Skin Damage Research Articles

Therapeutic effect of NEO400, perillyl alcohol conjugated to linoleic acid, in a mouse model of UV-induced skin damage.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes harmful effects on human skin. Pre-exposure application of sunscreen can be protective, but not after damage already has occurred. There is a need for agents that can be applied post-UVR exposure to repair the damage. We investigated a novel compound, NEO400, that appears to meet this medicinal need. NEO400 was created by conjugating linoleic acid to perillyl alcohol. UVR was repeatedly administered to the skin of mice over several weeks, where it caused the typical signs of UV damage, including scaling of the skin, DNA damage, and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. However, when NEO400 was applied immediately post-UVR, it triggered the appearance of markers for dermal stem cell proliferation, and no signs of skin damage emerged. Furthermore, when NEO400 was applied to skin that already had incurred significant damage, it accelerated skin healing. When applied individually, linoleic acid and perillyl alcohol were ineffective, indicating that they had to be conjugated in order to exert therapeutic efficacy. None of these skin-protective effects could be achieved with Aloe vera gel, a popular and widely used post-exposure remedy. Our study suggests that NEO400 holds potential as a regenerative treatment for excessively UVR-exposed skin.

Synergistic potential of gellan gum methacrylate and keratin hydrogel for visceral hemostasis and skin tissue regeneration

In recent years, the development of biodegradable hydrogels as an alternative over the traditional wound dressing has become increasingly significant. These specific hydrogels are able to offer suitable microenvironments to further aid the process of tissue or organ regeneration. However, application of biodegradable hydrogels in clinical medicine remains uncommon due to most biodegradable hydrogels struggle with achieving satisfactory adhesiveness property, high mechanical support and cell compatibility simultaneously. In order to overcome these constraints and enhance the applicability of biodegradable hydrogels, methods have been employed in this study.By reacting gellan gum with methacrylic anhydride and incorporating a biodegradable protein, keratin, we endowed the hydrogels with high pliability via photo-polymerization chain extension, thereby obtaining a biodegradable hydrogel with exceptional properties. Through a series of in vitro tests, GGMA/keratin hydrogels exhibited great cell compatibility via providing an appropriate environment for cell proliferation. Furthermore, this hydrogel not only exhibits extraordinary adhesive ability on visceral tissues but also extends to scenarios involving skin or organ damage, offering valuable assistance in wound healing. Our design provides a suitable platform for cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, which shows prospects for future medical research and clinical applications.

Dermatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on sodium valproate-induced skin damage in rats

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug associated with skin-related issues like excessive hair growth, hair loss, and skin rashes. In contrast, Moringa oleifera, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, is gaining popularity worldwide for its medicinal properties. The protective properties of M. oleifera extract against skin-related side effects caused by valproic acid were investigated. Female rats were divided into control groups and experimental groups such as moringa, sodium valproate, and sodium valproate + moringa groups. A 70% ethanolic extract of moringa (0.3 g/kg/day) was given to moringa groups, and a single dose of sodium valproate (0.5 g/kg/day) was given to valproate groups for 15 days. In the skin samples, antioxidant parameters (such as glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity), as well as oxidant parameters representing oxidative stress (i.e. lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and total oxidant capacity), were examined. Additionally, boron, hydroxyproline, sodium-potassium ATPase, and tissue factor values were determined. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was also carried out for protein analysis in the skin samples. The results showed that moringa could increase glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, sodium-potassium ATPase, and boron levels, while decreasing lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, nitric oxide, total oxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species, hydroxyproline, and tissue factor levels. These findings imply that moringa possesses the potential to mitigate dermatological side effects.

Late Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Different Clinical, Serological Presentations and Damage Compared to Adult Lupus in Egypt

Abstract Background Comparing cases of adult onset and late onset systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) reveals significant differences in clinical, serological, disease activity, and damage score. Objective This study aimed to analyze clinical manifestations, laboratory data, serological markers, and prognosis of late-onset SLE (L-SLE) and for comparing with adult- onset SLE. Patients and Methods One hundred fifty individuals with SLE were included in a cross-sectional study conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital divide into Group 1: 100 cases with adult-onset (age of onset ≥ 19 years and below 50 years). Group 2: 50 Patients with L-SLE (age of onset ≥ 50 years). All patients were subjected to medical history, physical examination, disease activity measured by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2K) and a damage score. Laboratory investigations as complete blood count (CBC), serum creatinine, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, protein creatinine ratio, serum complement (C3, C4), anti-dsDNA antibody, and antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Results Mucocutaneous manifestations, frequency of hematuria, proteinuria, urinary cast, consumed C3, positive anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-cardiolipin antibody and lupus anticoagulant titers had considerably greater rates in-group 1 compared to group 2 (P-value <0.05) while group 2 had significantly more musculoskeletal symptoms (P-value <0.05). The SLEDAI scores of the two groups were equivalent, however the damage index was greater in group 2 (P-value 0.00). Neuropsychiatric, cutaneous, renal, and skin damage were more frequent in group 1, while musculoskeletal, endocrinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular and ocular damage were more frequent in- group 2. Conclusion L-SLE is different from adult onset SLE with more frequent damage.

Spread-out Bragg peak FLASH: quantifying normal tissue toxicity in a murine model.

A favorable effect of ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) radiation on normal tissue-sparing has been indicated in several preclinical studies. In these studies, the adverse effects of radiation damage were reduced without compromising tumor control. Most studies of proton FLASH investigate these effects within the entrance of a proton beam. However, the real advantage of proton therapy lies in the Spread-out Bragg Peak (SOBP), which allows for giving a high dose to a target with a limited dose to healthy tissue at the entrance of the beam. Therefore, a clinically relevant investigation of the FLASH effect would be of healthy tissues within a SOBP. Our study quantified the tissue-sparing effect of FLASH radiation on acute and late toxicity within an SOBP in a murine model. Radiation-induced damage was assessed for acute and late toxicity in the same mice following irradiation with FLASH (Field dose rate of 60 Gy/s) or conventional (CONV, 0.34 Gy/s) dose rates. The right hindleg of unanesthetized female CDF1 mice was irradiated with single-fraction doses between 19.9-49.7 Gy for CONV and 30.4-65.9 Gy for FLASH with 5-8 mice per dose. The leg was placed in the middle of a 5 cm SOBP generated from a mono-energetic beam using a 2D range modulator. Acute skin toxicity quantified by hair loss, moist desquamation and toe separation was monitored daily within 29 days post-treatment. Late toxicity of fibrotic development measured by leg extendibility was monitored biweekly until 30 weeks post-treatment. Comparison of acute skin toxicity following radiation indicated a tissue-sparing effect of FLASH compared to conventional single-fraction radiation with a mean protection ratio of 1.40 (1.35-1.46). Fibrotic development similarly indicated normal tissue sparing with a 1.18 (1.17-1.18) protection ratio. The acute skin toxicity tissue sparing was similar to data from entrance-beam irradiations of Sørensen etal. (4). Full dose-response curves for acute and late toxicity after CONV and FLASH radiation were obtained. Radiation within the SOBP retains the normal-tissue-sparing effect of FLASH with a dose-modifying factor of 40% for acute skin damage and 18% for fibrotic development.

Full-spectrum cannabidiol reduces UVB damage through the inhibition of TGF-β1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome.

The thermodynamic characteristics, antioxidant potential, and photoprotective benefits of full-spectrum cannabidiol (FS-CBD) against UVB-induced cellular death were examined in this study. In silico analysis of CBD showed antioxidant capacity via proton donation and UV absorption at 209.09, 254.73, and 276.95 nm, according to the HAT and SPLET methodologies. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced bacterial death for 30 min. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced cell death by 42% (1.5 μg/mL) and 35% (3.5 μg/mL) in an invitro keratinocyte cell model. An invivo acute irradiated CD-1et/et mouse model (UVB-irradiated for 5 min) presented very low photoprotection when FS-CBD was applied cutaneously, as determined by histological analyses. Invivo skin samples showed that FS-CBD regulated inflammatory responses by inhibiting the inflammatory markers TGF-β1 and NLRP3. The docking analysis showed that the CBD molecule had a high affinity for TGF-β1 and NLRP3, indicating that protection against inflammation might be mediated by blocking these proinflammatory molecules. This result was corroborated by the docking interactions between CBD and TGF-β1 and NLRP3, which resulted in a high affinity and inhibition of both proteins The present work suggested a FS-CBD moderate photoprotective agent against UVB light-induced skin damage and that this effect is partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity.

Incidence of medical adhesive-related skin injury: a reduction by changing posture.

Medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), defined as skin damage associated with the use of medical adhesive products or devices, are a common and under-reported condition that compromises skin integrity. The prevention and management of MARSI that can occur around the needle insertion site of a chest wall implantable port in hospitalised patients with a tumour remain challenging issues. The aim of this study was to explore whether the incidence of MARSI could be reduced by changing the body position during dressing changes. Participants were recruited between May 2019 and November 2020 in the oncology department of a tertiary hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to Group AB (supine followed by semi-recumbent position) and Group BA (semi-recumbent followed by supine position) with a standard intervening recovery interval of 21-28 days. Assessments for typical MARSI included itching, the combination of erythema and oedema, and blisters in the port area, and were graded according to the level of severity. The itch intensity was significantly lower in phase B (semi-recumbent) compared to phase A (supine) (2.35±1.985 versus 5.31±1.332, respectively; p<0.01). Similarly, the severity of erythema and oedema was less severe when comparing phase B to phase A: grade 0 (64.9% versus 10.5%, respectively); grade 1 (28.1% versus 19.3%, respectively); grade 2 (3.5% versus 7.0%, respectively); grade 3 (1.8% versus 45.6%, respectively); and grade 4 (1.8% versus 17.5%, respectively) (Z=5.703; p<0.01). Blisters were found far less frequently in phase B than phase A (1.8% versus 56.1%, respectively; p<0.01). The study provided statistically significant evidence that patients in a semi-recumbent position receiving dressing at a chest wall implantable port had fewer and less severe injection site MARSI than when in a supine position. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Preventive External Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gel Combined with Psychological Care in Tumor Patients with Radiation Dermatitis

Radiation dermatitis (RD) caused by radiation therapy has brought pain to patients. Therefore, we aim to investigate the efficacy of preventive external application of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) gel in conjunction with psychological care for the prevention of RD in patients with malignant tumors. A total of 130 patients who underwent radiotherapy in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected as the research objects. The patients were divided into two groups based on their nursing modes: the conventional group received TCM gel treatment for Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade II skin damage, while the combination group received preventive external application of TCM gel before radiotherapy along with psychological care support. The incidence of RD, quality of life, negative emotional changes, and satisfaction with nursing care were recorded and compared between the two groups. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of RTOG grade III–IV skin damage, an obvious improvement in patient’s quality of life and negative emotions, and a higher satisfaction in the combination group compared to the conventional group (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that the preventive external application of traditional Chinese medicine combined with psychological care during radiotherapy holds significant potential in preventing RD in patients with malignant tumors. Furthermore, it is proposed that the observed efficacy of the Chinese medicine gel in preventing radiation dermatitis may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily mediated by key active ingredients such as berberine and obacunone.

Rabies knowledge gaps and risk behaviour in Dutch travellers: An observational cohort study

BackgroundTravellers visiting rabies-endemic countries are at risk of rabies infection. Assessing travellers’ knowledge and risk perception of rabies and risk behaviour during travel can help identify knowledge gaps and improve pre-travel risk education. MethodsCohort study in Dutch adult travellers, using two surveys: one before travel to assess knowledge and perception of rabies, and one after return to identify risk behaviour during travel. ResultsThe pre-travel and post-travel survey were completed by 301 and 276 participants, respectively. 222 participants had travelled to a high-risk rabies-endemic country. 21.6 % of the participants scored their rabies knowledge as poor. Some participants were unaware cats or bats can transmit rabies (26.6 % and 13.6 %, respectively), or that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is required for certain exposures such as skin abrasions without bleeding or licks on damaged skin (35.5 % and 18.9 %, respectively), while 27.9 % of participants did not know PEP needs to be administered within one day. 115 participants (51.8 %) reported any form of contact with any animal during travel. Two participants reported animal exposure, of which one took adequate PEP measures. Risk factors for animal contact abroad were regularly touching cats or dogs at home or abroad, longer travel duration, having pets during childhood and being an animal lover. ConclusionsPre-travel rabies risk education currently does not meet travellers’ needs, which is reflected in knowledge gaps and engagement in risk behaviour during travel. During pre-travel health advice, avoiding animal contact abroad should be emphasized, and additional education is required about indications for PEP.

Characterising mobility and pressure exposure in community dwelling residents with pressure ulcers using monitoring technology and intelligent algorithm

AimIndividuals in the community with reduced mobility are at risk of exposure to prolonged lying and sitting postures, which may cause pressure ulcers. The present study combines continuous pressure monitoring technology and intelligent algorithms to evaluate posture, mobility, and pressure profiles in a cohort of community dwelling patients, who had acquired pressure ulcers. Materials and methodsThis study represents a secondary analysis of the data from the Quality Improvement project ‘Pressure Reduction through COntinuous Monitoring In the community SEtting (PROMISE)’. 22 patients with pressure ulcers were purposely selected from 105 recruited community residents. Data were collected using a commercial continuous pressure monitoring system over a period of 1–4 days, and analysed with an intelligent algorithm using machine learning to determine posture and mobility events. Duration and magnitude of pressure signatures of each static posture and exposure thresholds were identified based on a sigmoid relationship between pressure and time. ResultsPatients revealed a wide range of ages (30–95 years), BMI (17.5–47 kg/m2) and a series of co-morbidities, which may have influenced the susceptibility to skin damage. Posture, mobility, and pressure data revealed a high degree of inter-subject variability. Largest duration of static postures ranged between 1.7 and 19.8 h, with 17/22 patients spending at least 60 % of their monitoring period in static postures which lasted >2 h. Data revealed that many patients spent prolonged periods with potentially harmful interface pressure conditions, including pressure gradients >60 mmHg/cm. ConclusionThis study combined posture, mobility, and pressure data from a commercial pressure monitoring technology through an intelligent algorithm. The community residents who had acquired a pressure ulcer at the time of monitoring exhibited trends which exposed their skin and subdermal tissues to prolonged high pressures during static postures. These indicators need further validation through prospective clinical trials.

Amniotic miracle: Investigating the unique development and applications of amniotic membrane in wound healing.

The perfect repair of damaged skin has always been a constant goal for scientists; however, the repair and reconstruction of skin is still a major problem and challenge in injury and burns medicine. Human amniotic membrane (hAM), with its good mechanical properties and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, containing growth factors that promote wound healing, has evolved over the last few decades from simple skin sheets to high-tech dressings, such as being made into nanocomposites, hydrogels, powders, and electrostatically spun scaffolds. This paper aims to explore the historical development, applications, trends, and research hotspots of hAM in wound healing. We examined 2660 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from January 1, 1975 to July 12, 2023. Utilizing bibliometric methods, we employed VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R-bibliometrix to characterize general information, identify development trends, and highlight research hotspots. Subsequently, we identified a collection of high-quality English articles focusing on the roles of human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs), human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs), and amniotic membrane (AM) scaffolds in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Bibliometric analysis identified Udice-French Research Universities as the most productive affiliation and Tseng S.C.G. as the most prolific author. Keyword analysis, historical direct quotations network, and thematic analysis helped us review the historical and major themes in this field. Our examination included the knowledge structure, global status, trends, and research hotspots regarding the application of hAM in wound healing. Our findings indicate that contemporary research emphasizes the preparation and application of products derived from hAM. Notably, both hAM and the cells isolated from it - hADSCs and hAESCs are prominent and promising areas of research in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This research delivers a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge frameworks, global dynamics, emerging patterns, and primary research foci in the realm of hAM applications for wound healing. The field is rapidly evolving, and our findings offer valuable insights for researchers. Future research outcomes are anticipated to be applied in clinical practice, enhancing methods for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

New Applications of the Anterior Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap for Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Postoperative Radiotherapy.

Several studies have reported preliminary experiences with the anterior intercostal artery perforator (AICAP) flap for treating partial breast defects or breast implant exposure following reconstruction. As radiotherapy is commonly administered for breast cancer, some patients may present with heavily damaged skin flaps and chronic radiodermatitis. We describe new applications of a de-epithelialized AICAP flap, used in combination with an implant, for breast reconstruction when other treatment options are unavailable. A retrospective study was conducted, including all patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction with the aid of an AICAP flap. A literature review was also performed. Between November 2022 and August 2023, four pedicled AICAP flaps were harvested in four patients. The indications were breast implant coverage in cases of chronic dermatitis of the mastectomy skin flaps (two unilateral flaps) and inferolateral coverage of partially submuscular expanders for immediate breast reconstruction (two unilateral flaps). All four flaps were based on one perforator. The mean harvesting time was 40 minutes. Complete flap survival was achieved, with no complications at the donor site. The AICAP flap is a safe and reliable technique for difficult cases of breast reconstruction when no other options are available. Moreover, this technique can easily provide additional coverage for the breast implant when needed.

Exploring the Potential of Skin Cell Culture and the Vital Role of Skin Grafts in Regenerative Medicine and Biology

The skin is acknowledged as the biggest organ, covering the exterior of the body and serving as a physical barrier. The integumentary system is made up of three layers of tissue: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. For transplantation, epidermal cell cultures have been around for a while. The epidermal stem cells can proliferate and self-renew in a manner that allows for rapid healing since they are unipotent, meaning they can only produce one type of cell. In therapeutic terms, cultured keratinocytes have been described as an autologous cell-based therapy that provides a source of autologous tissue, reducing the need for large donor sites and minimizing the risk of immune rejection. This review explores the composition and functioning of the skin’s extracellular matrix, along with strategies to incorporate ECM components into the cell culture techniques. Rebuilding skin flaws without consideration for side effects is skin grafting. The tissue lacks its circulatory supply and must receive it from the bed in which it is inserted. The skin cells have contributed to developing skin graft and tissue engineering approaches for repairing damaged skin. Similar to grafting, the skin graft is divided into sections based on the quantity of dermis involved: split-thickness skin and full-thickness skin. Transplanting autologous keratinocytes is an alternative to autologous skin grafting. In the wound bed, epidermal stem cells encourage angiogenesis. After invading the fibrin wound clot, angiogenic capillary sprouts form a microvascular network throughout the granulation tissue in a few days. In this article, authors will review the current methods and application of skin cell culture for transplantation including different cell sources, culture conditions, and transplantation techniques. The future direction of this approach is in the context of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Combination of Nicotinamide and Agastache rugosa Extract: A Potent Strategy for Protecting Hs68 Cells from UVB-Induced Photoaging.

This study investigated the protective effects of nicotinamide (NAM) and Agastache rugosa extract (AR) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging in Hs68 cells. The results demonstrated that NAM and AR, alone or in combination, exhibited concentration-dependent protective effects against UVB radiation. The highest synergistic effect was observed at a NAM:AR ratio of 6:4. This combination exhibited a synergistic protective effect against UVB-induced photoaging. The sample concentration required for 80% cell survival was 9.70 μM and 131.16 ppm for NAM and AR, respectively. However, when combined, they exhibited strong synergistic effects with concentrations as low as 0.11 μM and 17.50 ppm. Moreover, 5.26 μM of NAM and 1,082.13 ppm of AR were required to inhibit 30% of reactive oxygen species, but the combination treatment required 0.62 μM and 95.49 ppm, respectively. This combination significantly reduced the production of matrix metalloproteinase and increased collagen production. These findings highlight the potential of combining NAM and AR as functional cosmetic materials to protect against UVB-induced photoaging. The synergistic effects observed in this study provide valuable information for developing novel strategies for cosmetic combinations that target UVB-mediated skin damage.

Management of cutaneous bovine papillomatosis in cross bred Holstein Friesian cow – Case Report

Cutaneous bovine papillomatosis is caused by the bovine papillomavirus types (BPV-1 to -10). It is a contagious disease characterised by multiple skin lesions (tumours or growths) commonly in different body regions and is associated with huge economic losses. On 9th November, 2019 a client from the Gagi area of the Sokoto metropolis reported a case of pox-like-grown lesions on a one-year-old male crossed-bred Holstein-Friesian to the Aliyu Jodi Veterinary Clinic, Sokoto. There were ticks in the ear and beneath the tail on physical examination. The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous bovine papillomatosis. The condition was managed symptomatically, by excising the lesions and treatment using Ivermectin super® (Ivermectin 10 mg, Clorsulon 100 mg) subcutaneous (SC) injection, Pentstrep 20/25 inj.® (Procaine penicillin G 200 mg, Dihydrostreptomycin sulphate 250 mg) intramuscular (IM) injection, Flunixin (50 mg) intraveinous (IV) injection for 4 days and Multivitamin injection (x®). The cattle recovered with no history of recurrence or sign of skin damage. Symptomatic treatment is therefore recommended for cutaneous bovine papillomatosis and surgical excision should be carried out at mature (regressing stage) to avoid recurrence.

The effect of betel nut extract on melanin pigment levels in rats' skin exposed to Ultraviolet B radiation

This study aims to analyze the effect of areca nut extract on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet-B light. The research method used was post-test with control group design. The total sample of white rats used was 20 rats, which were divided into 4 groups with each group consisting of 5 rats. The cream preparation was made using cold cream base. The rats were then exposed to UVB with a certain intensity for 5 days, characterized by erythema as a result of UVB absorption into the epidermis. Each group of treated rats received base cream, 10% areca nut extract cream, and 15% areca nut extract cream topically for 14 days before termination on day 15. The collected data were then tabulated and analyzed. To determine significant differences or influences between the test groups, analysis was carried out with t-test or Independent Samples T-Test approach at 95% confidence level (p &lt; 0.05). The results of the analysis showed that the administration of areca nut extract was effective in reducing the amount of melanin pigment in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to Ultraviolet-B light. From histopathological observations, the administration of areca nut extract with a concentration of 15% is effective in removing or fading melanin pigments in the skin exposed to Ultraviolet-B light and the results of damaged skin melanin pigments appear in the epidermis of rat skin barely visible grain.

Knockdown of miR-155 alleviates skin damage in rats with chronic spontaneous urticaria by modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanisms of miR-155 in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).MethodsThe expression level of miR-155 in the skin tissues of patients with CSU and experimental rats were detected by RT-qPCR, followed by the measurement of the histamine release rate in the serum through the histamine release test. Besides, hematoxylin & eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the skin tissues; Corresponding detection kits and flow cytometry to measure the changes of immunoglobulins, inflammatory cytokines and T cell subsets in the serum of rats in each group; and western blot to check the expression level of proteins related to JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the skin tissues.ResultsKnockdown of miR-155 reduced the number and duration of pruritus, alleviated the skin damage, and decreased the number of eosinophils in CSU rats. Moreover, knockdown of miR-155 elevated the serum levels of IgG and IgM, decreased the levels of IgA and inflammatory cytokines, and reduced the proportion of CD4 + and CD4 + CD25 + T cells, as well as the CD4+/CD8 + ratio in CSU rats. However, Tyr705 intervention could reverse the effects of knockdown of miR-155 on CSU model rats. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of miR-155 significantly reduced the protein expression of IRF-9, as well as the P-JAK2/JAK2 and P-STAT3/STAT3 ratios in the skin tissues of CSU rats.ConclusionKnockdown of miR-155 can alleviate skin damage and inflammatory responses and relieve autoimmunity in CSU rats by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Preliminary Study: Antimicrobial Permeation and Release Rates of Biocellulose Wound Dressing Produced Using Acetobacter Xylinum 0416 in Pineapple Peel Waste Culture

Modern wound dressings are employed to hasten the healing of damaged skin. Alginate, foam, hydrogel, hydrocolloid and film are contemporary wound dressings. These contemporary wound dressings are effective for treating wounds because they keep moisture in the wound to help the skin of the damaged tissue heal. Another application for biocellulose (BC) is as a material for treating wounds. This is because biocellulose can absorb exudates from skin wounds and has a considerable water-holding capacity. Because pineapple peel waste has a high concentration of glucose and fructose, it can be used as a fermentation medium to make biocellulose. The manufacture of biocellulose also makes use of the bacterium Acetobacter xylinum 0416. The biocellulose fermentation process lasts five days at 30 °C in an incubator with static conditions. Utilising antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticle compounds, Moringa oleifera, or Melastoma malabathricum leaf extract will improve the antibacterial capabilities of biocellulose. The growth of A. xylinum 0416 indicates an exponential phase at 48 hours, where the number of bacterial cells increases, and the process of transferring 20% of the inoculum to the fermentation medium is carried out. BC fermentation in 6-well plates with 3 ml of pineapple peel extract volume at 30°C and pH 5.15 recorded the highest BC wet weight reading at 1.740g and an average of 1.393g. Low concentrations of silver nanoparticles and Moringa leaf extract at 0.02mg/ml, 5mg/l and 0.0125mg/l showed a good effect against the pathogen. The water absorption capacity of the raw BC shows a good absorption value of 144.84.

Character and Frequency of the Syntropic Extrahepatic Lesions in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatopulmonary Syndrome of Various Severity Degree

Introduction. All over the world, and in Ukraine in particular, the incidence of liver diseases is constantly increasing. By practicing the most effective individualized appointment of complex treatment, it should be taken into consideration the involvement of different organ systems to the pathological processes of the cirrhotic patients, which we define as syntropic polymorbid lesions. The aim of the study. To determine the frequency and character of syntropic extrahepatic lesions in cirrhotic patients depending on the hepatopulmonary syndrome severity degree. Materials and methods. In a randomized manner with preliminary stratification by the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome were studied 93 patients with liver cirrhosis, who underwent the comprehensive clinical-laboratory and instrumental examination. Results. According to the obtained results, most often in patients with liver cirrhosis associated with hepatopulmonary syndrome syntropic extrahepatic lesions affected other organ systems as follows: digestive system - 100.0 % patients under investigation; hematopoietic system - 84.9 %; nervous system - 81.7 %; integumentary system and mucous membranes - 78.5 %; blood circulatory system - 76. 3%;osteoarticular system - 67.7 %; urinary system - 22.6 %. Increased severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome significantly (p &lt; 0.05) correlated with thein creased frequency of lesions. Among syntropic polymorbid lesions of the integumentary system and mucous membranes, 68.8 % patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome had jaundice, 66.7 % - telangiectasia. Among lesions of the osteoarticular system osteopenia was diagnosed in 44.7 % of patients, osteoporosis - in 27.7 %. Among lesions of the circulatory system 52.7% of patients suffered from heart rhythm disorders, 49.5 % - from arterial hypotension, 20.4 % - from cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Among lesions of the hematopoietic system anemia (76.3 %), coagulopathy (73.1 %) and thrombocytopenia (61.3 %) were diagnosed most often. Digestive system lesionsinclude esophageal veins varicosities (94.6 % of patients), hemorrhoidal veins varicosites (68.8 %), and cirrhotic gastropathy (62.4 %). Among lesions of the urinary systemin 21.5 % of patientswas diagnosed type II hepatorenal syndrome. Among the lesions of central nervous system in 81.7 % of patientswas diagnosed hepatic encephalopathy. The frequency of syndromes and nosological units increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) with the increase of hepatopulmonary syndrome severity. Conclusions. 100.0 % patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied byhepatopulmonary syndromewere affected by syntropic polymorbid lesionsof the digestive system, 94.6 % of which were represented by esophageal vein varicosites. Out of 84.9 % of patients with hematopoietic lesions anemia was diagnosed in 76.3 %, coagulopathy - in 73.1 % of cases. Of total 81.7 % patients withnervous system injurieshepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed in 81.7 % patients. In 78.5 % cases of damaged skin, its appendages and mucous membranesjaundice covered 68.8 %, and telangiectasia 66.7 % of cases. In 76.3 % of cardiovascular system lesions arrhythmias were diagnosed in 52.7 %.With the increasing severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome, the frequency of the above lesions increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05).

Multifunctional Molybdenum-Based Nanoclusters Engineered Gelatin Methacryloyl as In Situ Photo-Cross-Linkable Hybrid Hydrogel Dressings for Enhanced Wound Healing.

Skin injuries and wounds present significant clinical challenges, necessitating the development of advanced wound dressings for efficient wound healing and tissue regeneration. In this context, the advancement of hydrogels capable of counteracting the adverse effects arising from undesirable reactive oxygen species (ROS) is of significant importance. This study introduces a hybrid hydrogel with rapid photocuring and excellent conformability, tailored to ameliorate the hostile microenvironment of damaged skin tissues. The hybrid hydrogel, composed of photoresponsive Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) and Molybdenum-based nanoclusters (MNC), exhibits physicochemical characteristics conductive to skin regeneration. In vitro studies demonstrated the cytocompatibility and ROS-responsive behavior of the MNC/GelMA hybrid hydrogels, confirming their ability to promote human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) functions. The incorporation of MNC into GelMA not only enhances HDF adhesion, proliferation, and migration but also shields against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Notably, in vivo evaluation in murine full-thickness skin defects revealed that the application of hybrid hydrogel dressings led to reduced inflammation, accelerated wound closure, and enhanced collagen deposition in comparison to control groups. Significantly, this study introduced a convenient approach to develop in situ ROS-scavenging hydrogel dressings to accelerate the wound healing process without the need for exogenous cytokines or medications. We consider that the nanoengineering approach proposed herein offers potential possibilities for the development of therapeutic hydrogel dressings addressing various skin-related conditions.