Healing Of Injury Research Articles

Acellular porcine Achilles tendon patch encapsulating tendon-derived stem cells for rotator cuff repair in a rabbit model

Currently, the predominant method for repairing rotator cuff involves surgical suture techniques, but the failure rate remains notably high. Failure of the rotator cuff insertion to provide adequate biomechanics during early healing is considered a major cause of failure. Addressing this problem, biological augmentation emerges as a promising strategy for enhancing the biomechanical properties during early stages. Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs), which facilitate the differentiation of repair-supportive cells, hold the potential to improve the efficacy of patch application. The study aims to assess the behavior of TDSCs in acellular porcine Achilles tendon (APAT) patches and to explore the capacity of the APAT patch encapsulating TDSCs in promoting both tendon-to-bone healing and biomechanical enhancements in a rabbit rotator cuff repair model. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses validated the complete cellular clearance of native cells from APAT patches, with uniform distribution of TDSCs. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed successful TDSCs attachment, while population doubling time (PDT) underscored increased TDSCs proliferation on APAT patches. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) demonstrated upregulation of tenocyte and osteocyte related genes in TDSCS cultured within the patches. In the subsequent in vivo experiment, fifty-four rabbits were used to create rotator cuff injury models and randomly assigned to a control group, an APAT patch group, and an APAT patch with TDSCs group. Histological analysis showed that the APAT patch with TDSCs group had significantly enhanced tendon-to-bone healing and a distinctly organized tendon-fibrocartilage-bone structure, as compared to the APAT patch group. In addition, the biomechanical properties of the APAT patch with TDSCs group were significantly improved. In conclusion, APAT patches promote TDSC proliferation and stimulate tenogenic and osteogenic differentiation. APAT patches encapsulating TDSCs have shown considerable potential in promoting tendon-to-bone healing of rotator cuff injuries, indicating that their use in rotator cuff repair surgery is clinically meaningful.

Optimizing Nanosuspension Drug Release and Wound Healing Using a Design of Experiments Approach: Improving the Drug Delivery Potential of NDH-4338 for Treating Chemical Burns.

NDH-4338 is a highly lipophilic prodrug comprising indomethacin and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. A design of experiments approach was used to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the wound healing efficacy of optimized NDH-4338 nanosuspensions against nitrogen mustard-induced skin injury. Nanosuspensions were prepared by sonoprecipitation in the presence of a Vitamin E TPGS aqueous stabilizer solution. Critical processing parameters and material attributes were optimized to reduce particle size and determine the effect on dissolution rate and burn healing efficacy. The antisolvent/solvent ratio (A/S), dose concentration (DC), and drug/stabilizer ratio (D/S) were the critical sonoprecipitation factors that control particle size. These factors were subjected to a Box-Behnken design and response surface analysis, and model quality was assessed. Maximize desirability and simulation experiment optimization approaches were used to determine nanosuspension parameters with the smallest size and the lowest defect rate within the 10-50 nm specification limits. Optimized and unoptimized nanosuspensions were prepared and characterized. An established depilatory double-disc mouse model was used to evaluate the healing of nitrogen mustard-induced dermal injuries. Optimized nanosuspensions (A/S = 6.2, DC = 2% w/v, D/S = 2.8) achieved a particle size of 31.46 nm with a narrow size range (PDI = 0.110) and a reduced defect rate (42.2 to 6.1%). The optimized nanosuspensions were stable and re-dispersible, and they showed a ~45% increase in cumulative drug release and significant edema reduction in mice. Optimized NDH-4338 nanosuspensions were smaller with more uniform sizes that led to improved physical stability, faster dissolution, and enhanced burn healing efficacy compared to unoptimized nanosuspensions.

Analysis of a Poloxamer Hydrogel Composed of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Reepithelization of Skin Injuries

The body's natural response to tissue damage is wound healing. Hydrogels have compelling benefits in the healing of wounds, not only because of their permeability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, but also because they offer an optimal environment for cell migration and proliferation. The primary goal of this work was to create and characterize a hydrogel that contained human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) in order to facilitate the healing of superficial skin injuries. hMSCs were embedded using a biocompatible biomaterial called Poloxamer 407®. The hydrogel that was created, with 20 percent (w/w) of polymer, had the best formulation in terms of its mechanical, morphological, biological, and physical characteristics.. The hydrogel's remarkable swelling capacity spoke to its ability to absorb wound exudate. The LIVE/DEAD® assay verifies that when hMSCs were injected into the hydrogels, they stayed viable for at least 48 hours. The keratinocytes' ability to proliferate and mend was unaffected by the addition of progressively higher concentrations of hMSC-loaded hydrogel to the epithelium; the entire wound healed in less than a day. Our research provides new avenues for the application of poloxamer hydrogels as skin superficial wound carriers.

Utility of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in the Management of Meniscus Injuries: A narrative review.

Menisci are crucial for knee joint functions and meniscal tears are common injuries, especially in sports activities. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which enhances healing, has emerged as a promising additive treatment for meniscus injuries, utilizing the regenerative properties of platelets and growth factors for improved clinical outcomes. In studies with a follow-up period of less than one year, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for meniscus injuries showed significant improvements in knee symptoms and daily activity. Patients experienced enhanced outcomes in terms of pain reduction and increased sports activity, with MRI scans indicating stable meniscus conditions after six months. Studies with a follow-up of more than one year, however, did not find significant differences between groups treated with PRP and groups not treated with PRP in terms of various outcome measures, including pain and knee function. The vascularization of the menisci is vital for their proper function, and insufficient blood supply can affect healing of meniscal injuries. PRP therapy is used to enhance meniscal healing by introducing growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents. PRP therapy may enable athletes with meniscal tears to return to sports more quickly and has less rehabilitation duration. While PRP seems promising as an alternative to failed treatment or as an adjunct to treatment in the short term, its long-term effectiveness remains inconclusive. Patient preferences, commitment to therapy rehabilitation, and cost should all be considered on an individual basis.

Diabetic Wound: Pathophysiology, Complications and Treatment Strategies.

Diabetic wound healing is expected to affect 25% of all diabetics, resulting in less severe external factors, economic costs, and less trauma. Topical formulations have been continually improved to achieve a range of amazing properties and have had a significant impact on the management of diabetic wounds. Topical insulin has become one of the most attractive and convenient wound healing techniques due to its excellent biocompatibility, water retention, and therapeutic properties. Multiple versatile topical insulins have been identified and have shown promise over the past few years as they greatly facilitate the management of diabetic wounds as we understand their etiology. The physiological wound healing process repairs damaged tissue and restores skin integrity. For about a century, insulin, a powerful healing agent, and it has been utilized in several clinical and experimental researches research studies to accelerate the healing of various injuries.

Design and Self-Assembly of Peptide-Copolymer Conjugates into Nanoparticle Hydrogel for Wound Healing in Diabetes.

Delayed wound healing in skin injuries has become a significant problem in clinics, seriously affecting and even threatening life and health. Recently, research interest has increased in developing wound dressings containing bioactive compounds capable of improving outcomes for complex healing needs. In this study, Puerarin-loaded nanoparticles (Pue-NPs) were prepared using the cell-penetrating peptide-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (CPP-PLGA) as a drug carrier by the emulsified solvent evaporation method. Then, they were added into poly (acrylic acid) to obtain a self-assembled nanocomposite hydrogels (SANHs) drug delivery system using the co-polymerization method. The particle size, zeta potential, and micromorphology of Pue-NPs were measured; the appearance, mechanical properties, adhesive strength, and biological activity of SANHs were performed. Finally, the potential of SANHs for wound healing was further evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Pue-NPs were regularly spherical, with an average particle size of 134.57 ± 1.42 nm and a zeta potential of 2.14 ± 0.78 mV. SANHs was colorless and transparent with a honeycomb-like porous structure and had an excellent swelling ratio (917%), water vapor transmission rate (3077 g·m-2·day-1), mechanical properties (Young's modulus of 18 kPa, elongation at break of 307%), and adhesive strength (15.5 kPa). SANHs exhibited sustained release of Pue over 48h, with a cumulative release of 55.60 ± 6.01%. In vitro tests revealed that the SANHs presented a 92.22% antibacterial rate against Escherichia coli after 4h, and a 61.91% scavenging rate of 1.1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) radical. In vivo experiments showed that SANHs accelerated wound repair by reducing the inflammatory response at the wound site, promoting angiogenesis, and facilitating epidermal regeneration and collagen deposition. In conclusion, we successfully prepared SANHs. Our results show that SANHs have excellent performance and improves wound healing in diabetic mice model, indicating that it can be used to develop an effective strategy for the treatment of diabetic wounds.

Serial Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Healing of Lower Extremity Bone Stress Injury and Correlation With Return to Sport/Exercise.

Lower extremity bone stress injuries (BSIs) are common among athletes who participate in high-impact activities. Conventional imaging is limited in assessing healing of BSIs. Serial ultrasonography (US) can identify changes in appearance of lower extremity BSIs over time that can be correlated with symptoms and return to exercise/sport. Cohort observational study. Level 3. Adults 18 to 50 years old with a recent exercise-associated BSI of distal tibia/fibula or metatarsals diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. US was performed every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The sonographic appearance (soft tissue edema, periosteal reaction, hyperemia on power Doppler, callus) was correlated with the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain and ability to return to sport/exercise. A total of 30 patients were enrolled (mean age, 35.3 ± 7.7 years; 21 [70.0%] female). The tibia was most frequently affected (n = 15, 50.0%), followed by metatarsals (n = 14, 46.7%) and fibula (n = 1, 3.3%). At week 4, 25 of 30 (83.3%) had at least 1 US finding associated with the BSI. The degree of hyperemia was correlated with NRS at weeks 4 and 6 (Spearman correlations [ρ] 0.45 [0.09, 0.69] and 0.42 [0.07, 0.67], respectively), as well as return to sport/exercise at week 6 (ρ -0.45 [-0.68, -0.09]). US soft tissue edema was also correlated with NRS at week 6 (ρ 0.38 [0.02, 0.65]). Serial US of lower extremity BSIs can provide objective measures of healing. US findings were correlated with clinical outcomes at multiple timepoints. US may have advantages over conventional imaging for monitoring healing of lower extremity BSIs. Further research is needed to better understand the prognostic value of these sonographic indicators of BSI healing and role in assessing readiness for return to sport/exercise.

Modulation of macrophages by a phillyrin-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel promotes skin wound healing in mice

BackgroundImpaired wound healing in traumatic skin injuries remains a severe clinical challenge due to impaired re-vascularization, harmful bacteria infection, and inflammation dysregulation. Macrophages are recognized as prominent immune cells in tissue regeneration and wound healing. Consequently, the modulation of macrophages provides a promising therapeutic target for wound healing disorders. Here, we aimed to explore whether a novel constructed combination of thermosensitive hydrogel Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) and phillyrin (PH, the main active compound of forsythia suspensa) could improve skin wound healing. MethodsFirstly, the biological effects of pH on the phenotype and inflammation of macrophages were assessed by flow cytometry and ELISA. The biocompatibility of the PF-127 plus PH combination was investigated on keratinocytes and red blood cells. The biological effect of PF-127/PH hydrogel on the migratory ability of keratinocytes in vitro was evaluated using the scratch and transwell migration assays. In addition,S. aureusandE. coliwere employed to test the antibacterial properties of the PF-127 plus PH combination. Finally, PF-127 plus PH scaffold was appliedto the full-thickness skin defect in mice. Histomorphological evaluation and immunochemistry were performed to explore the wound-healing activity of PF-127/PH hydrogel. ResultsPH can promote the polarization of macrophages from the M1 (pro-inflammatory) phenotype to the M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype. The PF-127/PH hydrogel was highly biocompatible and showed a potent stimulative effect on the migration of keratinocytesin vitro. The combination of PF-127 and PH exerted a pronounced antibacterial activity onS. aureusandE. coli in vitro.PF-127/PH hydrogel potently accelerates the healing of full-thickness skin defects by promoting skin cell proliferation, accelerating angiogenesis, and inhibiting inflammation. ConclusionsOur study suggests that PF-127/PH hydrogel has excellent potential for treating traumatic skin defects.

Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of severe lower limb soft tissue injuries: a systematic review

PurposeTraumatic crush injuries of the lower limb often accompany severe complications. The incorporation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to standard trauma care may have the potential to diminish injury-related complications and improve outcome in such cases. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of severe lower limb soft tissue injuries.MethodsThe electronic databases Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies involving patients with crush-associated sever lower limb soft tissue injuries who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy in conjunction with standard trauma care. Relevant data on type of injury, hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol and outcome related to wound healing were extracted.ResultsIn total seven studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 229 patients. The studies included two randomized clinical trials, one retrospective cohort study, three case series and one case report. The randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial showed a significant increase in wound healing and decrease in the need for additional surgical interventions in the patient group receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy when compared to those undergoing sham therapy. The randomized non-placebo-controlled clinical trial revealed that early hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces tissue necrosis and the likelihood of long-term complications. The retrospective cohort study indicated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively reduces infection rates and the need for additional surgical interventions. The case series and case report presented beneficial results with regard to wound healing when hyperbaric oxygen therapy was added to the treatment regimen.ConclusionHyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally considered a safe therapeutic intervention and seems to have a beneficial effect on wound healing in severe lower limb soft tissue injuries when implemented as an addition to standard trauma care.

Impact of Using Processed Urinary Bladder Submucosa and Hydrogel Fabricated from Tendon on Skin Healing Process in Rabbits.

This study was intended to evaluate the healing of skin injury by using decellularized urinary bladder submucosa scaffolds and tendon-derived hydrogel. Thirty-six adult local breeds of both sex rabbits, with an average weight of 2.0-2.5 kg, were divided randomly into three groups (12 animals for each group). All groups were subjected to an induced injury (2 cm) in diameter at the right side of the abdominal skin, the rabbits of the 1st group (A) were sutured without the application of any substance as a control group, the rabbits of the 2nd group (B) were sutured and treated with the application of decellularized urinary bladder submucosa scaffolds, and in the 3rd group (C), they were sutured and treated with the application of tendon-derived hydrogel. Postoperative care following had been done for all groups throughout the study period. Specimens from the injured skin were taken for the histopathological study on the postinjury day, 8th, 14th, 21st, and 24th. The study showed a clear effect of materials used in the treatment of wounds through a clear progression in the healing stages with a noticed superiority of the submucosa scaffold group.

Population Profile of Children in Romania Affected by Burns.

Burns in children represent a significant challenge in the global health domain. The research aims to analyze the profile of children in Romania affected by burns, focusing on demographic characteristics, severity of burns, applied treatment, and impact on parents. Through this analysis, we aim to better understand the factors involved in these cases and provide relevant information for improving the management and care of children with burns. This study aims to explore various aspects related to the healing of burn injuries in pediatric patients in Romania, analyzing data collected through a questionnaire administered to 107 parents. The profile of children in Romania affected by burns is primarily composed of relatively young children, with an average age of 8.7 years and an even distribution between genders. Most come from rural areas, and the degree of burns ranges from first to fourth degree, reflecting a wide range of severity of injuries. Treatment is diverse, with a tendency towards conservative approaches and a significant proportion of cases without complications. Parental satisfaction is not significantly influenced by the type of treatment, indicating a similar perception regardless of the mode of medical intervention. Improving the management and care of children with burns is achieved through adopting a multidisciplinary and integrative perspective. This involves the use of non-pharmacological therapies such as hypnosis and regional anesthesia for pain and anxiety control. Additionally, the inclusion of adjunctive therapies, such as the use of mesenchymal stromal cells and tilapia skin xenograft, contributes to improving the healing process.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the AMIS Method: Surgical Technique, Suitability of This Method for Obese Patients, Evaluation of the Study Population

This manuscript aims to introduce our surgical technique, with an emphasis on the latest recommendations. The AMIS technique is discussed in more detail in patients with Class II and Class III obesity. We seek to prove the premise claiming that the anteversion and inclination values observed in this group of patients do not differ signifi cantly from those observed in patients with the recommended BMI index. We will also compare the risk of neurovascular bundle injury and postoperative complication rate regarding the surgical wound. Patients who underwent surgery using the AMIS method in the period between 1/2020 and 4/2023 were assessed retrospectively. The study included 1150 implantations. The entire study population was assessed for neurovascular bundle injury and surgical wound healing complications. For this purpose, the patients were divided into two groups based on the BMI, namely BMI < 35 kg/m2 (n=1042) and BMI > 35 kg/m2 (n=108). In patients with the BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 (n=280) and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (n=108), the inclination and anteversion values were compared. Standard centered AP view X-rays of their operated joints were assessed. The Liaw's method was used to calculate the anteversion and inclination. In group one of patients with BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 (208 women and 72 men), the arithmetic mean of acetabular anteversion was 25.4° (median 25°) and inclination was 38.3° (median 38°). In group two, which consisted of patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (59 women and 49 men), the total arithmetic mean of acetabular anteversion was 25.1° (median 25) and inclination was 37.6° (median 37.5°). The anteversion and inclination were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test for equality of medians. The value of 0.05 was chosen as the level of signifi cance. The resulting p-value was 0.5359 in anteversion and 0.3763 in inclination. Since the p-value of both anteversion and inclination was greater than the chosen level of signifi cance, their medians have not been confi rmed to differ signifi cantly. A total of 6 cases of femoral nerve injury was reported, i.e. 0.5% out of 1150. Therefore, the risk of injury was 0.4% in the group with BMI < 35 kg/m2 (n=1042). On the contrary, in the group of patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2 (n=108), the risk was 2%. No injury to femoral artery was reported. The surgical wound healing complications were seen in a total of 87 cases (7.6%). In the group with BMI < 35 kg/m2 , healing complications of the surgical wound were observed in 7.4% of cases, with the need for revision surgery in 7 patients. In the group with BMI > 35 kg/ m2 , healing complications occurred in 13% of patients and wound revision was necessary in 4 cases. Our results are consistent with those in the published studies that also show no signifi cant difference in anteversion and inclination of components in the compared groups of obese patients. We also agree with the other authors that the rate of complications regarding surgical wound healing is higher in these patients. The risk of neurovascular bundle injury in this study population is not higher than the standard. The results obtained in our study population show that this method can also be used in patients with higher BMI, with no concern about the implantation of components in malposition or a higher risk of neurovascular injury. Nonetheless, potentially higher risk of surgical wound healing should be considered when this approach is opted for. With the appropriate surgical technique, AMIS is a safe method and, in our view, the fi rst choice especially for obese patients. AMIS, anteversion, inclination, hip joint, obesity, BMI, implantation, total joint replacement.

Hyaluronic Acid-Conjugated Thermoresponsive Polymer-Based Bioformulation Enhanced Wound Healing and Gut Barrier Repair of a TNBS-Induced Colitis Injury Ex Vivo Model in a Dynamic Perfusion Device.

Impairment of intestinal epithelium is a typical feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes leakage of bacteria and antigens from the intestinal lumen and thus results in persistent immune activation. Hence, healing and regeneration of the damaged gut mucosa is a promising therapeutic approach to achieve deep remission in IBD. Currently, available systemic therapies have moderate effects and are often associated with numerous side effects and malignancies. In this study, we aimed to develop a topical therapy by chemically conjugating a temperature-responsive polymer, i.e., poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), along with hyaluronic acid to obtain a sprayable therapeutic formulation that upon colon instillation adheres to the damaged gut mucosa due to its temperature-induced phase transition and mucoadhesive properties. An ex vivo adhesion experiment demonstrates that this therapeutic formulation forms a thin physical coating on the mucosal lining at a physiological temperature within 5 min. Physicochemical characterization of (P(NIPAM-co-NTBAM)-HA) established this formulation to be biocompatible, hemo-compatible, and non-immunogenic. Prednisolone was encapsulated within the polymer formulation to achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy in the case of IBD-like conditions as assessed in a custom-fabricated perfusion-based ex vivo model system. Histological analysis suggests that the prednisolone-encapsulated polymer formulation nearly restored the mucosal architecture after 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced damage. Furthermore, a significant (p ≤ 0.001) increase in mRNA levels of Muc-2 and ZO-1 in treated groups further confirmed the mucosal epithelial barrier restoration.

RETRACTED: Construction of self-repairing polyethersulfone membrane with high density hydrophilic microregions by two dimensional restricted channels for enhanced dyes/salts selective separation

Based on the dye/salts separation efficiency and membrane injury caused by serious pollution of dye/salts wastewater, this study constructed a 2D tight ultrafiltration membrane that could both solve the membrane injury problem and improve the dye/salts separation efficiency, the compatibility of good self-healing performance and penetration performance by 2D material magnesium-aluminum Layered double hydroxide (MgAl-LDH). The self-repairing of physical injury was achieved through the swelling effect of AMPS-PAN, this property was proved by permeate flux, the retention performance of salts in dye/salts solution, the comparison of scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the mechanical strength after physical injury. The healing of chemical injury occured through the reaction of CC and polyethersulfone chain breakage, which was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), permeate flux, the retention performance of salts in dye/salts solution, and mechanical property. The high separation efficiency of dye/salts was achieved through 2D material MgAl-LDH, which was proved by separation selectivity ɑ. The compatibility of good self-healing performance and penetration performance was obtained by 2D material MgAl-LDH, which was proved by the penetration and self-healing performance. Morever, the membrane illustrated excellent both permeability and dye/sals separation efficiency, just like the permeate flux, the retention performance of sodium sulfate in methyl blue/sodium sulfate solution, the retention performance of Na2SO4 in methyl blue/Na2SO4 solution, the retention rate of methyl blue were 99.1 L/m2h, 12.5%, 7.9%, 97.7%, respectively. The results of pollution index and contact angle also proved that the membrane had anti-pollution performance.

The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of hand crush injuries.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used as an adjuvant treatment for crush injury because it can improve tissue hypoxia and stimulate wound healing. However, the actual role of HBOT in crush hand injury is still unknown. This study is to assess the efficacy of HBOT for crush hand patients, as well as the impact of HBOT initiation timing. Between 2018 and 2021, 72 patients with crush hand injury were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into the HBOT and control group, and each group had 36 patients. The average session of HBOT was 18.2 (5-32 sessions) per patient, and no patient had a complication related to the treatment. The two groups had similar demographics, but HBOT group had larger injured area (73.6 ± 51.0 vs. 48.2 ± 45.5 cm2 , p = 0.03). To better control the confounding factors, we performed the subgroup analysis with cut-off injured area of 50 cm2 . In the patients with smaller injured area (≦50 cm2 ), the HBOT group had shorter wound healing time (29.9 ± 12.9 vs. 41.0 ± 18.9 days, p = 0.03). The early HBOT group (first session ≤72 h post-operatively) had shorter hospital stay (8.1 ± 6.4 vs. 15.5 ± 11.4 days, p = 0.04), faster wound healing (28.7 ± 17.8 vs. 41.1 ± 18.1 days, p = 0.08) and less operations (1.54 ± 0.78 vs. 2.41 ± 1.62, p = 0.06) although the latter two didn't achieve statistical significance. HBOT is safe and effective in improving wound healing of hand crush injury. Early intervention of HBOT may be more beneficial. Future research is required to provide more evidence.

Platelet-rich plasma does not accelerate the healing of damaged muscle following muscle strain.

Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP)has been widely used regardless of the severity of muscle strain, there have been very few basic studies in which its effects on muscle injury were examined by using models that accurately mimic the clinical muscle strain injury process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to confirm by physiological and structural analyses whether PRP purified by a general preparation method has a muscle healing effect on muscle damage caused by eccentric contraction (ECC).Male Wistar rats were subjected to muscle injury induced by ECC in bilateral plantar flexor muscles using electrical stimulation and an automatically dorsiflexing footplate. The rats were randomly assigned to three groups by type of injection: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS),leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP),or leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP)injection into gastrocnemius muscles three times at weekly intervals. The platelet concentrations of the LP-PRPand LR-PRPwere three to five times higher than that of whole blood. The recovery process of torque strength in the plantar flexor muscle, signal changes in MRI images, and histological evaluation 3 weeks after injury showed no obvious differences among the three groups, and every muscle recovered well from the injury without marked fibrosis. The results that neither LP-PRPnor LR-PRPwas found to accelerate healing of muscle injuries suggested that conventional preparation and use of PRP for simple muscle injuries caused by muscle strain should be carefully considered, and further basic research using models that accurately mimic clinical practice should be carried out to determine the optimal use of PRP.

Neuropeptide W facilitates chronic gastric ulcer healing by the regulation of cyclooxygenase and NF-κB signaling pathways

AimsPutative beneficial effects of neuropeptide W (NPW) in the early phase of gastric ulcer healing process and the involvement of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes were investigated in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model.Main methodsIn anesthetized male Sprague–Dawley rats, acetic acid was applied surgically on the serosa and then a COX-inhibitor (COX-2-selective NS-398, COX-1-selective ketorolac, or non-selective indomethacin; 2 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day or 5 mg/kg/day; respectively) or saline was injected intraperitoneally. One h after ulcer induction, omeprazole (20 mg/kg/day), NPW (0.1 μg/kg/day) or saline was intraperitoneally administered. Injections of NPW, COX-inhibitors, omeprazole or saline were continued for the following 2 days until rats were decapitated at the end of the third day.Key findingsNPW treatment depressed gastric prostaglandin (PG) I2 level, but not PGE2 level. Similar to omeprazole, NPW treatment significantly reduced gastric and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels and depressed the upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and COX-2 expressions due to ulcer. In parallel with the histopathological findings, treatment with NPW suppressed ulcer-induced increases in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde level and replenished glutathione level. However, the inhibitory effect of NPW on myeloperoxidase activity and NPW-induced increase in glutathione were not observed in the presence of COX-1 inhibitor ketorolac or the non-selective COX-inhibitor indomethacin.SignificanceIn conclusion, NPW facilitated the healing of gastric injury in rats via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration as well as the downregulation of COX-2 protein and NF-κB gene expressions.

Inhibition of CX3CL1 by treadmill training prevents osteoclast-induced fibrocartilage complex resorption during TBI healing.

The healing of tendon-bone injuries is very difficult, often resulting in poor biomechanical performance and unsatisfactory functional recovery. The tendon-bone insertion has a complex four distinct layers structure, and previous studies have often focused on promoting the regeneration of the fibrocartilage layer, neglecting the role of its bone end repair in tendon-bone healing. This study focuses on the role of treadmill training in promoting bone regeneration at the tendon-bone insertion and its related mechanisms. After establishing the tendon-bone insertion injury model, the effect of treadmill training on tendon-bone healing was verified by Micro CT and HE staining; then the effect of CX3CL1 on osteoclast differentiation was verified by TRAP staining and cell culture; and finally the functional recovery of the mice was verified by biomechanical testing and behavioral test. Treadmill training suppresses the secretion of CX3CL1 and inhibits the differentiation of local osteoclasts after tendon-bone injury, ultimately reducing osteolysis and promoting tendon bone healing. Our research has found the interaction between treadmill training and the CX3CL1-C3CR1 axis, providing a certain theoretical basis for rehabilitation training.

Bioactive glass enhanced alginate / carboxymethyl cellulose funcional dressings Li2O–ZrO2–SiO2

The healing of skin injuries is crucial for the human body, but the presence of harmful bacteria can be detrimental. Conventional dressings provide protection but do not promote active healing. In contrast, functional dressings can enhance regeneration by regulating moisture, facilitating gas exchange, preventing infection, and may even contain therapeutic compounds. Li2O–ZrO2–SiO2 (LZS) bioactive glasses possess antibacterial and regenerative properties but have not yet been explored in wound dressings. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the potential of LZS glass to be used as an antibacterial biomaterial to obtain functional dressings. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was considered for this purpose. In-vitro biological studies were assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), and DNA damage. Alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) dressings were prepared with the addition of LZS in a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The dressings' bioactivity was assessed by exposing them to a simulated body fluid (SBF) and analyzing their structure and microstructure. The glass efficiently inhibited the tested microorganisms, with an MBC of 100 mg/mL. LZS glasses exhibited no cytotoxicity. The bioactive glass-incorporated dressings demonstrated appropriate thickness and fluid absorption capacity for application in wound treatment. The deposition of a calcium phosphate layer on the surface of the dressings proved its bioactivity. The optimized design exhibited a tensile strength of 0.28 MPa and an elongation of 15.63 %. The functional dressings obtained have potential for applications in tissue repair where bacterial proliferation is a concern.

Slightly photo-crosslinked chitosan/silk fibroin hydrogel adhesives with hemostasis and anti-inflammation for pro-healing cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis

Cyclophosphamide is commonly used in the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune diseases, while concurrently imposing substantial toxicity on the bladder, frequently manifesting hemorrhagic cystitis. Intravesical interventions, such as hyaluronic acid supplementation, present a therapeutic strategy to reinstate bladder barrier function and alleviate the effects of metabolic toxicants. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve efficient cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (CHC) management with accelerated tissue repair owing to the low wet-adhesion, poor hemostasis, and acute inflammatory responses. To address these issues, a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory hydrogel adhesive of chitosan methylacryloyl/silk fibroin methylacryloyl (CHMA/SFMA) is developed for promoting the healing of CHC. The obtained hydrogels show a high adhesive strength of 26.21 N/m with porcine bladder, facilitating the rapid hemostasis within 15 s, and reinstate bladder barrier function. Moreover, this hydrogel adhesive promotes the proliferation and aggregation of SV-HUC-1 and regulates macrophage polarization. Implanting the hydrogels into CHC bladders of a SD rat model, they not only can be completely biodegraded in 14 days, but also effectively control hematuria and inflammation, and accelerate angiogenesis, thereby significantly promote the healing of bladder injury. Overall, CHMA/SFMA hydrogels exhibit rapid hemostasis for treating CHC and accelerate muscle tissue repair via angiogenesis and inflammation amelioration, which may provide a new path for managing severe hemorrhagic cystitis in the clinics.