Burning Research Articles

Herbal Remedies in Burn Wound Management: A Comprehensive Review

This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal burn healing cream using Jatropha curcas latex extract. The cream combines Jatropha curcas latex with compatible excipients to optimize stability, texture, and therapeutic efficacy. Various physicochemical, rheological, and pharmacological evaluations were conducted to assess its suitability for burn wound management. The cream demonstrated desirable pH, viscosity, spreadability, and consistency, along with significant antimicrobial activity against common wound pathogens. The formulation aims to harness the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties of Jatropha curcas latex for effective burn treatment. Keywords: Healing Cream, Rheological, Anti-Microbial, Anti-Inflammatory

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Minimally Invasive Burn Care for Small, Deep Partial-Thickness Burns of the Hands and Feet Using Enzyme Debridement and Autologous Skin Cell Spray

Background/Objectives: We treated deep partial-thickness burns of the hands and feet in four cases using a combination of NexoBrid and ReCell autologous cell regeneration techniques, without conventional split-thickness skin graft, with good results following debridement of the eschar. Methods: We report cases of patients treated with a combination of the NexoBrid and ReCell techniques between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024. The degree of debridement and the time to complete wound closure were evaluated. Scar quality was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Results: Four patients aged 0–28 years with an average total burn surface area of 1.2% were treated on two hands and two feet, with an average follow-up of 12 months; no additional surgical treatment was needed. The mean VSS score was 0.25. The patients were satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of their hands and feet, and no complications, such as hypertrophic scars, were observed. We also developed separate algorithms for sedation and analgesia management for adults and children. Conclusions: Using ReCell alone following debridement of small burn wounds with NexoBrid resulted in early wound closure with good scar condition and cosmetic appearance.

Alkali burn injury model of meibomian gland dysfunction in mice.

To establish a stable, short-time, low-cost and reliable murine model of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A filter paper sheet soaked in 1.0 mol/L sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was used to touch the eyelid margin of C57BL/6J mice for 10s to establish the model. The other eye was left untreated as a control group. Eyelid margin morphological changes and the meibomian glands (MGs) were observed by slit lamp microscopy on days 5 and 10 post-burn. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Oil red O staining were adopted in detecting the changes in MGs morphology and lipid deposition. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-18, tumor necroses factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4), 3-nitroturosine (3-NT), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and cytokeratin 10 (K10) expression changes in MGs. MGs showed plugging of orifice, glandular deficiency, abnormal acinar morphology, ductal dilatation, and lipid deposition after alkali burn. The expressions of IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress in MGs tissues were significantly increased. Abnormal keratinization increased in the MG duct. A murine model of MGD is established by alkali burn of the eyelid margin that matches the clinical presentation of MGD providing a stable, short-time, low-cost, and reliable MGD model. The new method suggests efficient avenues for future research.

Eco-friendly Nanostructured Liquid Crystals Loaded with Clove Oil as a Sustainable Approach for Managing Infected Burn Wounds

Infections are a leading complication in patients with burns. Effective antimicrobial treatment with regenerative tissue healing is required. Utilizing components derived from plant origin such as natural oils as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for managing disease is highly required nowadays. The aim of the current study is to assess the antibacterial and wound-healing activity of clove oil and its novel eco-friendly nanostructured liquid crystals (Eco-friendly-NLCs) formulation in treating infected burn wounds. A 23 full factorial design was used to optimize the Eco-friendly-NLCs. Clove oil and its novel nano-formulation were characterized and subjected to in vitro and in vivo assessments for their efficacy. Twenty rats were used experimentally. The optimum Eco-friendly-NLCs had 189.2 ± 1.9 nm, -22.8 ± 0.7 mV and 0.308 as values for particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index. Transmission electron microscope images showed discrete spherical shape NLCs with no aggregations. The microbiological and pharmacological results revealed a superior efficacy regarding clove loaded Eco-friendly-NLCs in inhibiting bacterial growth (inhibition zone of 38 mm), significantly reducing inflammatory biomarker levels (p < 0.001), promoting angiogenesis and prompt wound healing. The Eco-friendly-NLCs loaded with clove oil could be considered as a promising formulation providing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and wound healing effects.Graphical

Development of Biofidelic Skin Simulants Based on Fresh Cadaveric Skin Tests

The development of artificial skin that accurately mimics the mechanical properties of human skin is crucial for a wide range of applications, including surgical training for burn injuries, biomechanical testing, and research in sports injuries and ballistics. While traditional materials like gelatin, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and animal skins (such as porcine and bovine skins) have been used for these purposes, they have inherent limitations in replicating the intricate properties of human skin. In this work, we conducted uniaxial tensile tests on freshly obtained cadaveric skin to analyze its mechanical properties under various loading conditions. The stress–strain data obtained from these tests were then replicated using advanced skin simulants. These skin simulants were specifically formulated using a cost-effective and moldable multi-part silicone-based polymer. This material was chosen for its ability to accurately replicate the mechanical behavior of human skin while also addressing ethical considerations and biosafety concerns. In addition, the non-linear mechanical behavior of the developed skin simulants was characterized using three different hyperelastic curve-fit models (i.e., Neo-Hookean, Mooney–Rivlin, and Yeoh models). Moreover, these innovative simulants offer an ethical and practical alternative to cadaveric skin for use in laboratory and clinical settings.

26 Years of Skin Banking in Finland

Autologous skin grafts are the gold standard for definitive wound coverage in burn care, but allograft skin grafts are essential for providing temporary coverage in cases of extensive burns. The Helsinki Skin Bank, established in 1995 at the Helsinki Burn Centre, is Finland’s only licensed skin bank, serving a population of 5.5 million. It procures human skin allografts from multi-organ donors in the Greater Helsinki area and preserves them using glycerol, a method pioneered by the Euro Skin Bank. Between 2009 and 2020, the Helsinki Skin Bank procured skin from 263 donors and provided allografts to 248 patients, primarily burn victims. Over time, procurement methods have improved significantly, resulting in an increase in the amount of skin harvested per donor. Despite rising costs due to more stringent European Union regulations and the need for round-the-clock operations, the bank has remained cost-effective. The glycerol preservation method ensures microbiological safety and effective storage, with minimal contamination issues. The future may see advances in skin substitutes and stem cell treatments, but for now, allogenic skin remains crucial in burn care due to its availability, ease of use, and cost-efficiency. Running a small, professional skin bank for a single burn center has proven successful and sustainable.

Comparison of Epidemiology of Patients Presented with Health Care Associated-Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Community Associated-Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection attending at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: MRSA is an emerging pathogen worldwide and is usually detected in hospitals and other health care facilities. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the epidemiology of patients presented with health care associated-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and community associated-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Methodology: This study was designed as descriptive type of cross sectional type study. This study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The specimens were collected from indoor as well as OPD of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College &amp; Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study was conducted from January 2013 to June 2013 for a period of six (06) months. All patients at any age with both sexes presented with skin infection, soft tissue infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), burn wound, surgical site infection, orthopedic wound, puerperal sepsis as well as infection at anybody surface area who were attended at OPD as well as indoor department of hospital were selected as study population. The laboratory diagnosis was confirmed by microbiological test. Results: A total number of 290 patients presented with infections were enrolled for this study of which 145 patients were included in group A designated as CA-MRSA infection and the rest 145 patients were included in group B designated as HA-MRSA infection. Majority of the patients are in the 15 to 30 years’ age group in both group A and group B which were 80(55.2%) cases in each. However less than 15 years’ age group was the next most common in group A which is 22(15.2%) cases. The mean (±SD) age of group A and B was 30.43 (±16.131) and 29.43 (±15.648) years respectively. The difference of mean age between group A and B was not statistically significant (p=0.593). Low socio-economic condition patient was found in 63(43.4%) cases and 48(33.1%) cases in group A and B respectively. History of smoking was present in 29(20.0%) cases and 24(16.6%) cases in group A and B respectively. Urban dwellers were found in 50(34.5%) cases and 46(31.7%) cases in group A and B respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion history of smoking is found more common in group A than group B more urban dwellers in group A than group B. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, January 2024;18(1):3-10

Identification Flavonoid of Bougainvillea spectabilis flowers in Nasiriyah by HPLC and Detection Effect of Extract as Antibacterial

Many burn wound infections are caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can be difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. As a result, researchers are exploring complementary therapies, such as medicinal plants. In this investigation, a methanolic extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis flowers was prepared using the maceration method at concentrations ranging from 12,5mg/ml to 200mg/ml. Testing was done on the extract separately for antibacterial properties against each of the four bacteria on the Mueller Hinton Agar medium. Results showed that the extract was particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, with the greatest effect seen in S. aureus (22.3 mm). The extract was also tested at varying concentrations of 200 %, 100%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5%. HPLC was used to do a qualitative examination of the chemical composition, indicating variety and richness in the chemical constituents in flavonols and phenolic acid. Based on these findings Bougainvillea spectabilis flowers show promise as a source of compounds for clinical usage.

Immediate postinjury extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal reduces ventilator requirements and mitigates acute respiratory distress syndrome in swine.

Awareness of ventilator-induced lung injury contributed to increased use of extracorporeal interventions, but not immediately after injury, before acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ensues. Our objective was to evaluate the role of venovenous extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) in management of mechanically ventilated swine with smoke inhalation injury and 40% body surface area burns. Yorkshire swine (n = 29, 43.2 ± 0.5 kg) underwent anesthesia, instrumentation, severe smoke inhalation, and 40% body surface area burns, followed by 72 hours of round-the-clock intensive care unit care with mechanical ventilation, fluids, pressors, bronchoscopic cast removal, computer tomography scans, and arterial blood assays. Within 1 hour after injury, animals received ECCO2R with either MiniLung (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany; n = 10) or Hemolung (ALung Technologies, Pittsburgh, PA; n = 10), or no ECCO2R in injured controls (INJC, n = 12). Immediate postinjury ECCO2R reduced minute ventilation (p < 0.001) and prevented ARDS in 37.5% of MiniLung and 11.1% of Hemolung animals. Time to ARDS (partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio below 300) was shortest (14 ± 2.2 hours) in INJC, intermediate (21.6 ± 3.5 hours) in Hemolung (HEMO), and most delayed in MiniLung (31.1 ± 7.2 hours, p = 0.0121, log-rank test vs. INJC). Driving pressure was lower in MiniLung versus INJC (p < 0.0001) and HEMO versus INJC (p = 0.0005) at 48 hours. Extracorporeal CO2 removal reduced systemic levels of tumor necrosis factor α versus INJC. In swine with severe smoke inhalation and burns, immediate postinjury ECCO2R reduced ventilator settings, delayed or prevented ARDS, and reduced its severity. Proactive early percutaneous ECCO2R initiation via simplified, purpose-built devices should be considered as a low-maintenance lung injury management approach with significant disease modifying clinical benefit potential.

Bioactive Nanoparticle-Embedded Micro/Nanofibrous Dressing with Improved Angiogenesis and Immunoregulation for Facilitating Burn Wound Healing.

In the context of severe burn injuries, the presence of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), prolonged microbial infection, and compromised angiogenesis can contribute to the metabolic reprogramming of macrophages, resulting in a dysregulated inflammatory response that hinders the healing process. In this study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) are encapsulated within a silk fibroin-poly(e-caprolactone) polymer to create an electrospun PSF/CeNPs nanofiber membrane (PSF/membrane). This membrane is further modified through the addition of an angiopoietin-1 mimetic peptide, QHREDGS, resulting in the formation of QPSF/CeNPs (QHREDGS modified PSF/CeNPs membrane). In vitro assessments revealed that the QPSF/CeNPs displayed the intended ability to regulate ROS levels, favorable biocompatibility with cells, promoted endothelial cell attachment and growth, exhibited anti-inflammatory properties through the modulation of macrophage phenotypes from M1 to M2, as well as pro-angiogenetic and antibacterial effects. In vivo, the membrane dressing demonstrated an acceleration of burn wound healing, promotion of angiogenesis, downregulation of inflammatory factors, and enhancement of collagen deposition. This bioactive membrane dressing shows potential as a clinical therapy for promoting the regeneration of both acute and chronically damaged skin tissue.

Timing of Renal Replacement Therapy in Burn Patients With Acute Kidney Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in severe burns with high mortality. Previous studies confirmed the renal replacement therapy (RRT) as an effective strategy in burn patients. However, the optimal timing of RRT initiation with AKI is rarely investigated. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study at a large burn center in Chongqing, China, from 2010 to 2020. Patients were grouped into early (initiated at Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stage 1 or 2 of AKI) and delayed RRT (initiated at Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stage 3 of AKI). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes included renal function recovery, length of stay, and RRT-related complications. Of the included 79 patients, 42 and 37 were in early and delayed RRT group, respectively. The mean burn area was 68.82%. The in-hospital mortality tended to be higher in the early group (42.86%) than in the delayed group (29.73%, P = 0.227), although the difference was not statistically significant. The rate of partial remission of renal function at 48 hours after RRT discontinuation was significantly higher in the delayed group (78.26%) than early group (36.84%, P = 0.003). Furthermore, multivariable Cox and logistic regression analysis found that interval from AKI occurrence to RRT initiation was protective factors for 90-day mortality (hazard ratio 0.514, 95% confidence interval 0.349-0.756, P = 0.001), but fluid overload, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were risk factors for mortality. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with stage 1 or 2 AKI who received RRT within 24 hours after AKI had the lowest survival rate. In contrast, patients with stage 3 AKI who received RRT beyond 24 hours after AKI had the highest survival rate. The delayed group had higher rate of bleeding and lower rate of catheter-related infection than the early group. Delayed initiation of RRT seemed to have similar survival benefits to early RRT initiation in burn patients with AKI, needing further confirmation by large randomized clinical study in future.

Pain management with virtual reality in burn patients: a literature review.

Burns are injuries to the skin or the underlying tissue system caused by heat, radiation, electricity, friction or chemicals. Burns can cause pain and discomfort during dressing changes; a person's pain response varies depending on individual perception. The pain response can indicate tissue damage in the body, as pain causes a person to experience discomfort. Pain can be interpreted as a subjective sensory response and an unpleasant emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Pain is usually managed with pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. An example of non-pharmacological therapy is the use of distraction techniques, such as virtual reality (VR). VR diverts pain by creating a 3D environment with a screen and VR glasses. It allows the patient to immerse themselves in a virtual world complete with sound and music. The volume can be adjusted as needed and the patient can interact with the virtual world. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics and effectiveness of VR pain management in burn patients. The method used in this study is a literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Review (PRISMA). The authors searched for journal articles using the Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, covering the period from 2015-2023. The keywords used were pain management, virtual reality and burn injury. Based on the predetermined inclusion criteria, 10 articles were selected for the review. The results of this study, based on the analysis of 10 articles, indicated that the distraction or transition method (non-pharmacological management using VR) was effective in reducing pain and discomfort during dressing changes in patients with mild to moderate burns, across various age groups from infants and children to adults. Clinicians can leverage VR technology to tailor interventions based on individual patient needs, across all age groups, enhancing patient comfort and engagement during procedures.

Experience of preservation of breast implants in patients with severe burns

Purpose of a study: to evaluate the possibility of preserving breast implants in patients with severe burns.Material and methods. A patient G., 52 years old, was hospitalized in the Department of Thermal Injuries of the I.I. Dzhanelidze St. Petersburg Research Institute for Emergency Medicine due to burn disease, flame burns 37% (32%)/I–II–III degree of the neck, torso, upper and lower extremities. On the 2nd day after the injury, a patient with severe burns underwent excision on pre-augmented mammary glands to the level of adipose tissue with simultaneous skin grafting.Results. On the 4th day after treatment, at least 80% of the area of skin grafts transplanted to the mammary glands was found to be engrafted, and further skin grafting was not required on them. In our case, early surgical treatment made it possible to avoid reactive capsulitis, the need to remove implants and achieve acceptable aesthetic and functional results.Conclusion. Presented observation demonstrates the potential for the preservation of implants in the case of localization of burns on the augmented mammary glands.

MULTIMODAL NUCLEAR FACTOR-ERYTHROID-2-RELATED FACTOR (NRF2) THERAPY IN THE CONTEXT OF MAMMALIAN TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (MTOR) INHIBITION REPROGRAMS THE ACUTE SYSTEMIC AND PULMONARY IMMUNE RESPONSE AFTER COMBINED BURN AND INHALATION INJURY.

Severe burn injuries induce acute and chronic susceptibility to infections, which is largely attributed to a hyper-proinflammatory response followed by a chronic anti-inflammatory response. Concurrent inhalation injury (B + I) causes airway inflammation. Pulmonary macrophages and neutrophils are "hyperactive" with increased reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RONS) activity, but are unable to clear infection, causing airway damage upon activation. Nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (NRF2) is a critical immunomodulatory component that induces compensatory anti-inflammatory pathways when activated. On the other hand, inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) reduces proinflammatory responses. The therapeutic use of these targets is limited, as known modulators of these pathways are insoluble in saline and require long-term administration. A biocompatible NRF2 agonist (CDDO) and rapamycin (RAPA) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles (MP) were created, which we hypothesized would reduce the acute hyper-inflammatory response in our murine model of B + I injury. BI-injured mice that received CDDO-MP or both CDDO-MP and RAPA-MP (Combo-MP) an hour after injury displayed significant changes in the activation patterns of pulmonary and systemic immune genes and their associated immune pathways 48 h after injury. For example, mice treated with Combo-MP showed a significant reduction in inflammatory gene expression compared to untreated or CDDO-MP-treated mice. We also hypothesized that Combo-MP therapy would acutely decrease bacterial susceptibility after injury. BI-injured mice that received Combo-MP an hour after injury, inoculated 48 h later with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1), and sacrificed 48 h after infection displayed significantly decreased bacterial counts in the lungs and liver versus untreated B + I mice. This reduction in infection was accompanied by significantly altered lung and plasma cytokine profiles and immune reprogramming of pulmonary and splenic cells. Our findings strongly suggest that multimodal MP-based therapy holds considerable promise for reprogramming the immune response after burn injuries, particularly by mitigating the hyper-inflammatory phase and preventing subsequent susceptibility to infection.

Enrichment of H3S28p and H3K9me2 Epigenetic Marks on Inflammatory-Associated Gene Promoters in Response to Severe Burn Injury

Background: Severe burns activate systemic inflammation and lead to an increase in cytokine levels. Epigenetic elements are key regulators of inflammation; however, their involvement in severe burns has not been studied. In this work, we aimed to unveil the histone H3 posttranslational modifications (PTM) profile and their enrichment in promoters of inflammatory genes in response to severe burns. Methods: The levels of H3 PTMs were analyzed by ELISA assays in circulating cells from burn patients. ChIP assays were conducted to evaluate the enrichment of H3K9me2 and H3S28p at the promoter of CXCL8, IL-17, TNFA, IL-6, FOS, and IL-1B genes. Results: We found that eight H3 PTMs decreased at 5 days post-burn. Burn patients showed a decreased enrichment of H3K9me2 in CXCL8, IL-17, and TNFA promoters, whereas IL-6, FOS, and IL-1B promoters displayed an H3S28p enrichment diminution during the first 10 days post-burn. Interestingly, burn-injured septic patients exhibited an increased enrichment of H3K9me2 in TNFA, IL-1B, CXCL8, and IL-17 promoters, whereas H3S28p was increased in promoters of TNFA and IL-1B at 1 dpb. Conclusion: Severe burns trigger epigenetic changes and differential H3 PTM enrichment at inflammation gene promoters. Epigenetic misregulation of H3 may be involved in sepsis occurrence after severe burn injury.

Nutritional therapy among adult patients with severe burns: A retrospective observational study.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nutritional therapy in adult patients with severe burns. Sixty adult patients with severe burns were enrolled. Data on nutritional intake through enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN) on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-injury were collected. Patients were divided into target and non-target groups according to whether their energy or protein intake reached the target. Age, length of ventilation, and total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (pALB), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations of patients were recorded. The percentage of protein targets with protein delivery was lower than that of energy target with energy delivery. The ratio of PN protein to total protein was lower than that of PN energy to total energy on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.003, respectively). Compared to the non-target group on day 21, the target group was younger, had lower TBIL on day 7, higher ALB and pALB on day 21, and lower CRP on day 14 (p=0.025, p=0.021, p=0.028, p=0.029, and p=0.049, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age and longer ventilation were independent risk factors in patients who did not meet the nutritional target on day 21 (p=0.026 and p=0.043, respectively). The protein intake of adult patients with severe burns was low. Compared to the non-target group, the target group had better laboratory test results. Older age and longer ventilation were independent risk factors for patients not meeting the nutritional target.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of severe burns in adults: A retrospective study at a burn centre in Suzhou, China.

Severe burns lead to malformations and higher mortality and have long-term social consequences. We aimed to analyse the epidemiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of severe burn patients hospitalized in a major burn centre in Eastern China. This study included severe burns patients hospitalized in our hospital from 2017 to 2022. We extracted all data from electronic medical records for retrospective analysis. Burn scoring systems were calculated for all patients. The median age of the patients was 49.00 years, with 62.13% of them aged between 30 and 59 years. Of the 375 adult patients, 256 were male and 119 were female. The major cause of burns was flame (46.1%), followed by explosion (35.2%). The median total body surface area was 40%. Sixty-three percent of patients suffered an inhalation injury and 125 patients (33.3%) developed complications during hospitalization. The average mortality was 5.3%. Higher mortality rates are associated with advanced age, flame burns, larger full-thickness burns area and total body surface area, inhalation injuries and combined burn complications. Severe burns often occur in middle-aged men. Governments and companies need to improve the safety of living and working environments. It is essential to develop treatment strategies based on risk factors for burn deaths and improve the quality of medical care.

Cubosomes hydrogel containing silver based organometallic compounds for enhanced wound healing of burns: In vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of this study is to investigate the treatment of burn wounds and bacterial infections, specifically focusing on silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (Ag-NHC) loaded into cubosomes. Ag-NHC is an organometallic complex of silver (Ag) and can be considered an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the topical treatment of burns. A novel nanoparticle system, cubosome dispersions, was formulated using high pressure homogenization methods with different concentrations of lipid phase glyceryl monooleate (GMO), surfactants such as poloxamer 407 (F-127), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The optimized formulation (U6) was characterized by in vitro drug release profile (90.54 ± 1.17 %), particle size (126.7 ± 0.98 nm), zeta potential (−21.6 ± 6.83 mV), entrapment efficiency (89.30 ± 1.46 %), and morphology as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The U6 formulation was incorporated into a hydrogel containing Carbopol 940 to form a cubosomal hydrogel (cubogel). The cubogel was characterized by the in vitro release of Ag-NHC (92 %), entrapment efficiency (>90 %), pH (5.3), viscosity (1.2 cP), spreadability, and TEM. From the in vitro drug release pattern, it was concluded that the U6 formulation showed slow and sustained drug release over 24 h, and demonstrated superior burn healing compared to marketed products. The in vivo wound healing study revealed that the cubogel demonstrated a superior burn healing rate compared to commercially available products (Quench® and Clotrimazole®). The in vivo histopathological results showed that the prepared cubogel was effective in treating second-degree burns, with no side effects or skin irritation, compared to commercial products. Additionally, Ag-NHC-loaded cubogel facilitated sustained release for treating burn wounds without any bacterial infections. The current findings provide a strong basis for the initiating phase 0 clinal trials, highlighting significant potential for the further research to benefit the pharmaceutical industry.

Research on the role and mechanism of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. in the treatment of burn: Based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification

Burn is a suddenly occurring injury. The healing process of burn is complex. Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Av) is widely used as Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of burn. While effective pharmacological components, role and mechanism of Av in the treatment of burn remain to be fully elucidated. Arachidonic Acid (AA) and Quercetin (QUE) are identified as active components of Av for the treatment of burn by network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification. Animal experiments’ results showed that AA and QUE could shorten the burn wound healing time. The expression of inflammatory factor TNF-α, MyD88 and P-NF-κB p65 were down-regulated and the ER (ESR1), SRC were up-regulated in AA treated NIH 3T3 cells. The expression of MyD88 was downregulated in QUE treated NIH 3T3 cells. The Av promotes burn healing may be via the anti-inflammatory effect and regulation on NF-κB signal pathway or estrogen signal pathway by its active components AA and QUE. This research may construct a bridge between Av and burn wounds, and skin therapy agent exploration.

A Review on Pharmacological Potential of Medicago sativa Linn

Background: Medicago sativa Linn. in Hindi, is called lasunghas, and in English, it is called alfalfa. It is a well-known crop of the Fabaceae family. We can eat its sprouts as a salad vegetable. This plant has a wide range of uses as a feed crop and is tolerant to climate change. Objective: In this review, the authors discussed the active chemical constituents and pharmacological uses of Medicago sativa Linn. in various diseases. Methods: This review article gathered all the information after going through the research papers from different databases like Taylor &amp; Francis, ResearchGate, Elsevier, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and PMC. Results: Alfalfa has been shown to be an important origin of phytochemicals like amino acids, coumarins, alkaloids, carotenes, flavonoids, organic acids, digestive enzymes, phytosterols, saponins, phytoestrogens, phenolic compounds, polyamines, and a few other volatile organic compounds like ketones, terpenes, alcohols and furanoids. This plant is useful in CNS, anxiety, oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, burn wounds, vitiligo, reproductive system, myocardial infraction, bacteria, xanthine oxidase and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: This review may be helpful in knowing of Medicago sativa Linn. with greater therapeutic potential for treatment of various diseases.