Skin Of Wistar Rats Research Articles

Assessing the Efficacy of Berberine Hydrochloride-loaded Transethosomal Gel System in Treating Dermatophytosis Caused by Trichophyton rubrum in ex-vivo, in-vitro and in-vivo Models.

Dermatophytosis is the most common dermatological disorder worldwide. Many drugs are available in the market for the treatment of dermatophytosis, but they have had limited success due to the stratum corneum barrier, antifungal resistance, drug permeation, drug retention in skin layers, etc. Thus, there is a constant need for new topical compounds that are effective against dermatophytosis. Berberine-hydrochloride is an attractive candidate to become an antifungal drug, and by using nanotechnology, it achieves deeper penetration in skin layers with enhanced permeability through the stratum corneum. In this study, we developed an oleic acid-containing berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gel for effective treatment of dermatophytosis by Trichophyton rubrum. Berberine- hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gels were fabricated using the hot homogenization method, followed by the incorporation of transethosomes into the gel-based system using carbopol 934. Transethosomal gel was characterized by physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, ex-vivo permeation studies, CLSM visualization, antifungal activity, histopathological evaluation, and dermatokinetic study. Berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomes seemed to be spherical and found in a range between 200-300 nm. Berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gel formulation also exhibited controlled ex-vivo permeation of berberine-hydrochloride over 24 hr through excised rat skin, and CLSM confirmed deeper penetration into skin layers. The in vivo study revealed that transethosomal gel had a healing effect on the skin of Wistar rats infected with Trichophyton rubrum and was better than luliconazole cream. The histopathological evaluation confirmed its safety, and the dermatokinetic study showed transethosomal gel superiority over marketed cream. Therefore, the incorporation of berberine hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal nanosystems into the gel has the potential to enhance antifungal activity and permeation through transdermal drug delivery.

Evaluating cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of oil extracted from visceral fat of Caiman yacare (Daudin, 1802) in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast in vitro

In previous studies, the oil extracted from the visceral fat of Caiman yacare (Daudin, 1802) demonstrated a wound-healing effect on the skin of Wistar rats. To enhance knowledge our about the mechanism underlying this effect, we analysed the oil’s toxicological potential in vitro. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, pro-oxidant, and antioxidant activities were evaluated in a V79-4 cell line. The oil was obtained using the Soxhlet method, and the proportions of the fatty acid profile was previously identified 43.74 % saturated and 34.65 % unsaturated fatty acids. Protocol 487 of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was employed for cell line selection and concentrations. Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay and clonogenic survival. Pro-oxidant and antioxidant activities were analysed using flow cytometry. Genotoxicity was evaluated using comet and micronucleus assays. The oil did not demonstrate cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 500 µg/mL. At concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/mL, the oil exerted a protective effect against oxidative stress and showed genotoxic effects only at the highest concentration (2000 µg/mL). Like other oils of interest for human health, the oil extracted from the visceral fat of C. yacare demonstrated low toxicological potential in vitro.

Relieving postherpetic neuralgia pain via gabapentin-loaded bigels as an auspicious topical drug delivery system.

Over the past decades, a substantial portion of the population worldwide has been infected with varicella zoster and most cases developed shingles. Unfortunately, shingles is usually accompanied by postherpetic neuralgia, which may persist for months to years after the resolution of the viral infection. Gabapentin is an orallygamma-aminobutyric acid analogue approved by the Food and Drug Administration to manage shingles postherpetic neuralgia. However, gabapentin shows nonlinear pharmacokinetics, with variable absorption and bioavailability along with its short half-life and long side effects that may include dizziness and somnolence, which calls for an appropriate topical dosage form. Bigels are unique semisolid dosage forms with boosted penetrability and satisfactory hydrophilic texture. The current work pointed to formulating gabapentin-loaded bigels for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, where the analysis and optimization of design were performed via Design-Expert®. The selected bigel (F5), incorporating 400mg Span 60, 1000mg Tween 80, and 1000mg Transcutol, displayed spherical nanosized particles with acceptable viscosity and spreadability. Subsequent topical application of the selected bigel on the skin of Wistar rats, F5, demonstrated a boosted accumulation of gabapentin in the skin similar to PLO gel but superior to the drug solution. Furthermore, a histopathological study demonstrated the biosafety of the selected bigel when applied topically. Accordingly, gabapentin-loaded bigel would be considered a potentially topical dosage form for the delivery of gabapentin for the management of postherpetic neuralgia.

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

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

An in vitro and in vivo study of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/sildenafil citrate mat on 3D-printed polycaprolactone membrane as a double layer wound dressing

Double-layer dermal substitutes (DS) generally provide more effective therapeutic outcomes than single-layer substitutes. The architectural design of DS incorporates an outer layer to protect against bacterial invasions and maintain wound hydration, thereby reducing the risk of infection and the frequency of dressing changes. Moreover, the outer layer is a mechanical support for the wound, preventing undue tension in the affected area. A 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane was utilized as the outer layer to fabricate DS wound dressing. Simultaneously, a polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/sildenafil citrate (PVA/CS/SC) scaffold was electrospun onto the PCL membrane to facilitate cellular adhesion and proliferation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the PCL filaments revealed a consistent cross-sectional surface and structure, with an average diameter of 562.72 ± 29.15 μm. SEM results also demonstrated uniform morphology and beadless structure for the PVA/CS/SC scaffold, with an average fiber diameter of 366.77 ± 1.81 nm for PVA/CS. The addition of SC led to an increase in fiber diameter while resulting in a reduction in tensile strength. However, drug release analysis indicated that the SC release from the sample can last up to 72 h. Animal experimentation confirmed that DS wound dressing positively accelerated wound closure and collagen deposition in the Wistar rat skin wound model.

Polymeric micelle gel with luliconazole: in vivo efficacy against cutaneous candidiasis in Wistar rats.

The objective of this research was focused on the design and development of luliconazole-loaded polymeric micelle hydrogel (LUL-PM-CHG) using quality by design (QbD) principle to improve the penetration and retention of LUL in the skin. The optimization of the formulation involved the utilization of a Box-Behnken design with three factors and three levels. The impact of specific formulation variables, namely the ratio of poloxamer P123 and F127, sonication time, and the quantity of drug, was investigated in terms of particle size, micellar incorporation efficiency, and polydispersity index. The LUL-loaded P123/F127 mixed micelles involved the thin film hydration method for thin preparation. The characteristics of optimized formulation include a particle size of 226 ± 8.52nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.153 ± 0.002, a zeta potential (ZP) of 30.15 ± 2.32mV, and a micellar incorporation efficiency (MIE) of 88.38 ± 3.84%. In vitro release studies indicated a sustained release of LUL-PM-CHG for a duration of up to 8h. The MIC, GI50, and GI90 of different formulations on Candida albicans were determined using both the microtiter broth dilution method and the plate method and showed that LUL-PM-CHG exhibited the highest antifungal activity compared to the other formulations, with MIC values of 3.25 ± 0.19ng/mL, GI50 values of 37.11 ± 2.89, and GI90 values of 94.98 ± 3.41 The study also measured the % of inhibition activity and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) using flow cytometry. LUL-PM-CHG showed the highest percentage of inhibition (75.5%) and ROS production (MFI-140951), indicating its enhanced activity compared to LUL-CHG and LUL. Fungal infection was induced in Wistar rats using immunosuppressant's treatment followed by exposure to C. albicans. Finally, in vivo fungal scaling and histopathological studies indicated a reduction in fungal infection in Wistar rat skin after treatment. The obtained results suggested that LUL-PM can serve as a promising formulation to enhance luliconazole antifungal activity and increase patient compliance.

Test of the Effectiveness of Giving Salmon DNA Serum with Virgin Coconut Oil Extract on the Growth of Skin Tissue from Cut Scars on the Skin of Female Wistar Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)

Various treatments can cure pockmarks. First, you have to know the cause of the pockmarks and the strength of the pockmarked skin, making it easier to choose the treatment, one of which is dermapen, which uses plasma from platelets. Test and compare the effectiveness of the derma pen action using platelet plasma with the derma pen action on the pockmarked skin surface of female Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus). This research is a laboratory experiment to compare the effectiveness of the dermapen action using plasma from platelets with the dermapen action on the pockmarked skin surface of female Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) using a post-test with control group design or control samples based on treatment groups to analyze the dermapen action using plasma from platelets with dermapenic action on the surface of rat skin pockmarks. The results showed that the dermapen treatment group with plasma from platelets at a dose of 10% was more effective in healing cut wounds in white mice than the dermapen treatment group using plasma from platelets at doses of 2.5% and 5%. This is because, at a concentration of 10%, blood plasma metabolite compounds from platelets that are applied to wounds already affect the wound. The effect only inhibits microorganisms at small doses, making it less effective in healing wounds. It is recommended that the minimum dose be 10% so that the metabolite compounds in the plasma from platelets have a healing effect on wounds.

Ameliorative effect of transfersome gel of kepok banana peel extract (Musa balbisiana) against photoaging in Wistar rat skin.

Repeated acute exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can cause photoaging. Musa balbisiana peel contains flavonoid compounds which act as antioxidants. However, the physicochemicals of flavonoids are unstable, have high molecular weight, and are easily oxidized, causing their use is still limited and transdermal delivery to be inefficient. To investigate the ameliorative effect of transfersome gel of M. balbisiana peels against photoaging in Wistar rat skin. Transfersome gel was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vivo research was used to determine the ameliorative effects of M. balbisiana peel. The composition of transfersome consists of ethanol extracts of M. balbisiana peel, soybean phosphatidylcholine, and tween 80. The gel was applied three times a week for 4 weeks with a total UVB radiation dose of 840 mJ/cm2. To evaluate the repair mechanism by measuring the degree of wrinkles, epidermal thickening, dermal thinning, collagen fiber irregularity, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression, malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels. TEM results show that gel transfersome M. balbisiana peel has a round morphology with a diameter of ±50 nm and no aggregation, which are defined as nanoparticles. Transfersome gel ameliorated the degree of wrinkle, epidermal thickening, dermal thinning, and irregularity of collagen fibers caused by UVB exposure, suppresses lipid peroxidation by decreasing MDA and TNFα level, also collagen imbalance by inhibiting MMP-1 expression and activating TGF-β expression, which was found statistically significantly different from non-transfersome gel group. Transfersome gel of M. balbisiana peel can act as an alternative medicine to ameliorate clinical photoaging due to exposure to UVB.

Administration of Arabika Coffee Leaf Extract (Coffea Arabica) Reduces Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and Sunburn Cell Levels in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Exposed to Ultraviolet-B Rays

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has acute and chronic impacts on the skin. However, UVB exposure can be prevented with available natural ingredients, especially those containing antioxidants. One of the natural ingredients that contains active compounds as antioxidants is arabica coffee leaves, which contain flavonoids that have antioxidant effects. Methods: This study was an experimental research with a post-test-only control group design, using 30 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) which were divided into 5 groups; the control group (P0), treatment group 1 (P1) were given placebo, while group 2 (P2), group 3 (P3) and group 4 (P4) was given UVB rays and given ethanol extract cream from Arabica coffee leaves at a dose of 2,5%, 5%, and 10% respectively. Results: The average TNF- α levels in group P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4 were 97,88±1,19 ng/mL, 162,41±1,87 ng/mL, 138,04±1,03 g/mL, 124,71±2,65 ng/mL and 107,18±1,52 ng/mL. The average sunburn cells in P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4 were 4,0±0,13, 4,07±0,27, 2,60±0,25, 1,67±0,15 and 1,33±0,12 per field view. The administration of 10% Arabica coffee leaf extract cream was the most effective in reducing TNF-α levels by 34.01% (p<0.001) and has the lowest sunburn cells per field view (1,33±0,12 cell/field view; p < 0,001). Conclusion: Administration of ethanol extract cream from Arabica coffee leaves (Coffea arabica) can reduce TNF-α levels and the number of sunburn cells in the skin of male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to UVB radiation.

Application of Several Special Staining Methods for Paraffin Sections on Epon-Embedded Semithin Sections

Aim: This study aimed to compare several specific staining protocols recommended for paraffin sections and toluidine blue and light green double staining combination to be tried for the first time with routine toluidine blue staining on semithin epon sections.
 Material and Methods: Samples of 1x1x1 mm were taken from the liver, skin, and aorta tissues of Wistar albino adult rats. Tissue samples were fixed with 5% glutaraldehyde at +4º C overnight, postfixed with 1% osmium tetroxide for one hour, and then, blocked with Epon 812 after processing. Semithin sections of 1 μm thickness were obtained from the epon blocks. Sections were stained with Altmann’s method (for mitochondria), Verhoeff’s method (for elastic fibers), Gordon&Sweets’ silver impregnation method (for type III collagen), toluidine blue and light green double staining combination (for type I collagen) and routine toluidine blue method.
 Results: In liver sections, mitochondria in hepatocytes were differentiated by the Altmann method, and stromal type III collagen fibers were distinguished with Gordon&Sweets’ method. Elastic lamellar structures were easily observed in black in the aortic sections stained with the Verhoeff method. Successful results were obtained in the staining of dermal type I collagen with toluidine blue and light green double staining in skin sections.
 Conclusion: Since the specific staining tried for the first time gave positive results in epon sections, it was concluded that these methods can be used to determine the localization of cellular and intercellular components that are aimed to be examined at the ultrastructural level.

Effectiveness of green betel leaf extract cream in healing cut wounds

Green betel leaf (Piper betle L.) is widely used in the healing of cut wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of green betel leaf extract cream in the healing of cut wounds on the skin of white Wistar rats. The design employed was a pre-test post-test with a control group design and a sample size of 20 white rats divided into four groups. Betel leaf extract was prepared using the maceration method, while a cream preparation of betel leaf extract was prepared using the oil-in-water emulsion type (M/A). Macroscopic histopathological evaluation was performed by examining fibroblast growth. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (p < 0.05) was used to determine the difference between groups, and a post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was used to analyze which treatment group had the greatest efficacy. Technical terms were explained upon first use, and the language used was clear, objective, and value-neutral to improve academic quality. The text was free from grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and unnecessary jargon. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (p < 0.05) was used to determine the difference between groups, and a post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was used to analyze which treatment group had the greatest efficacy. The study revealed a substantial difference in the average wound healing rates between the control group (P0) and treatment groups P1, P2, and P3. This is due to the lack of active substances in the control group (P0), which aids in accelerating the wound healing process. Notably, the 15% green betel leaf extract cream demonstrated superior efficacy in healing wounds in white rats compared to the 10% and 25% green betel leaf extract creams. The results indicated no significant difference between the application of 15% and 25% green betel leaf extract cream. This is due to the fact that secondary metabolite compounds present in the extract produce a healing effect on wounds at these particular levels. However, lower concentrations only act as microorganism inhibitors, rendering them less effective for promoting wound healing.

Dermapen Treatments for Healing Pockmarked Skin in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus): A Study Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma with Salmon DNA Serum

Skin issues like deep acne scars (pockmarks) are routinely addressed. Dermaroller and Dermapen face skin care help cure this issue. Researchers believe plasma from platelets (PRP) and salmon DNA serum dermapens work similarly on pockmarked skin. White Wistar mice were tested to confirm this suspicion. This is a lab study or an experiment. The study employed a post-test only with a control group design on 16 white Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) divided into two groups of eight rats each: Group I received platelet plasma dermapen (PRP) and Group II received salmon DNA serum dermapen. The collected data was tested for normalcy using SPSS. The data normality test showed a significance value of 0.20 > 0.05, indicating normal distribution. The homogeneity test is 0.224. The significant probability value is greater than 0.05, indicating that the PRP dermapen group and the salmon serum DNA dermapen group have similar variances. The t-test rejects H0 or shows a significant difference in wound healing between groups if the significance value is 0.00 or less than 0.05. The study found that PRP and salmon DNA serum promote wound healing. Healing was faster in the PRP than in the salmon DNA serum group. This is possible because PRP includes bioactive molecules that act as tissue growth factors to enhance proliferation. PRP contains various growth factors that aid wound healing.

Topical application of cocoa extract (Theobroma cacao L.) to prevent photoaging by increasing superoxide dismutase levels on wistar rats skin exposed to ultraviolet light A

Background: The latest trend in anti-aging prevention is projected through the use of antioxidants derived from natural ingredients with minimal side effects compared to chemicals. Cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the sources of natural antioxidants with high flavonoid antioxidant content. This study aims to determine the effect of topical application of cocoa extract to prevent photoaging in wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Methods: Experimental research with animal models using 36 wistar rats exposed to UVA and divided into 2 groups, given 10% cocoa extract cream and basic cream on the back area. The parameters assessed were superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in skin tissue. Comparative analysis with independent T-test using SPSS version 21 to compare SOD levels of both groups. Results: Superoxide dismutase levels in both groups were found to be normally distributed (p> 0.05). The results of the comparative test with the Independent T-test found that the mean SOD levels of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group at 8.07 ± 1.99 ng/ml and 5.04 ± 1.54 ng/ml (p< 0.001; 95% CI: 1.82-4.24). Conclusion: Topical application of 10% cocoa extract cream on the skin of Wistar rats exposed to UVA light resulted in higher levels of superoxide dismutase in the rat skin tissue than the control.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A TOPICAL GEL CONTAINING MINOXIDIL AND TOFACITINIB CITRATE FOR ALOPECIA AREATA

Objective: The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate a topical gel containing Minoxidil and Tofacitinib citrate for alopecia areata. Methods: Six gels were formulated using the direct-dispersion method by using polymers in the ratio of Carbopol 934: HPMC and Carbopol 934: HPC in three different concentrations each. All the prepared gels were then characterized for its drug content, pH, Rheological measurement, Spreadibility, skin adhesion study, In vitro drug release, Ex-vivo skin permeation study and stability studies. Results: All the six formulations were evaluated for various parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadibility, and drug content and in vitro drug release. The pH of all the formulations was in the range of 6.3-6.8 which was optimum for the skin. As the concentration of the polymer increased the viscosity also increased, F6 had the highest viscosity among all of 1082 cps. F5 had the highest spreadibility of 4.3±0.15 cm and the drug content of all ranged between 88-96% of Minoxidil and 86-97% for Tofacitinib citrate with F5 giving the best result drug release across a cellulose membrane for a period 8 h of 94.22±0.19% for Minoxidil and 93.62±0.49% for Tofacitinib citrate. Formulation F2 and F5 were subjected to skin adhesion studies by the use of wistar rat skin with F5 giving the highest bioadhesion of 108 g/cm2. Formulation F5 was selected as an optimized formulation among the six as it gave the best results for all the parameters. Then the optimized formulation was subjected to an ex-vivo permeation study for a period of 8 h and by using wistar rat skin as a permeation barrier and the drug release for Minoxidil and Tofacitinib citrate was found to be 71.94±0.78% and 69.49±0.47%. The stability study was carried out for two months at accelerated condition i.e., 40 °C±2 °C/75±5% RH proved that the formulated gel was Stable. Conclusion: The formulated topical gel containing Minoxidil and Tofacitinib citrate were found to be a promising approach for the treatment of alopecia areata.

Characterization and biocompatibility evaluation of acellular rat skin scaffolds for skin tissue engineering applications.

Utilization of acellular scaffolds, extracellular matrix (ECM) without cell content, is growing in tissue engineering, due to their high biocompatibility, bioactivity ad mechanical support. Hence, the purpose of this research was to study the characteristics and biocompatibility of decellularized rat skin scaffolds using the osmotic shock method. First, the skin of male Wistar rats was harvested and cut into 1 × 1 cm2 pieces. Then, some of the harvested parts were subjected to the decellularization process by applying osmotic shock. Comparison of control and scaffold samples was conducted in order to assure cell elimination and ECM conservation by means of histological evaluations, quantification of biochemical factors, measurement of DNA amount, and photographing the ultrastructure of the samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to evaluate stem cell viability and adhesion to the scaffold, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) were seeded on the acellular scaffolds. Subsequently, MTT test and SEM imaging of the scaffolds containing cultured cells were applied. The findings indicated that in the decellularized scaffolds prepared by osmotic shock method, not only the cell content was removed, but also the ECM components and its ultrastructure were preserved. Also, the 99% viability and adhesion of AD-MSCs cultured on the scaffolds indicate the biocompatibility of the decellularized skin scaffold. In conclusion, decellularized rat skin scaffolds are biocompatible and appropriate scaffolds for future investigations of tissue engineering applications.

A shea butter-based ketamine ointment: The antidepressant effects of transdermal ketamine in rats

The delayed onset of monoaminergic antidepressants and disadvantages of traditional administration routes created the need for alternative non-invasive delivery methods with rapid onset therapeutic effect. Ketamine attracted attention as a fast-acting glutamatergic antidepressant with ideal physiochemical properties for alternative routes of administration. However, there is no sufficient data for its transdermal use in depression. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the antidepressant effects of transdermal ketamine delivered via a novel ointment with skin protective, emulsifying and permeation enhancing properties. A shea butter-based 5% (w/w) ketamine ointment or a drug-free vehicle ointment were applied to the shaved dorsal skin of male Wistar rats for 2 days, twice a day. Behavioral despair, locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior were respectively assessed in the forced swim test (FST), open field test (OFT), and elevated plus maze (EPM). The pharmacokinetic profile of the ointment was analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Transdermal ketamine ameliorated behavioral despair without altering general locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior, showing that skin-friendly drug carriers like shea butter may constitute promising alternatives to current routes of delivery for ketamine. Tested transdermal method aims to provide more sustainable drug delivery for long-term treatment schedules. Future studies can investigate its long-term use, side effects and abuse liability.

Peppermint Leaf Extract Cream Increased Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) Expression and Collagen Amount In The Male Wistar Rat's Skin Exposed to UVB

Peppermint leaves contain flavonoids, menthofuran, and other phenolic compounds that have antioxidant activity and are believed to inhibit collagen degradation in the skin. This study investigated the efficacy of a 5% peppermint leaf extract cream in increasing the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) expression and collagen amount as indicators of collagen maintenance in male Wistar rats' skin exposed to UVB. Method A randomized post-test-only control group design was performed on male Wistar rats, local strains, aged 2-3 months, with body weights ranging from 180 to 200 grams. According to the sample calculation, 21 rats were randomly divided into three groups. The first group is the control group (without any treatment). The second group was treated with UVB without cream (UVB-only group), and the third group was treated with UVB + 5% peppermint leaf extract cream on exposed skin. After four weeks of treatment, the tissue samples were examined. The expression of TGF-β was evaluated by immunohistochemical examination, and the amount of collagen was examined by Picro-Sirius red staining. Comparative tests were performed on the measurement results of the three groups. The results showed a significant difference in the mean TGF-β expression and collagen amount among the three groups (p<0.001). The group exposed to UVB + 5% peppermint leaf extract cream had the highest mean TGF-β expression and collagen amount (77.41±5.79% and 82.57±2.18%, respectively), followed by the control group (63.17±12.22% and 74.05±7.15%) and the UVB-only group (50.54±11.10% and 65.65±5.56%). Administration of 5% peppermint leaf extract cream effectively increased TGF-β expression and collagen amount in the skin of male Wistar rats exposed to UVB compared to the control and the UVB-only groups.

Comparison of freeze dried human amniotic membrane and its combination with platelet rich fibrin for the epithelial acceleration in an acute wound excision using Rattus Novergicus study model

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/FvU45HL3HyE Introduction: Human amniotic membrane and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) are biological materials that can accelerate wound healing through their content of growth factors and cytokines. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the combination of these two biological agents for wound healing. Methods: This study used an experimental method with a randomized post-test only control group design, to compare the use of human amniotic membrane alone with a combination of human amniotic membrane and PRF in acute full thickness wounds of the skin of Wistar rats. The research subjects were 32 rats which were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 used human amniotic membrane, while groups 3 and 4 used a combination of human amniotic membrane and PRF, then the epithelialization process was observed on the 3rd and 6th day. Result: There was no statistically significant difference in the speed of epithelialization of excision wounds on the backs of rats on the third day (Significance 0.498) and Sixth (Significance 0.9) between the Amnion group and the combination of amnion and PRF because it was greater than α = 0.05. Conclusion: The use of a combination of freeze dried human amniotic membrane and platelet rich fibrin was not significantly more effective than freeze dried human amniotic membrane in accelerating the epithelialization of acute full thickness excision wounds in rats (Rattus novergicus).

Oral supplementation of Ilex paraguariensis extract and eggshell membrane exhibit beneficial effects on the skin of mature male rats

Context: Ilex paraguariensis (IP), a South American plant mostly consumed as an infusion, contains several phytocompounds with demonstrated positive effects on skin health and photoprotective properties. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a by-product of the poultry industry, also presents photoprotective properties. Both IP and ESM contain compounds that absorb ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and stop the mechanisms by which UVR damages the skin. The synergistic effects of these natural products on the reparation of skin structure and dermal collagen production deserves to be investigated. Aims: To determine to what extent the oral supplementation of IP and ESM, administrated individually or in combination, promotes beneficial effects on the skin of mature Wistar rats. Methods: The chemical composition of IP and ESM and the spectrophotometric solar protection factor (SPF) of the IP extract were characterized. In vitro, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using erythrocytes. In vivo investigation consisted of macro and microscopic image analysis and diagnosis of the skin of the dorsal region of rats. Results: The IP extract showed low SPF capacity combined with a protective effect against AAPH-induced erythrocyte haemolysis. IP extract inhibited erythrocyte haemolysis induced by both hypotonic solution and heat. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the IP could be explained in terms of its membrane-stabilizing properties. Histologic analysis showed an increase in the collagen content of the skin of supplemented rats. A clear synergistic increase in collagen levels resulted when IP and ESM were administered together. Conclusions: IP and ESM are beneficial for skin health, present synergistic effects, and could be used as ingredients in oral cosmetics.

Administration of Sugar Apple Leaf Extract Cream (Annona squamosa L.) Increased Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity and Decreased Skin Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) Activity in Male White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar Strain Exposed to Ultraviolet B Light

Background: Ultraviolet B rays from sunlight causes increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) also will decrease to counteract these free radicals. Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) leaf extract showed significant antioxidant and anti-collagenase activity in vitro. Methods: This is a posttest only control group design study. Thirty male white Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), 12 weeks old, 150-200 grams were divided into five groups, 1 group without UVB exposure and without cream, and 4 groups was exposed to UVB 3 times a week and by giving cream 2 times a day for 2 weeks, 20 minutes before exposure and 4 hours after exposure. Rats were fixated in a box. The UVB dose was 65 mJ/cm2 for 65 seconds, with total 390 mJ/cm2. Skin samples were tested using ELISA method. Results: Negative control (P1) compared to Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) leaf extract cream 1%. (P2), 3% (P3), and 5% (P4) concentration for SOD levels were 2.3015 ± 0.32501 vs. 2.7817 ± 0.26899 vs. 4.7752 ± 0.65218 vs. 6.0890 ± 0.63946, respectively and for MMP-1 levels were 3.0753 ± 0.51113 vs. 2.3037 ± 0.15556 vs. 1.5840 ± 0.25473 vs. 0.9198 ± 0.16604, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) leaf extract cream 3% and 5% can increase SOD levels and 1%, 3%, and 5% can reduce MMP-1 levels in the skin of male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to UVB light. Concentration 3% is the most effective. Keywords: sugar apple leaf extract, SOD, MMP-1, ultraviolet B rays