за допомогою поляризаційної оптичної мікроскопії, яку визнано як експрес-методику оцінки зазначених змін із подальшою побудовою моделі стінки холедоха та виконанням подальшої корекції операційного втручання залежно від результатів зазначених комплексних досліджень.

Морфологічні особливості стану фетоплацентарного комплексу у жінок з ранніми передчасними пологами після застосування допоміжних репродуктивних технологій

The objective: the study of morphofunctional changes of the fetoplacental complex at 28–33 weeks of gestation in women with early preterm delivery after the application of ART. Patients and methods. We have examined 130 patients whose pregnancy occurred after the use of ART. This is the woman who gave birth at 28–33 weeks of gestation. Of these, 80 women had early premature births in the background premature rupture of fetal membranes, 50 – patients with early preterm delivery and timely rupture of fetal membranes (control group 2). The main group included 4 groups of 20 women with regard to the duration of anhydrous interval: 1.1 – anhydrous interval 5–6 hours (main group 1); 1.2 – anhydrous span 24 hours; 1.3 – anhydrous interval 45–48 hours; 1.4 – anhydrous period 5 days after PRFM. Results. Thus, the results of the research indicate that the main cause of early preterm birth in women after using ART are structural dezorhanization changes of collagen fibers of the connective tissue amnion and chorionic which lead to the appearance of microscopic defects – delamination its surface, causing premature rupture of fetal membranes the launch stage localized focal immediate type hypersensitivity reactions and restructuring epithelial cell membranes. Neutrophil macrophage properties in this case reduced and programmed to perform a cycle of incomplete phagocytosis, which increases the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines in the area of rupture of fetal membranes. Сonclusion. Reduced activity of neutrophils increases the effect of abuse and cytokine balance in favor predictor of early spontaneous labor at 28-33 weeks of gestation. Key words: morphological changes of the fetoplacental complex, early preterm birth, expectant tactics of childbirth.

Protective effect of gelatin peptides from pacific cod skin against photoaging by inhibiting the expression of MMPs via MAPK signaling pathway

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes skin photoaging. This study was undertaken to identify the anti-photoaging mechanisms of gelatin hydrolysate (CH) derived from pacific cod skin. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and ELISA assays were used to investigate the effects of CH on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the signaling pathways after UV irradiation by using a mice skin photoaging model. The average molecular weight of CH was 1200Da, and 273/1000 residues were hydrophobic, Gly-Pro and Gly-Leu sequences and Arg at C-terminus appeared frequently in CH. CH improved pathological changes of collagen fibers and significantly inhibited collagen content reduction in photoaging skin. Moreover, CH blocked the up-regulated expression of interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin 1 (MMP-3), and gelatinase (MMP-9) in photoaging skin. Besides, CH suppressed the activities of MMPs by increasing the contents of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). CH significantly reduced the UV irradiation-dependent up-regulated phosphorylation of ERK and p38 in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, it inhibited the activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1) by down-regulating the mRNA level of c-Jun and c-Fos, which are the two transcription factors responsible for the regulation of MMPs expression. CH can effectively protect against UV irradiation-induced skin photoaging by inhibiting the expression and the activity of MMPs.

Calcific Aortic Valve Disease Is Associated with Layer-Specific Alterations in Collagen Architecture.

Disorganization of the valve extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). However, while microarchitectural features of the ECM can strongly influence the biological and mechanical behavior of tissues, little is known about the ECM microarchitecture in CAVD. In this work, we apply advanced imaging techniques to quantify spatially heterogeneous changes in collagen microarchitecture in CAVD. Human aortic valves were obtained from individuals between 50 and 75 years old with no evidence of valvular disease (healthy) and individuals who underwent valve replacement surgery due to severe stenosis (diseased). Second Harmonic Generation microscopy and subsequent image quantification revealed layer-specific changes in fiber characteristics in healthy and diseased valves. Specifically, the majority of collagen fiber changes in CAVD were found to occur in the spongiosa, where collagen fiber number increased by over 2-fold, and fiber width and density also significantly increased. Relatively few fibrillar changes occurred in the fibrosa in CAVD, where fibers became significantly shorter, but did not otherwise change in terms of number, width, density, or alignment. Immunohistochemical staining for lysyl oxidase showed localized increased expression in the diseased fibrosa. These findings reveal a more complex picture of valvular collagen enrichment and arrangement in CAVD than has previously been described using traditional analysis methods. Changes in fiber architecture may play a role in regulating the pathobiological events and mechanical properties of valves during CAVD. Additionally, characterization of the ECM microarchitecture can inform the design of fibrous scaffolds for heart valve tissue engineering.

Evaluation for the evolution of achilles tendinopathy and the feature of tendon biomechanics using quantitative analysis of tissue diffusion by ultrasound elastography

Objective To explore the application value of quantitative analysis of tissue diffusion by ultrasound elastography in evaluating the evolution of achilles tendinopathy and indirectly reflecting the feature of tendon biomechanics. Methods Rabbits underwent 0.1 ml (group M) or 0.3 ml (group S) collagenase or 0.2 ml saline (group C) injection. The percentage of area displaying blue (%AREA) in the area of interest was measured by the diffusion quantitative technique of ultrasound elastography at baseline and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after model. The achilles tendon was obtained for pathological examination to observe the changes of collagen fibers and tested to measure the maximum tensile load by the universal testing machine. Results (1) The %AREAs in group M and S at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after model were smaller than those in group C (P 0.05). The maximum tensile load in group S was significant lower than those in group M and C after model (P<0.05), and arrived its lowest point at 3 days after model. (3) The %AREA was positively associated with the maximum tensile load of achilles tendon (r=0.87, P<0.001). Conclusions Ultrasound elastography can dynamically monitor the evolution of achilles tendinopathy and reflect the biomechanical state of achilles tendon. Key words: Elasticity imaging techniques; Rabbit; Achilles tendin; Biomechanics

The Importance of Collagen Tissue in Papular Elastorrhexis, Eruptive Collagenoma, and Nevus Anelasticus.

BackgroundPapular elastorrhexis (PE), eruptive collagenoma (EC), and nevus anelasticus (NA) are described as multiple small papules with decrease, fragmentation, or lack of dermal elastic fibers. These diseases are suggested to be the same entity. The change of collagen fibers in the conditions has not been addressed to date.ObjectiveWe compared the clinical features of the 3 diseases and investigated changes in the collagen fibers involved.MethodsTwenty-four cases of PE, 12 cases of EC, and 2 cases of NA found in PubMed and the Korean database were reviewed. Changes in dermal collagen fibers in 10 cases with histological figures were investigated.ResultsThere were significant similarities between the 3 entities in terms of their clinical features. Four patients with PE and 2 with EC with fine, dense collagen fibers were women who had multiple white to hypopigmented, slightly indurated to firm, millimeter-size papules on the trunk and/or extremities that progressed gradually after developing in the patients' first to third decades.ConclusionThe 3 conditions are the same clinical entity in our opinion; such cases with fine, dense collagen manifest typical features.

Changes of collagen fibers in development of alcoholic liver injury

Changes of collagen fibers in development of alcoholic liver injury

Aggrandizing oral submucous fibrosis grading using an adjunct special stain: A pilot study.

Introduction:Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is graded according to various histological factors which include the epithelial changes and the connective tissue changes. These features though could be identified in routine hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining; they could be better appreciated in special stains. This pilot study is an attempt to identify a single special stain that can act as an adjunct to H and E stain to help grade this potentially malignant disease.Aims and Objectives:To assess if special stains can improvise on differentiating the various histological changes seen in OSMF and to accordingly grade OSMF cases.Materials and Methods:Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections of OSMF-10 cases of each grade (n = 30). Three special stains: Van-Gieson, Mallory's trichrome and Masson trichrome.Statistical Analysis:The results obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Chi-square test.Observations and Results:The thickness and degree of keratinization were best detected in Mallory's stain (100%) and were statistically significant; the subepithelial changes were better detected using special stains, especially Mallory's stain (100%). The changes in collagen fibers were better visualized in all three special stains but were not statistically significant. The changes in blood vessels were better detected in Van-Gieson's and Mallory's stain; the obtained results were statistically significant. The degree of fibrosis between muscle bundles could be detected in all the three special stains, but when compared the results were not statistically significant. The questionable areas of muscle degeneration, especially in deeper connective tissue were better detected in Mallory's (43%) and Masson's stain (43%) as compared to Van-Gieson stain (14%) and the results obtained were statistically significant. The inflammatory cells and dysplastic features are better visualized in routine H and E stains.Conclusion:Pathogenesis of OSMF is related to fibro-elastic and muscle degenerative changes in the connective tissue followed by secondary changes in epithelium. Routine H and E, stains all the connective tissue components in various shades of pink, use of special stains bestows contrast between different components of connective tissue, thus improvising grading of OSMF. Mallory's stain can be used as a single adjunct to H and E stain as both pattern of keratinization in the epithelium and changes in the superficial and deeper connective tissue could be ascertained.

Piperine inhibit inflammation, alveolar bone loss and collagen fibers breakdown in a rat periodontitis model.

Piperine exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, and has a long history of medicinal use. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of piperine on inflammation, alveolar bone and collagen fibers in experimental periodontitis. We evaluated the related expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and MMP-13 to enhance insight into these effects. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight animals each: control group, periodontitis group, periodontitis plus 50 mg/kg piperine group and periodontitis plus 100 mg/kg piperine group. Histopathologic changes were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Alveolar bone loss and trabecula microstructures were evaluated by micro-computed tomography. Changes in collagen fibers were assessed by picrosirius red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-8 and MMP-13. Piperine clearly inhibited alveolar bone loss and reformed trabecula microstructures in a dose-dependent manner. Histological staining showed that piperine significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammation in soft tissues. Both doses of piperine limited the fractions of degraded areas in collagen fibers. Piperine (100 mg/kg) significantly downregulated the expressions of IL-1β, MMP-8 and MMP-13 in periodontitis, but not that of TNF-α. Piperine displays significantly protective effects on inflammation, alveolar bone loss, bone microstructures and collagen fiber degradation in experimental periodontitis. The effects may be ascribed to its inhibitory activity on the expressions of IL-1β, MMP-8 and MMP-13.

Topical application of baby- and adult-aloe on ultraviolet B irradiated mouse skin with metabolite profiling

Topical application of extracts frombaby aloe shoot (immature aloe with shoot length 50 cm) showing high levels of anthraquinone derivatives, suppressed ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation-induced skin damage, including increased epidermal thickness and matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression, decreased procollagen type I and involucrin expression, and changes in collagen fibers. Additionally, we applied mass spectrometry-based techniques with multivariate statistical analysis to UVB-exposed skin and showed that several types of skin metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, nucleobases, fatty acids, sterols, carbohydrates, and glycerophospholipids, were altered in the epidermal and dermal layers by topical application of Aloe vera shoot extracts. In particular, four nucleobases (hypoxanthine, uridine, inosine, and cytidine) and cholesterol were significantly influenced by treatment with extracts from adult and baby aloe shoots, respectively. The alterations in skin metabolites induced by A. vera extracts in UVB-irradiated skin were generally greater in the epidermis than in the dermis. These metabolites represent biomarkers that indicate the effects of A. vera extracts on UVB-irradiated skin and will guide future studies. Our results suggest that the topical application of A. vera is capable of mitigating changes in the skin induced by UVB irradiation.

Mini-slings - an option in stress urinary incontinence treatment. Case studies.

IntroductionStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a social disease caused by numerous contributing factors such as natural childbirth, obesity, hormonal deficiencies and changes in collagen fibers, to name a few. Currently, mini–slings, among all the surgical treatment methods, have gained significance. The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of this method.Material and methodsFrom 2008 to 2012, one hundred sixty women suffering from SUI underwent surgical procedures to implant mini–slings under the middle part of the urethra and 140 (87.5%) of them remained under observation. In 65 cases, Johnson & Johnson's TVT–Secur was used; in 70 cases, BARD's Adjust mini–sling was used; and in 5 cases, AMS Mini–Arc mini–sling was used. The average period of hospitalization was 3 days per admission, operation and discharge day.ResultsIn 82 cases, patients urinated well after the removal of the catheter, and had full urine continence. Fourteen patients showed great improvement, and in four cases temporary urine retention was observed. In two cases vaginal bleeding was observed, yet there was no need for wound revision. Evaluation of the ‘quality of life improvement’ was done using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).ConclusionsThe obtained results allowed the conclusion that the implantation of mini–slings is a low invasive, relatively safe and effective procedure for the treatment of SUI even in cases of recurrence. Almost full recovery was achieved in all the cases of this study. The mini–sling has become an important element in modern urogynecology.

Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-Inhibitory Peptide Activity on Vascular Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Objective: This paper aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptide activity involved in vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Therefore, changes in collagen fibers, elastic fibers and laminin were assessed in the left common carotid artery (LCCA). Methods: We selected 10-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats to study the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), transforming growth factor, angiotensin (Ang) II and nuclear factor (NF)-p65 in the wall of carotid arteries. Results: Compared to the control group, laminin expression was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the vascular endothelium of the LAP (a homemade ACE-inhibitory peptide, named by ourselves) group, whereas the percentage of elastic/collagen fibers in the LCCA vascular area was significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in the LAP group. Immune blots of MMP-2, MMP-9, NF-p65 and AngII were significantly reduced in the LCCA wall in the LAP group. Conclusion: Vascular ECM remodeling may be related to the inhibitory action of LAP on ECM deposition.

Sequential study of liver collagen fibers in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Objective To observe the sequential changes of collagen fibers in rats with diethylnitrosamine(DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),so as to provide a reference for pathogenesis research of HCC.Methods Fifty male Wistar rats,weighing 100-120g,were randomly divided into normal group and HCC model group.The model group was intraperitoneally administered with 50mg/kg DEN(0.1mL),twice a week for 4weeks,then once a week for another 10weeks.The control group was given normal saline(0.1mL)in the same manner.Finally the rats were sacrificed;the normal and diseased liver tissues were observed by H-E,Masson and argyrophilic fiber staining.The expression of collagen typeⅠand typeⅢ mRNA was detected by fluorogenic quantitative PCR;the expression of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)was examined by gelatinases spectrometry.Results Cirrhosis was found in rats 5weeks after treatment with DEN and HCC was induced 14weeks after DEN treatment;collagen deposition in liver tissues increased in a progressive manner,and the collagen contents in the HCC tissues was greatly less than that in the adjacent tissues,showing a decreasing trend.The contents of MMP-2and MMP-9in the HCC and adjacent tissues had opposite changes compared with collagen.Conclusion Collagen deposition in cirrhosis liver tissue is increased during the process of DEN-induced HCC,but it is decreased in HCC tissues in aprogressive manner,which indicates that collagen might be degraded during the progression from cirrhosis to HCC.

MS-based metabolite profiling reveals time-dependent skin biomarkers in UVB-irradiated mice

We observed clinical and histological changes, including increased transepidermal water loss, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cells, and changes in collagen fibers in the skin of mice chronically exposed to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation for 12 weeks. By using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), gas chromatography (TOF–MS), and NanoMate tandem-MS-based metabolite profiling, we identified amino acids, organic compounds, fatty acids, lipids, nucleosides, carbohydrates, lysophosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, urocanic acids, and ceramides (CERs) as candidate biomarkers of the histological changes in mouse skin following UVB irradiation for 6 and 12 weeks. cis-Urocanic acid and cholesterol showed the most dramatic increase and decrease at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. In addition, the changes in skin primary metabolites and lysophospholipids induced by UVB exposure were generally greater at 12 weeks than at 6 weeks. The results from primary metabolite, lysophospholipid, and CER profiles suggest that prolonged chronic exposure to UVB light has a great effect on skin by altering numerous metabolites. A comprehensive MS-based metabolomic approach for determining regulatory metabolites in UV-induced skin will lead to a better understanding of the relationship between skin and UV.

Scutellarin inhibits the growth and invasion of human tongue squamous carcinoma through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and αvβ6 integrin

Scutellarin can inhibit the growth and migration of tongue cancer cells in vitro and can regulate cell adhesion; such agents will be the next generation anticancer therapeutics. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor effects of the scutellarin on human tongue squamous carcinoma (SAS) cell line and investigated its molecular mechanism. To explore the possible mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of scutellarin, we studied its impact on the growth and invasion of SAS cells xenografted into nude mice, on the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, integrin αvβ6, and c-JUN, and also on changes in collagen fibers. We observed that the growth of xenograft SAS tumors in nude mice was significantly inhibited by the administration of scutellarin without major adverse effects. Results showed that scutellarin mediated inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and regulated expression of matrix metallo-proteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, and integrin αvβ6 at the mRNA and protein levels in vivo. Moreover, scutellarin regulated the expression of collagen fibers in the tumor microenvironment (surrounding the tumor), thereby inhibiting cell invasion and metastasis. Our in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that scutellarin reduces the expression of MMP-2 and -9, and integrin αvβ6 in SAS cells, possibly through the regulation of expression of transcription factor AP-1. These results suggest that scutellarin can have an anti-tumor therapeutic effect by inhibition of the ability of SAS cells to invade and metastasize.

Inhibition of UVB-induced wrinkle formation and MMP-9 expression by mangiferin isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Chronic exposure of human skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes photoaging. Naturally occurring phytochemicals are known to have anti-photoaging effects. The present study examined the effect of mangiferin isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides on wrinkle formation, skin thickness, and changes in collagen fibers in hairless mice. The in vitro effects and possible mechanism of mangiferin on UVB irradiation were determined in human keratinocyte (HEKa) cells. In vitro results showed that mangiferin reduced UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 protein expression and enzyme activity and subsequent attenuation of UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 (MEK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In the in vivo studies, mangiferin inhibited UVB-induced mean length and mean depth of skin wrinkle based on skin replica, epidermal thickening, and damage to collagen fiber. Taken together, these results indicate that mangiferin exerts anti-photoaging activity in UVB-irradiated hairless mice by regulating MMP-9 expression through inhibition of MEK and ERK.

Bioengineered prosthesis with allogenic heterotopic fibroblasts for cricoid regeneration

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a bioengineered prosthesis with allogenic heterotopic fibroblasts for cricoid regeneration. Experimental study using a rat model. Bioengineered prosthetic grafts consisting of collagen sponge, polypropylene mesh, collagen gel, and allogenic dermal fibroblasts were implanted into rat cricoid defects. Control grafts were composed of collagen sponge and polypropylene mesh. Regenerated subglottic tissue was subsequently examined histologically. Epithelization and changes of collagen fibers occurred more rapidly in the bioengineered model than in the control model. Neogenetic cartilage was observed to form around the ends of cricoid cartilage in both models. Heterotopic fibroblasts appear to accelerate epithelial and subepithelial regeneration in a rat model.