Increased Collagen Synthesis Research Articles

Targeting cardiac fibrosis with Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Cells.

Cardiac fibrosis poses a significant challenge in cardiovascular diseases due to its intricate pathogenesis, and there is currently no standardized and effective treatment approach. The fibrotic process entails the involvement of various cell types and molecular mechanisms, such as fibroblast activation and proliferation, increased collagen synthesis, and extracellular matrix rearrangement. Traditional therapies often fall short in efficacy or carry substantial side effects. However, recent studies have shown that Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cells can selectively target and eliminate activated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in mice, leading to reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved myocardial tissue compliance. This breakthrough presents a new and promising avenue for treating cardiac fibrosis. Currently, CAR-T cell-based therapy for cardiac fibrosis is undergoing animal experimentation, indicating ample scope for enhancement. Future investigations could explore the application of CAR cell therapy in cardiac fibrosis treatment, including the potential of CAR-natural killer (CAR-NK) cells and CAR macrophages (CAR-M), offering novel insights and strategies for combating cardiac fibrosis.

Polysaccharides and Peptides With Wound Healing Activity From Bacteria and Fungi.

Bacteria and fungi are natural sources of metabolites exhibiting diverse bioactive properties such as wound healing, antioxidative, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Two important groups of bacteria or fungi-derived metabolites with wound-healing potential are polysaccharides and peptides. In addition to bacteria-derived cellulose and hyaluronic acid and fungi-derived chitin and chitosan, these organisms also produce different polysaccharides (e.g., exopolysaccharides) with wound-healing potential. The most commonly used bacterial peptides in wound healing studies are bacteriocins and lipopeptides. Bacteria or fungi-derived polysaccharides and peptides exhibit both the in vitro and the in vivo wound healing potency. In the in vivo models, including animals and humans, these metabolites positively affect wound healing by inhibiting pathogens, exhibiting antioxidant activity, modulating inflammatory response, moisturizing the wound environment, promoting the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, increasing collagen synthesis, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis. Therefore, peptides and polysaccharides derived from bacteria and fungi have medicinal importance. This study aims to overview current literature knowledge (especially within the past 5 years) on the in vitro and in vivo wound repair potentials of polysaccharides and peptides obtained from bacteria (Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria) and fungi (yeasts, filamentous microfungi, and mushrooms).

Galloyl–RGD, Derived from a Fusion of Phytochemicals and RGD Peptides, Regulates Photoaging via the MAPK/AP-1 Mechanism in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Galloyl–RGD is a novel compound that combines gallic acid with RGD peptides (arginine, glycine, and asparaginic acid) to overcome the problems associated with gallic acid, such as instability at high temperatures and low solubility. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of action of galloyl–RGD on UVB-induced skin photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts-neonatal (HDF-n). Galloyl–RGD increased collagen synthesis by inhibiting UVB-induced MMP-1 via inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Jun N-terminal kinase and their downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, which are known to be representative photoaging mechanisms. The results of this study will be helpful for understanding the anti-photoaging effect and mechanism of galloyl–RGD and its future applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Changes of collagen content in lung tissues of plateau yak and its mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia.

Collagen is crucial for tissue structure, functional maintenance, and cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation. However, the specific changes in collagen expression and its associated genes in the lung tissues of yaks at high altitudes and their relationship with environmental adaptation remain poorly understood. Studying differences in the content of collagen fibers and gene expression between yaks at high (4,500 m) and low (2,600 m) altitudes, as well as between cattle at low altitudes (2,600 m). Using Masson staining, we found that the collagen fiber content in the lung tissues of yaks at low altitude was significantly higher compared to yaks at high altitude and cattle at the same altitude (P < 0.05). It was revealed through transcriptomic analyses that genes differentially expressed between high and low altitude yaks, as well as between low altitude yaks and cattle, were notably enriched in pathways related to cell adhesion, collagen synthesis, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interactions. Specifically, genes involved in mesenchymal collagen synthesis (e.g., COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1), basement membrane collagen synthesis (e.g., COL4A1, COL4A2, COL4A4, COL4A6), and peripheral collagen synthesis (e.g., COL5A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3) were significantly upregulated in the lung tissues of yaks at low altitude compared to their high altitude counterparts and cattle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, yaks at lower altitudes exhibit increased collagen synthesis by upregulating collagen gene expression, which contributes to maintaining alveolar stability and septal flexibility. Conversely, the expression of collagen genes in yak lung tissues was down-regulated with the increase in altitude, and it was speculated that the decrease in collagen may be used to constrain the function of elastic fibers that are more abundant at high altitude, so as to enable them to adapt to the harsh environment with hypoxia and high altitude. This adaptation mechanism highlights the role of collagen in environmental acclimatization and contributes to our understanding of how altitude and species influence collagen-related physiological processes in yaks.

Galectin-3/Gelatin Electrospun Scaffolds Modulate Collagen Synthesis in Skin Healing but Do Not Improve Wound Closure Kinetics.

Chronic wounds remain trapped in a pro-inflammatory state, with strategies targeted at inducing re-epithelialization and the proliferative phase of healing desirable. As a member of the lectin family, galectin-3 is implicated in the regulation of macrophage phenotype and epithelial migration. We investigated if local delivery of galectin-3 enhanced skin healing in a full-thickness excisional C57BL/6 mouse model. An electrospun gelatin scaffold loaded with galectin-3 was developed and compared to topical delivery of galectin-3. Electrospun gelatin/galectin-3 scaffolds had an average fiber diameter of 200 nm, with 83% scaffold porosity approximately and an average pore diameter of 1.15 μm. The developed scaffolds supported dermal fibroblast adhesion, matrix deposition, and proliferation in vitro. In vivo treatment of 6 mm full-thickness excisional wounds with gelatin/galectin-3 scaffolds did not influence wound closure, re-epithelialization, or macrophage phenotypes, but increased collagen synthesis. In comparison, topical delivery of galectin-3 [6.7 µg/mL] significantly increased arginase-I cell density at day 7 versus untreated and gelatin/galectin-3 scaffolds (p < 0.05). A preliminary assessment of increasing the concentration of topical galectin-3 demonstrated that at day 7, galectin-3 [12.5 µg/mL] significantly increased both epithelial migration and collagen content in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, local delivery of galectin 3 shows potential efficacy in modulating skin healing in a concentration-dependent manner.

Insulin-Loaded Chitosan-Cellulose-Derivative Hydrogels: In Vitro Permeation of Hormone through Strat-M® Membrane and Rheological and Textural Analysis.

This work is part of the current research trend to develop a hydrogel carrier of insulin to promote wound healing. Topically applied insulin promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration, increases collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and exhibits antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to design an insulin hydrogel matrix based on selected cellulose derivatives (methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) and chitosan. Rheological parameters of the formulations were evaluated using rotational rheometry and an oscillation test. Textural tests were performed. In vitro pharmaceutical insulin availability studies were carried out using the innovative Strat-M® membrane to imitate the skin barrier. It was found that the pharmaceutical formulation of insulin based on chitosan and methylcellulose showed an acceptable balance between rheological and textural parameters and ease of application. The API was released from the carrier in a prolonged manner, eliminating the need to apply the formulation several times per day. The developed hydrogel shows potential for use in clinical practice.

Potential Skin Health Benefits of Abalone By-Products Suggested by Their Effects on MAPKS and PI3K/AKT/NF-kB Signaling Pathways in HDF and HaCaT Cells.

Abalone, a marine edible gastropod with nutritional value, is a popular seafood delicacy worldwide, especially in Asia; however, viscera by-products are generally discarded during processing. Therefore, we investigated the skin health benefits of abalone viscera ultrasonic extract (AVU) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. AVU showed valuable protein contents, indicating that it is a worthy and safe material for industrial application. AVU increased collagen synthesis production and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Collagen Type I Alpha 1, 2, and 3 chains through the transforming growth factor beta/suppressor of mother against the decapentaplegic pathway in HDF cells. AVU also increased hyaluronic acid production, upregulated Hyaluronan Synthases 1, 2, and 3, filaggrin and aquaporin3 mRNA levels, and downregulated hyaluronidase mRNA levels in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, mechanistic studies showed that AVU increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and cyclic AMP response-binding protein activation. AVU activated the transcription factors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase B, and nuclear factor kappa B cell p65 and downregulated the degranulation of inhibitory kappa B in HaCaT cells. Studies of hyaluronic acid production in AVU by inhibiting EKR, p38 and NF-κB have shown that p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling are pivotal mechanisms, particularly in the AVU. These results demonstrated that AVU produced from by-products may improve skin health and may thus be used as a functional food and cosmetics ingredient.

Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation prior to resistance exercise augments collagen synthesis in a dose-response manner in resistance-trained, middle-aged men.

Resistance exercise (RE) increases collagen synthesis in young and older men, while hydrolyzed collagen (HC) ingestion improves this response to RE in a dose-response manner in young men. However, the collagen synthesis response to RE with and without HC in middle-aged men is unknown. Eight resistance-trained men (age: 49±8 years; height: 1.78±0.02m; mass: 90±4kg) took part in this double-blind, crossover design study, and undertook 4×10 repetitions of lower-limb RE at maximum load, after consuming 0g, 15g, or 30g vitamin C-enriched HC. We analyzed venous blood samples for N-terminal propeptide of type 1 pro-collagen (PINP), β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (β-CTx) and 18 collagen amino acids throughout all three interventions. The serum PINP concentration×time area-under-the-curve (AUC) was higher following 30g (169±28 µg/mL×h) than 15g (134±23 µg/mL×h, P<0.05) HC ingestion, and both 15g and 30g were higher than 0g HC (96±23 µg/mL×h, P<0.05). RE with 0g HC showed no change in serum PINP concentration. The AUCs for glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, alanine, arginine, lysine, serine, leucine, valine and isoleucine were greater with 30g than 15g and 0g HC ingestion (P<0.05), and greater with 15g than 0g HC ingestion (P<0.05). Plasma β-CTx concentration decreased after RE independently of HC dose. Our study suggests connective tissue anabolic resistance to RE in middle-aged men but ingesting 15g HC rescues the collagen synthesis response, and 30g augments that response further. This dose-response is associated with the increased bioavailability of collagen amino acids in the blood, which stimulate collagen synthesis.

Effects of Vitamin C on the Gonad Growth, Texture Traits, Collagen Content and Synthesis Related Gene Expression of Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus nudus).

The market value of sea urchin gonads is determined by the specific characteristics associated with gonad size and texture. Formulated feeds can effectively promote the gonad growth of sea urchins but cannot assure essential gonad texture traits. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of vitamin C (VC) on the gonad growth, texture, collagen content, and the expression of genes involved in the collagen synthesis of sea urchins (Mesocentrotus nudus). Graded amounts of VC (0, 3000 and 6000 mg/kg) were supplemented to make three formulated feeds. Fresh kelp (Saccharina japonica) was used as the control diet. Each diet was randomly distributed to three tanks of M. nudus. The results indicated that the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and texture traits of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly greater than those fed C0 and C6000. Collagen type I (Col I) in the gonads of M. nudus fed C3000 showed significantly greater areas than those fed C0 and C6000. Consistently, the expression levels of collagen alpha-1 (colp1α) of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly higher than those fed C0 and C6000. As for the transforming growth factor beta (tgf-β)/Smads pathway, the expression levels of collagen synthesis genes (tgf-β receptor 1 and 2, smad nuclear-interacting protein 1 (snip1) and prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit beta (p4hβ)) in the C3000 group were significantly greater than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. On the contrary, the expression levels of collagen degradation genes (lysyl oxidase-like 2 (loxl2) and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (mmp14)) in the C3000 group were significantly lower than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. In conclusion, VC at an addition level of 3000 mg/kg significantly increased the gonad texture and collagen contents of M. nudus, which could be accomplished by increasing collagen synthesis and inhibiting collagen degradation through the tgf-β/Smads pathway. These results could contribute to better understanding the beneficial effects of VC addition on the gonad texture quality of M. nudus.

Wound Healing Potency of Edible Bird’s Nest

Edible bird's nest (EBN) or swiftlet's nest has recently been used extensively in regenerative medicine. This study aims to give a more thorough overview on the efficacy of EBN as a wound-healing agent. Method: We searched literature through several databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Proquest, JSTOR, EBSCOhost, and SAGE. The keywords used were "bird nest, scar, wound healing" and their synonyms. The inclusion criteria were original articles written in English and assessed the effects of EBN in the wound healing process. We found 9 in vitro studies and 4 in vivo studies reporting wound healing effect of EBN, both macroscopically and microscopically. EBN could increase wound healing process through several mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammation, increased collagen synthesis, and tissue hydration. EBN has the potential to be used as a natural bioactive agent to increase the wound healing process.

An NIR-responsive hydrogel loaded with polydeoxyribonucleotide nano-vectors for enhanced chronic wound healing

Chronic diabetic wounds are difficult to treat due to imbalanced inflammatory responses, high blood glucose levels, and bacterial infections. Novel therapeutic approaches based on nucleic acid analogues have been proposed, with unique advantages in improving angiogenesis, increasing collagen synthesis, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, the inherent electronegativity of nucleic acids makes them less susceptible to cellular uptake. In this paper, a kind of near infrared (NIR)-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel loaded with nucleic acid vectors was proposed for promoting wound healing. The redox system composed of molybdenum disulphide nanosheets (MoS2 NSs) initiated the copolymerization of quaternized chitosan containing double bonds and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) to form the matrix. In addition, MoS2 NSs with photothermal conversion performance endow the nanocomposite hydrogel to have NIR-response property and act as physical crosslinking points in the matrix. Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), which have the effect of promoting wound healing, were made into nucleic acid vectors, and loaded into the NIR-responsive hydrogel. MoS2 NSs can convert NIR irradiation into heat, causing phase transitions of temperature-sensitive segments that trigger volume contraction of the hydrogel to extrude the nucleic acid vector. Promoting angiogenesis, slowing inflammation, and guiding tissue regeneration were demonstrated in the diabetic wound model treated with the NIR-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel.

In-vitro study on type I collagen synthesis in low-level laser therapy on the early ligament fibroblasts’ healing process

BackgroundLow-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated its potential in promoting fiber matrix maturation, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast proliferation, contributing to tissue regeneration. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of LLLT on collagen type I synthesis, cell proliferation, and viability in human ligament fibroblasts derived from the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).MethodsTissue samples were obtained from individuals undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery. Primary human fibroblasts were isolated, and immunohistochemical assays confirmed their characteristics. LLLT at 850 nm was administered in three groups: Low dose (1.0 J/cm²), High dose (5.0 J/cm²), and Control (0.0 J/cm²). Cell viability was calculated using a membrane integrity assay, proliferation was determined by automated counting, and collagen type I concentration in cell culture was measured using an immunoassay.ResultsFibroblasts showed decreased viability after low and high doses of LLLT, increased proliferation at the low dose, and increased collagen synthesis at the high dose on day 10 for both sexes after treatment.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that LLLT may improve the early ligament healing process by increasing cell proliferation at the low dose and enhancing collagen type I synthesis at the high dose in human ligament fibroblasts.

On-demand Opto-Laser activatable nanoSilver ThermoGel for treatment of full-thickness diabetic wound in a mouse model

Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus are prone to develop diabetic wounds that are non-treatable with conventional therapies. Hence, there is an urgent need of hour to develop the therapy that will overcome the lacunas of conventional therapies. This investigation reports the Quality by Design-guided one-pot green synthesis of unique Opto-Laser activatable nanoSilver ThermoGel (OL→nSil-ThermoGel) for hyperthermia-assisted treatment of full-thickness diabetic wounds in mice models. The characterization findings confirmed the formation of spherical-shaped nanometric Opto-Laser activatable nanoSilver (30.75 ± 2.7 nm; ∆T: 37 ± 0.2 °C → 66.2 ± 0.1 °C; at 1.8 W/cm2 NIR laser density). The findings indicated acceptable in vitro cytocompatibility and significant keratinocyte migration (95.04 ± 0.07 %) activity of OL→nSil towards HaCaT cells. The rheological data of OL→nSil hybridized in situ thermoresponsive gel (OL→nSil-ThermoGel) showed the gelling temperature at 32 ± 2 °C. In vivo studies on full-thickness diabetic wounds in a Mouse model showed OL→nSil-ThermoGel accelerated wound closure (94.42 ± 1.03 %) and increased collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and decreased inflammatory markers. Similarly, immunohistochemistry study showed significant angiogenesis and faster phenotypic switching of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in OL→nSil-ThermoGel treated diabetic wounds. Histological evaluation revealed a marked rise in keratinocyte migration, organized collagen deposition, and early regeneration of the epithelial layer compared to the diabetic wound control. In conclusion, the OL→nSil-ThermoGel modulates the cytokines, re-epithelialization, protein expression, and growth factors, thereby improving the repair and regeneration of diabetic wounds in mice.

Wrinkle-Improving Effect of Novel Peptide That Binds to Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor.

Wrinkles, one of the most common signs of aging, are primarily caused by the continuous contraction of muscles. Muscle contraction is induced by the binding of acetylcholine (ACh), released at the neuromuscular junction, to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) present on the muscle cell surface. In this study, we aimed to develop a wrinkle-improving peptide that inhibits the binding of ACh to nAChR using peptide phage display technology. Our peptide showed a remarkably high binding affinity to nAChR subunit α1, with a value below 1 µM, and was found to inhibit the action of ACh through its interaction with these receptors. Furthermore, it increased collagen synthesis in skin cells and upregulated the expression of the aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-2 (HAS2) genes. These results confirm that the peptide effectively inhibits muscle contraction and enhances skin elasticity and hydration, contributing to its wrinkle-reducing effects. Clinical studies on humans observed significant improvement in wrinkles after three weeks of use, with substantial reduction observed after six weeks. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of the peptide (named Medipep) in reducing wrinkles.

Roughness affects the response of human fibroblasts and macrophages to sandblasted abutments

BackgroundA strong seal of soft-tissue around dental implants is essential to block pathogens from entering the peri-implant interface and prevent infections. Therefore, the integration of soft-tissue poses a challenge in implant-prosthetic procedures, prompting a focus on the interface between peri-implant soft-tissues and the transmucosal component. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of sandblasted roughness levels on in vitro soft-tissue healing around dental implant abutments. In parallel, proteomic techniques were applied to study the interaction of these surfaces with human serum proteins to evaluate their potential to promote soft-tissue regeneration.ResultsGrade-5 machined titanium discs (MC) underwent sandblasting with alumina particles of two sizes (4 and 8 μm), resulting in two different surface types: MC04 and MC08. Surface morphology and roughness were characterised employing scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Cell adhesion and collagen synthesis, as well as immune responses, were assessed using human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) and macrophages (THP-1), respectively. The profiles of protein adsorption to the surfaces were characterised using proteomics; samples were incubated with human serum, and the adsorbed proteins analysed employing nLC–MS/MS. hGFs exposed to MC04 showed decreased cell area compared to MC, while no differences were found for MC08. hGF collagen synthesis increased after 7 days for MC08. THP-1 macrophages cultured on MC04 and MC08 showed a reduced TNF-α and increased IL-4 secretion. Thus, the sandblasted topography led a reduction in the immune/inflammatory response. One hundred seventy-six distinct proteins adsorbed on the surfaces were identified. Differentially adsorbed proteins were associated with immune response, blood coagulation, angiogenesis, fibrinolysis and tissue regeneration.ConclusionsIncreased roughness through MC08 treatment resulted in increased collagen synthesis in hGF and resulted in a reduction in the surface immune response in human macrophages. These results correlate with the changes in protein adsorption on the surfaces observed through proteomics.

Subpopulations of fibroblasts derived from human iPS cells

Organ fibrosis causes collagen fiber overgrowth and impairs organ function. Cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction impairs cardiac function significantly, pulmonary fibrosis reduces gas exchange efficiency, and liver fibrosis disturbs the natural function of the liver. Its development is associated with the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and increased collagen synthesis. Fibrosis has organ specificity, defined by the heterogeneity of fibroblasts. Although this heterogeneity is established during embryonic development, it has not been defined yet. Fibroblastic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) recapitulates the process by which fibroblasts acquire diversity. Here, we differentiated iPSCs into cardiac, hepatic, and dermal fibroblasts and analyzed their properties using single-cell RNA sequencing. We observed characteristic subpopulations with different ratios in each organ-type fibroblast group, which contained both resting and distinct ACTA2+ myofibroblasts. These findings provide crucial information on the ontogeny-based heterogeneity of fibroblasts, leading to the development of therapeutic strategies to control fibrosis.

Pedunculoside promotes oral ulcer healing in mice by upregulating STAT3 and Smad3

BackgroundPedunculoside (PE) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin found in the dried barks of the Ilex rotunda Thunb. In traditional Chinese medicine, the juice extracted from various Ilex species is commonly used for treating inflammatory diseases. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the potential of PE in promoting the healing of oral ulcers in mice and to explore its possible mechanism. Materials and MethodsA mouse model of oral ulcer was established to evaluate the healing promotion effects of PE, and an in-vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using primary fibroblasts isolated from mouse oral mucosal tissue. Gene transcription and protein expression related to cell proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis were measured. ResultsPE showed the highest cure rate of 85.7% for oral ulcers in mice within 7-days treatment. It significantly promoted cell proliferation and collagen secretion in fibroblast in-vitro model. PE also upregulated the gene transcription of Smad3, Col1a1 and Col3a1. Furthermore, PE antagonized the inhibitory effect of WP1066 on STAT3activation, but did not affect cell migration. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that PE has potential therapeutic effects in promoting oral ulcer healing in mice. The improvement was achieved by the increasing collagen synthesis through the upregulation of STAT3 and Smad3 in mucosa fibroblasts. These results provide a preliminary pharmacological work for developing PE as a potential treatment agent for oral ulcers.

Enhancement of skin rejuvenation and hair growth through novel near-infrared light emitting diode (nNIR) lighting: in vitro and in vivo study

The study aimed to explore the impact of a novel near-infrared LED (nNIR) with an extended spectrum on skin enhancement and hair growth. Various LED sources, including White and nNIRs, were compared across multiple parameters: cytotoxicity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction, skin thickness, collagen synthesis, collagenase expression, and hair follicle growth. Experiments were conducted on human skin cells and animal models. Cytotoxicity, ATP synthesis, and ROS reduction were evaluated in human skin cells exposed to nNIRs and Whites. LED irradiation effects were also studied on a UV-induced photoaging mouse model, analyzing skin thickness, collagen synthesis, and collagenase expression. Hair growth promotion was examined as well. Results revealed both White and nNIR were non-cytotoxic to human skin cells. nNIR enhanced ATP and collagen synthesis while reducing ROS levels, outperforming the commonly used 2chip LEDs. In the UV-induced photoaging mouse model, nNIR irradiation led to reduced skin thickness, increased collagen synthesis, and lowered collagenase expression. Additionally, nNIR irradiation stimulated hair growth, augmented skin thickness, and increased hair follicle count. In conclusion, the study highlighted positive effects of White and nNIR irradiation on skin and hair growth. However, nNIR exhibited superior outcomes compared to White. Its advancements in ATP content, collagen synthesis, collagenase inhibition, and hair growth promotion imply increased ATP synthesis activity. These findings underscore nNIR therapy’s potential as an innovative and effective approach for enhancing skin and promoting hair growth.

Results of surgical treatment of hernias of the anterior abdominal wall in patients with connective tissue dysplasia syndrome

Relevance. The problem of surgical treatment of hernias of the anterior abdominal wall remains relevant. Despite the introduction of new technologies, the results of surgical interventions cannot be considered satisfactory. The development of hernias and their relapses is facilitated by connective tissue dysplasia syndrome, which manifests as phenotypic signs, disorders of the autonomic nervous system, and morphological changes in the structure of the connective tissue.Objective. To improve the results of surgical treatment of hernias of the anterior abdominal wall in patients with connective tissue dysplasia syndrome.Materials and methods. The study was based on clinical observations and studies of 497 patients with hernias of the anterior abdominal wall. Inguinal (29 %) and postoperative hernias (21 %) predominated. In the structure of recurrent hernias, postoperative (47 %) and inguinal (42 %) hernias were more often observed. Hernioautoplasty was performed in 31 %, plastic surgery using a mesh endoprosthesis — in 54 %, endoscopic hernioplasty — in 15 % of patients. The severity of the clinical, morphological, and metabolic signs of connective tissue dysplasia syndrome was assessed. The concentration of free hydroxyproline in the blood was determined as a marker of connective tissue metabolism. The state of the autonomic nervous system was assessed using variational pulsometry. To assess the state of collagen in connective tissue, a morphological study of the aponeuroses of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall was performed in the clinic and experiment.Results. The overall incidence of dysplasia in hernias of the anterior abdominal wall was 48 %. The highest incidence of connective tissue dysplasia was detected in recurrent hernias (70 %). Studies of the level of free hydroxyproline in abdominal hernias have shown the dependence of this marker on the degree of connective tissue dysplasia. In cases of recurrent hernias, the highest intensity of collagen biodegradation was observed. A study of the functional state of the autonomic nervous system revealed a predominance of sympathetic activity in abdominal wall hernias with an increase in the tension index by more than 4 times. An increase in the severity of dysplasia is accompanied by an increase in sympathetic activity. Histological studies in patients with abdominal hernias revealed characteristic changes in the morphological structure of the connective tissue. The average thickness, specific area, brightness of staining, and orientation of collagen fibers in postoperative and recurrent hernias were significantly different compared to the group with primary hernias (p˂0.05). Additionally, an experiment was performed on 30 laboratory animals (white rats) to determine the optimal conditions for healing of the aponeurosis of the anterior abdominal wall. The activating effect of prozerin on the process of histogenesis in the wound was revealed. Based on the results of the study, the surgical treatment of hernias was assessed depending on the type of hernioplasty and the severity of connective tissue dysplasia. It has been established that with increasing severity of dysplasia, the frequency of relapses increases by 2.2–3.4 times. With the progression of dysplasia, the frequency of relapses increased by more than twice. The use of the endoscopic hernioplasty method reduced the risk of recurrent hernias by 9 times.Conclusion. In externally localized hernias, the incidence of connective tissue dysplasia ranges from 34 % to 70 %. In patients with connective tissue dysplasia syndrome after hernia autoplasty, the frequency of hernia recurrence is 3.4 times higher. Drug correction of sympathetic activity along with alloplasty increased collagen synthesis intensity by 36 %. The choice of hernia repair method should be determined by the type of hernia, the age of the patient, and the severity of connective tissue dysplasia.

Major clinical outcomes of laser therapy in endodontic treatments: a systematic review

Introduction: In the setting of endodontic treatment, postoperative pain continues to be a problem in up to 58% of patients. This is due to the release of inflammatory mediators whenever the pulp or periradicular tissues are injured during root canal treatment or retreatment. The application of lasers in endodontics has increased due to their safety and effectiveness in dental treatments. Objective: It was to develop a systematic review to present the main clinical outcomes of the use of laser therapy in endodontic treatments. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from December 2023 to January 2024 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 98 articles were found, 35 articles were evaluated in full and 20 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 21 studies with a high risk of bias and 26 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies did not show homogeneity in their results, with X2=72.7% &lt;50%. It was concluded that low-level laser therapy has been used in endodontics to promote analgesia, modulation of inflammation, and tissue healing. Analgesia mediated by low-level laser therapy results in vasodilation, and increased levels of adenosine triphosphate and cortisol, inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors. Recent studies reported that the use of low-level lasers enabled the treatment of post-endodontic pain compared to control. Furthermore, studies have shown that laser therapy can increase collagen synthesis and, concerning bone, modulate inflammation, accelerate cell proliferation, as well as stimulate bone stem cells, and accelerate their repair process.