Wound Healing Potential of Formulated Extract from Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyx

Wound healing agents support the natural healing process, reduce trauma and likelihood of secondary infections and hasten wound closure. The wound healing activities of water in oil cream of the methanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) was evaluated in rats with superficial skin excision wounds. Antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Echerichia coli were determined. The total flavonoid content, antioxidant properties and thin layer chromatographic fingerprints of the extract were also evaluated. The extract demonstrated antioxidant properties with a total flavonoid content of 12.30±0.09 mg/g. Six reproducible spots were obtained using methanol:water (95:5) as the mobile phase. The extract showed no antimicrobial activity on the selected microorganisms, which are known to infect and retard wound healing. Creams containing H. sabdariffa extract showed significant (P<0.05) and concentration dependent wound healing activities. There was also evidence of synergism with creams containing a combination of gentamicin and H. sabdariffa extract. This study, thus, provides evidence of the wound healing potentials of the formulated extract of the calyces of H. sabdariffa and synergism when co-formulated with gentamicin.     

miR-9a通过促进角质形成细胞增殖和迁移促进皮肤伤口愈合

目的 探讨miR-9a对大鼠皮肤伤口愈合的影响及其作用途径。方法 构建大鼠伤口愈合模型，检测miR-9a在不同时间点皮肤伤口愈合组织中的表达水平。过表达miR-9a，利用原位杂交试验、HE染色、免疫荧光染色、划痕试验和伤口愈合试验分析差异。结果 与损伤前相比，损伤后7 d皮肤组织中miR-9a表达显著升高（P<0.001）；过表达miR-9a组在损伤第14天和第21天损伤区域面积显著减小（P<0.05或P<0.001）。与对照组相比，转染miR-9a到角质形成细胞HaCaT后，EdU阳性细胞数量显著增加（P<0.001）、伤口愈合百分比显著升高（P<0.01）、迁移细胞的数量显著增加（P<0.001）。结论 miR-9a促进大鼠皮肤伤口愈合，其途径可能是通过促进角质形成细胞的增殖和迁移。     

Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside from Afgekia mahidoliae promotes keratinocyte migration through FAK and Rac1 activation

The restoration of the epidermal epithelium through re-epithelialization is a critical process in wound healing. Directed keratinocyte migration to the wound is required, and the retardation of this process may result in a chronic, non-healing wound. The present study contributes to research aiming to identify promising compounds that promote wound healing using a human keratinocyte model. The effects of three kaempferol glycosides from an Afgekia mahidoliae leaf extract, kaempferol-3-O-arabinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, on keratinocyte migration were determined. Interestingly, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside exhibited a pronounced effect on wound closure in comparison to the parental kaempferol and other glycosides. The mechanism by which kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside enhances cell migration involves the induction of filopodia and lamellipodia formation, increased cellular levels of phosphorylated FAK (Tyr 397) and phosphorylated Akt (Ser 473), and up-regulation of active Rac1-GTP. The data obtained in this study may support the development of this compound for use in wound healing therapies.

     

Healing effect of Dillenia indica fruit extracts standardized to betulinic acid on ultraviolet radiation-induced psoriasis-like wounds in rats

Context: Dillenia indica Linn. (Dilleniaceae) is traditionally used to treat skin inflammation.

Objective: This study evaluated the healing effect of Dillenia indica fruit extracts on induced psoriasis-like wounds in Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: Extracts were standardized to betulinic acid, including an aqueous ethanolic extract (AEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and petroleum ether extract. Effects against lipid peroxidation were assessed in vitro. Wounds were created at rat tails (n?=?12). Topical treatments were applied once daily for 7 days (1?mL of AEE or EAE at 5 or 50?mg/mL). Maximal dose was defined by the extract solubility. A 10-fold lower dose was also tested. Positive and negative controls were treated with clobetasol (0.5?mg/mL) or excipient. Half of each group was euthanized for histology. The remaining animals were observed for 20 days for wound measurements.

Results: Yields of AEE and EAE were 4.3 and 0.7%, respectively. Betulinic acid concentrations in AEE and EAE were 4.6 and 107.6?mg/g. Extracts neutralized lipid peroxidation in vitro at 0.02?μg/mL, accelerating healing at 50?mg/mL. Complete healing in mice treated with AEE occurred 16 days after wound induction. This time was 14 and 12 days in mice treated with EAE and clobetasol. Compared to orthokeratosis, parakeratosis was reduced by AEE (25%), EAE (45%) and clobetasol (55%). EAE caused superior protection against biomolecules oxidation of skin compared to AEE.

Discussion and conclusion: EAE exhibited activity closer to that of clobetasol. Betulinic acid may be an active constituent, which should be assessed in future studies.     

Antimicrobial Property of Picralima nitida Stem Bark Extract in Cream Formulations

The effects of formulation variables on the antimicrobial activities of the basic fraction (BF) of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Picralima nitida Stapf. Th. & H. Durrant (Apocynaceae) in cream preparations were studied using a 2³ factorial experimental design. The individual and interaction effects of nature of humectant (N), concentration of humectant (C), and time of storage of cream preparation (S) on the effectiveness of the BF cream preparations, as measured by the diameter of zone of inhibition (mm) against Staphylococcus aureus and Microsporum canis, were evaluated. The effects of the variables depended considerably on the amount of BF in the formulation. The nature of humectant (N) generally had the highest effects on the antimicrobial activity of the creams with a positive increase in activity with changes from glycerin to propylene glycol. On the other hand, changing the concentration of humectant (C) from a "low" to a "high" level (from 5% to 10%, w/w) in the formulation also generally increased the antimicrobial activity of the BF creams. The time of storage (S) exhibited the least influence, but with the creams generally losing some activity after 12 months. The interaction effects of the variables on the antimicrobial effectiveness of the BF cream formulations appeared to be generally low. In clinical trials, the 10% w/w BF cream formulation generally exhibited impressive effectiveness against skin conditions of pityriasis versicolor, tinea pedis interdigitalis, tinea capitis, and tinea corporis. More work, however, is required to develop the BF into a clinically useful antimicrobial agent.     

生肌化瘀方95%乙醇提取物对糖尿病小鼠创面的治疗作用

目的 探讨生肌化瘀方95%乙醇提取物对糖尿病小鼠创面愈合的影响。方法 采用体内动物试验研究生肌化瘀方95%乙醇提取物（低、中、高浓度）促进糖尿病创面的作用;通过对糖尿病小鼠大体观察,对创面面积、愈合时间、HE染色（肉芽新生、胶原修复、表皮迁移）等数据综合分析了解创面愈合的情况。结果 治疗第11天时阳性药组、95%乙醇提取物低剂量组创面面积明显小于模型组（P<0.05）;95%乙醇提取部位低浓度创面愈合率高于中、高浓度（P<0.05）。结论 生肌化瘀方95%乙醇提取物有明显促进创面愈合的作用。     

Wound healing activity of the ethanol root extract and polyphenolic rich fraction from Potentilla fulgens

Context: Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook (Rosaceae) is a potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas, where its roots are traditionally used by the local people of Uttaranchal (India) to treat wounds and tiger bites.

Objective: The present study scientifically evaluates the wound healing activity of P. fulgens ethanol root extract (EPF) and its ethyl acetate fraction (PFEA) on experimental rats.

Materials and methods: Wounds were inflicted on animals by using both excision and incision models. The wounded animals were treated for 16 days with EPF (oral: 200–400?mg/kg and topical: 5–10% w/w) and PFEA (oral: 75?mg/kg; topical: 1.75% w/w). Various physical (wound contraction, epithelialization rate, tensile strength) and biochemical parameters (hydroxyproline, hexosamine, proteins, DNA) were examined during the study. Oxidant product (lipidperoxidase), antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide-dismutase) and reduced glutathione were determined. Morphological and histopathological studies of the skin tissues were monitored.

Results: A significant (p?<?0.05) wound healing property was observed when the animals were treated topically with EPF (10% w/w) and PFEA (1.75% w/w). A significantly (p?<?0.05) increased in the levels of hydroxyproline, hexosamine, protein and DNA up to 59.22, 70.42, 61.01 and 60.00% was observed, respectively. This effect was further demonstrated by the morphological and histopathological representation, thus showing significant (p?<?0.05) re-epethelialization on the healing area. EPF and PFEA also showed significant (p?<?0.05) antioxidant activity.

Conclusions: The present study provided the scientific evidence, where P. fulgens rich in polyphenolic components possess remarkable wound healing activities, thereby supporting the traditional claims.     

王不留行黄酮苷激活bFGFR及下游通路促进创伤愈合机制研究

目的 考察王不留行黄酮苷促创伤愈合作用,并探讨其作用机制。方法 构建SD大鼠皮肤开放性创伤模型,创伤部位分别涂抹0.02 g空白软膏剂基质（模型组）、0.02 g含0.1%王不留行黄酮苷的软膏剂（王不留行黄酮苷组）、0.02 g美宝润湿烧伤膏（阳性药）。观察创伤愈合速率,并取创伤部位皮肤制作石蜡切片,通过HE染色进行组织病理学评估,通过免疫组化染色观察增殖细胞核抗原（PCNA）、p-碱性成纤维细胞生长因子受体（p-bFGFR）、p-血管内皮细胞生长因子受体（p-VEGFR）、CD31、p-Akt、p-Erk表达,Western blotting法分析Erk和Akt蛋白的磷酸化水平、bFGFR磷酸化水平。结果 与模型组比较,创伤后3、6、9 d,王不留行黄酮苷组显著促进开放性创伤愈合（P<0.05、0.01）;随着时间的延长,与模型组比较,王不留行黄酮苷组中成纤维细胞和内皮细胞大量增殖,炎症细胞增殖减少,微血管密度显著增加（P<0.01）;免疫组化及Western blotting结果显示,与模型组比较,王不留行黄酮苷组内皮细胞膜受体中bFGFR的磷酸化程度明显升高（P<0.05、0.01）,p-VEGFR磷酸化程度无明显变化,PI3K/Akt与MAPK/Erk信号通路的节点蛋白Akt和Erk磷酸化程度均明显升高（P<0.05）。结论 王不留行黄酮苷促进开放性创伤愈合,机制可能与激活bFGFR及其下游MAPK/Erk和PI3K/Akt信号通路相关。     

Topical delivery of acyclovir and ketoconazole

Abstract

Context: Viral and fungal cutaneous manifestations are regularly encountered in immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome individuals and can be treated by drugs such as acyclovir and ketoconazole, respectively.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the novel Pheroid? delivery system improved the transdermal delivery and/or dermal delivery of acyclovir and ketoconazole when incorporated into semi-solid formulations.

Materials and methods: Semi-solid products (creams and emulgels) containing these drug compounds were formulated, either with or without (control) the Pheroid? delivery system. The stability of the formulated semi-solid products was examined over a period of six months and included the assay of the actives, pH, viscosity, mass loss and particle size observation. Vertical Franz cell diffusion studies and tape stripping methods were used to determine the in vitro, stratum corneum (SC)-epidermis and epidermis-dermis delivery of these formulations.

Results and discussion: Stability tests showed that none of the formulations were completely stable. Acyclovir showed a biphasic character during the in vitro skin diffusion studies for all the tested formulations. The Pheroid? cream enhanced the transdermal, SC-epidermis and epidermis–dermis delivery of acyclovir the most. The average amount of ketoconazole diffused over 12?h showed improved delivery of ketoconazole, with the Pheroid? emulgel exhibiting the best transdermal and epidermis–dermis delivery.

Conclusion: The Pheroid? formulae increased transdermal penetration as well as delivery to the dermal and epidermal skin layers. The Pheroid? emulgel and the Pheroid? cream increased the topical delivery of ketoconazole and acyclovir, respectively.     

Dermal wound healing potency of single alkaloid (betaine) versus standardized crude alkaloid enriched-ointment of Evolvulus alsinoides

Context: Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (Convolvulaceae), well known as shankhpushpi in Ayurvedic text, is traditionally used for several healing purposes.

Objective: A comparative evaluation of dermal wound healing potential of acidic and basic alkaloid enriched-ointment (AAO and BAO) of aerial parts of E. alsinoides versus pure alkaloid, betaine (BEO), was undertaken.

Material and methods: The effect of topical application (50?mg/animal/day) of AAO-1%, AAO-2%, BAO-1%, BAO-2%, BEO-0.5% and BEO-1% was assessed through excision (14 days) and incision (10 days) models on rats. The percentage wound contraction, total protein content, and breaking strengths were determined followed by histopathological studies.

Results and discussion: The total alkaloid in acidic and basic alkaloid enriched fractions was found to be 0.1114 and 0.1134?μg/mL, respectively. Thus, 0.1528, 0.3056, 0.1380 and 0.2459?μg of total alkaloid were estimated to be present in AAO-1%, AAO-2%, BAO-1% and BAO-2%, respectively. AAO and BAO promoted wound healing activity significantly in both the models. Higher rate of wound contraction (p?<?0.001) with significant increase in protein content in the treatment groups (from 2.32 to 2.55) demonstrated stimulation of cellular proliferation and epithelization, which was further supported by histopathological reports. High skin breaking strength (mean value 393 in control was increased to the range of 535–572 in treated groups) proved a significant (p?<?0.001) wound healing potential of E. alsinoides. Early dermal and epidermal regeneration in drug-treated groups also confirmed the positive effect.

Conclusion: Observation of higher healing power of alkaloid enriched-ointment compared with single alkaloid ointment corroborated the synergy mechanism.     

In vitro biocompatibility and release of curcumin from curcumin microcomplex-loaded chitosan scaffold

Abstract

Context: Scaffold if suitably modified could be used as a drug delivery system. Objective: To develop chitosan scaffold as a delivery system for delivering curcumin in wound-healing application. Materials and methods: Chitosan–curcumin microcomplex particles were prepared, and the effect of drug–polymer ratio (DPR) and homogenisation speed (HS) was studied using a two-level full-factorial design. Chitosan scaffold was prepared and incorporated with curcumin microcomplexes to obtain a chitosan scaffold-containing chitosan–curcumin microcomplex (CS-CCM). Antimicrobial property of the CS-CCM against Escherichia coli was studied. The cytotoxicity of CS-CCM was studied by assessing the cell viability by MTT assay. Results and discussion: DPR had a significant effect (p?≤?0.05) on the drug content. CS-CCM was able to inhibit the growth of E. coli considerably. The MTT results showed that CS-CCM is non-cytotoxic and supports cell proliferation. Conclusion: CS-CCM due to its biocompatibility and antimicrobial property could be further evaluated for potential application in wound healing.     

Recent developments in novel drug delivery systems for wound healing

Introduction: Complete regeneration and restoration of the skin’s structure and function with no or minimal scarring remains the goal of wound healing research. Novel pharmaceutical carriers have the potential to deliver wound healing drugs such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, human EGFs, and so on. Thus, offering a potential platform to overcome the limitations of conventional wound dressings.

Areas covered: This review will describe various techniques such as microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nano and microemulsions, sponges and wafers, and so on, that are successfully applied as carriers for wound healing drugs. Results of various studies including in vitro and in vivo experiments are also discussed.

Expert opinion: Controlled and localized delivery of wound healing drugs to the wounds is more convenient than systemic administration as higher concentrations of the medication are delivered directly to the desired area in a sustained manner. They are also capable of providing optimum environmental conditions to facilitate wound healing while eliminating the need for frequent changes of dressings. As the number of people suffering from chronic wounds is increasing around the world, controlled delivery of wound healing agents have enormous potential for patient-friendly wound management.     

盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶的制备与评价

目的 制备盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶，并评价其抑菌及创面愈合效果。方法 采用复乳法制备盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒，采用2因素2水平全因子析因实验设计考察了壳聚糖相对分子质量（X₁）和壳聚糖质量浓度（X₂）对壳聚糖纳米粒的药物包封率（Y₁）、粒径分布（Y₂）、多分散系数（Y₃）和Zeta电位（Y₄）的影响；并以泊洛沙姆407作为凝胶基质制备盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶。通过抑菌圈实验比较盐酸环丙沙星乳膏和盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶对金黄色葡萄球菌和铜绿假单胞菌的抑菌活性；使用无菌活检穿刺针在大鼠背部造成直径为5 mm的皮肤全切除的圆形人工创面，并使用金黄色葡萄球菌和铜绿假单胞菌的培养基感染24 h，建立大鼠创面模型，将模型大鼠随机分为模型组、盐酸环丙沙星乳膏组和盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶组，模型组大鼠创面未接受任何处理，给药组大鼠每2天给药1次，每次给药量均约为1 mg，观察并记录每组大鼠创面脱痂时间和愈合时间。结果 选择低相对分子质量壳聚糖、壳聚糖质量浓度为2.0 mg·mL^-1制备盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒，其中盐酸环丙沙星质量浓度为50.0 mg·mL^-1，其包封率为（85.3±0.9）%，平均粒径为（354.7±15.7）nm，PDI为0.357±0.014，Zeta电位为（22.2±0.5）mV，呈球状分布；盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶和盐酸环丙沙星乳膏对金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌圈直径分别为（38.4±0.2）、（29.2±0.3）mm，对铜绿假单胞菌抗菌圈直径分别为（41.3±0.6）、（32.1±0.1）mm；大鼠创面给予盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶后，其脱痂时间和愈合时间均较模型组和盐酸环丙沙星乳膏组显著缩短（P<0.05）。结论 成功制备盐酸环丙沙星壳聚糖纳米粒原位凝胶，其可以抑制创面细菌繁殖、加速伤口愈合。     

A randomized,double-blind therapeutic trial of 0.25% desoxymethasone and 0.1 % hydrocortisone 17-butyrate in the treatment of varicose eczema

Summary

A double-blind, randomized trial was carried out in 60 patients with varicose (hypostatic) eczema to compare the efficacy and tolerance of treatment with 0.25% desoxymethasone in an oily cream base, the oily cream base alone, and 0.1 % hydrocortisone 17-butyrate cream. The creams were applied twice daily and patients' progress followed for up to 38 days. Clinical ratings based on an assessment of individual signs and symptoms, the area of skin involved and the physician's overall impression demonstrated a significant difference from the oily cream base in favour of both active treatments within the first 10 days. No significant difference between the two active treatments was shown. AN three treatments were well tolerated by the patients.     

Anti-aging efficacy of topical formulations containing niosomes entrapped with rice bran bioactive compounds

Context: Rice [Oryza sativa L. (Gramineae)] bran is a rich source of phytochemicals. Its oil also contains several bioactive components that exhibit antioxidative properties such as ferulic acid (F), γ-oryzanol (O), and phytic acid (P) which can be a new source of cosmetic raw materials.

Objective: To evaluate the anti-aging effects of the gel and cream containing niosomes entrapped with the rice bran bioactive compounds.

Materials and methods: The semi-purified rice bran extracts containing F, O, and P which indicated the growth stimulation of human fibroblasts and the inhibition of MMP-2 by sulforhodamine B and gelatin zymography, respectively, were entrapped in niosomes by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid (scCO₂) and incorporated in gel and cream formulations. The skin hydration, elasticity, thickness and roughness, and pigmentation in human volunteers after treated with these gel and creams were investigated by corneometer, cutometer, visiometer, and mexameter, respectively.

Results: Gel and cream containing the semi-purified rice bran extracts entrapped in niosomes gave no sign of erythema and edema detected within 72?h on the shaved rabbit skin by the closed patch test investigated by mexameter and visual observation, respectively. These formulations also demonstrated higher hydration enhancement and improvement of skin lightening, thickness, roughness, and elasticity on the skin of 30 human volunteers within the 28–day treatment not more than 9, 27, 7, 3, and 3 times, respectively.

Discussion and conclusions: The formulations containing niosomes entrapped with the rice bran bioactive compounds gave superior clinical anti-aging activity which can be applied as a novel skin product.     

Novel microstructured sildenafil dosage forms as wound healing promoters

Purpose: Study the possible benefit of combining biodegradable polymers with sildenafil citrate (SC) in wound healing.

Method: Biodegradable micronized powdered formulations of SC were prepared by spray drying using chitosan (P₁) or chitosan/gum Arabic (P₂). Powders were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Scanning electron microscope, particle size analysis, flow and swelling behavior. The powders were also incorporated into microstructured gels and in vitro SC release from powders and gels was tested. In vivo wound healing acceleration was tested by measuring area contraction of excision wounds and histologically. Post-healing tensile strength (TS) for incision wounds in rats receiving powder formulations was tested.

Results: The powders were in the micron-size range showing no SC–polymers interaction. Powders had poor flow with angle of repose (θ) of 41 – 48°, and high moisture uptake reaching 107% for placebo powder P_o1. Good excision wound healing was seen with P₁ and G₁ formulations showing 98.4 and 98.5% reduction in wound area, respectively, compared with 83% for the control. Incision wounds were improved with P₁ showing TS value of 6.9 compared with 3.7 kg/cm² for control. Histological examinations supported.

Conclusion: Spray-dried chitosan/SC powder (P₁) and its gel form (G₁) could be promising wound healing promoters as supported by the histological examinations.     

Effect of Spirulina platensis ingestion on the abnormal biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in the pancreas and liver of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Context: Previous studies have shown that Spirulina platensis Gomont (Phormidiaceae) (SP) extract has beneficial effects on many disease conditions. The putative protective effects of SP were investigated in diabetic rats.

Objective: The current study investigates the antioxidant effects of SP in diabetic Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: Alloxan monohydrate (150?mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally administrated to induce diabetes. An aqueous suspension of SP powder in distillate water (10% w/v) was administrated orally by gavage (1?mL/day) for 50?days. Histopathological, biochemical and antioxidant analyses were performed. Glycemia, liver function and HOMA-IR were assessed using Spinreact and ELISA kits.

Results: SP exhibited high-antioxidant activity. The IC₅₀ values of the SP aqueous extract were 70.40 and 45.69?mg/L compared to those of the standard antioxidant BHT, which were 27.97 and 19.77?mg/L, for the DPPH and ABTS tests, respectively. The diabetic animals showed a significant increase in glycaemia (from 4.05 to 4.28?g/L) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (50.17?mmol/g protein) levels. Treatment with SP significantly reduced glycaemia by 79% and liver function markers [glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and alkaline phosphatase (Alk-p)]) by 25, 36 and 20%, respectively, compared to that of the controls. There was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (48%), total antioxidant status (43%), glutathione peroxidase (37%) and glutathione reductase (16%) in the diabetic rats treated with SP.

Discussion and conclusion: These results showed that SP has high antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging, antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective effects in diabetes.     

Effective topical delivery systems for corticosteroids: dermatological and histological evaluations

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing skin disease with severe eczematous lesions. Long-term topical corticosteroid treatment can induce skin atrophy, hypopigmentation and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increase. A new treatment approach was needed to reduce the risk by dermal targeting. For this purpose, Betamethasone valerate (BMV)/Diflucortolone valerate (DFV)-loaded liposomes (220–350?nm) were prepared and incorporated into chitosan gel to obtain adequate viscosity (～13?000 cps). Drugs were localized in stratum corneum?+?epidermis of rat skin in ex-vivo permeation studies. The toxicity was assessed on human fibroblast cells. In point of in-vivo studies, pharmacodynamic responses, treatment efficacy and skin irritation were evaluated and compared with previously prepared nanoparticles. Liposome/nanoparticle in gel formulations produced higher paw edema inhibition in rats with respect to the commercial cream. Similar skin blanching effect with commercial creams was obtained via liposome in gels although they contain 10 times less drug. Dermatological scoring results, prognostic histological parameters and suppression of mast cell numbers showed higher treatment efficiency of liposome/nanoparticle in gel formulations in AD-induced rats. TEWL and erythema measurements confirmed these results. Overview of obtained results showed that liposomes might be an effective and safe carrier for corticosteroids in skin disease treatment.     

Topical vitamin K1 promotes repair of full thickness wound in rat

Objectives:

Application of vitamin K to the skin has been used for suppression of pigmentation and resolution of bruising. However, in rats, no study was reported on its effect regarding wound healing. Thus, the present study was designed to examine the healing effects of creams prepared from vitamin K₁ on full-thickness wound in rats.

Materials and Methods:

For inducing full-thickness wound in rats, the excisional wound model was used. Five groups consisting of 8 rats each were used. Vitamin K cream (1% and 2%, w/w) was prepared in eucerin base and applied on the wound once a day until complete healing had occurred. Healing was defined by decreased wound margin (wound contraction), re-epithelialization, tensile strength and hydroxyproline content. Histopathological examination was also done.

Results:

The effects produced by the topical vitamin K showed significant (P < 0.01) healing when compared with control group in parameters such as wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content and tensile strength. Histopathological studies also showed improvement with vitamin K.

Conclusions:

Topical vitamin K demonstrates wound healing potential in full-thickness wound model.KEY WORDS: Excision, rat, vitamin K₁, wound healing     

The healing effect of Pistacia lentiscus fruit oil on laser burn

Context: Since antiquity, Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) fruit oil (PLFO) has been used as a remedy for primary health care such as burn treatment.

Objective: This study assesses the healing effect of PLFO on CO₂ laser fractional burn in a rat model.

Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 18 adult male Wistar rats. A second-degree laser burn (wound area?=?2.2?cm²) was inflicted in the dorsal region by the application of CO₂ fractional laser within the following parameters; Energy level: 25?MJ and Depth level: 4. After applying laser, the rats were divided into three groups: the first was treated with saline solution, the second with a reference cream ‘CYTOL BASIC^®’ (0.13?μg/mm²) and the third with PLFO (0.52?μL/mm²). All treatments were topically administered for eight days. The healing effect was assessed using macroscopic, histological and biochemical parameters.

Results: After eight days, the higher percentage of wound healing contraction was observed among the PLFO-treated group (100%) followed by the ‘CYTOL BASIC^®’ treated group (61.36%) and untreated group (32.27%). During the treatment, the PLFO-treated group showed less erythema, less crusting/scabbing, higher general wound appearance scores and a high content of collagen (220.67?±?7.48?mg/g of tissue) than the other groups.

Discussion and conclusion: The current study has shown, for the first time, the healing effect of PLFO on CO₂ laser fractional burn. Their wound healing effect could be attributed to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.