Acute Toxicity of Opuntia Ficus Indica and Pistacia Lentiscus Seed Oils in Mice

Opuntia ficus indica and Pistacia lentiscus L. seeds are used in traditional medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicity of the fixed oil of Opuntia ficus indica and Pistacia lentiscus L. seeds in mice through determination of LD₅₀ values, and also the physicochemical characteristics of the fixed oil of these oils. The acute toxicity of their fixed oil were also investigated in mice using the method of Kabba and Berhens. The fixed oil of Pistacia lentiscus and Opuntia ficus indica seeds were extracted and analyzed for its chemical and physical properties such as acid value, free fatty acid percentage (% FFA), iodine index, and saponification value as well as refractive index and density. LD₅₀ values obtained by single doses, orally and intraperitoneally administered in mice, were respectively 43 ± 0,8 ;[40.7– 45.4 ] ml/kg body wt. p.o. and 2.72 ± 0,1 ;[2.52–2.92] ml/kg body wt. i.p. for Opuntia ficus indica ; and 37 ± 1 ;[34.4 − 39.8 ] ml/kg body wt. p.o. and 2.52 ± 0,2 ;[2.22 − 2.81 ] ml/kg body wt. i.p. for Pistacia lentiscus respectively. The yields of seed oil were respectively calculated as 20.25% and 10.41%. The acid and free fatty acid values indicated that the oil has a low acidity     

Preliminary Evaluation of the Wound Healing Effect of Vitex Doniana Sweet (Verbenaceae) in Mice

Vitex doniana is traditionally used in Togo to treat various diseases including wounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of Vitex doniana on cutaneous wound healing. Wounds were induced in ICR mice divided into four groups as following: Group I received carbopol 974P NF empty gel, Groups II and III were treated topically with carbopol gel containing 2.5% and 5% of Vitex doniana extract. Group IV received Betadine® 10% as standard drug. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by planimetry and histological analysis. We secondary used the gel containing Vitex doniana at 2.5% and the pure extract at 10 mg/ml on the model of ear edema induced by xylene. Skin toxicity test was performed with the gel containing Vitex doniana at 5% and the pure extract at 30 mg/ml. Vitex doniana at 5% and 2.5% provided better wound contraction (91.14% and 86.38%) at day 12 post-excision when compared to control (51.15%). The results of histological evaluation supported the outcome of excision wound model. Moreover Vitex doniana inhibited significantly edema induced by xylene when compared to control (p< 0.05). In skin toxicity test, no abnormal symptoms were developed over 14 day-time period. Vitex doniana inhibits the topical inflammation and accelerate cutaneous wound repair.     

Antimicrobial, Wound Healing and Antioxidant Activities of Anthocephalus Cadamba

Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq. Syn A. chinensis (Lamk) A. Rich (Rubiaceae) is ethnomedicinally widely used in the form of paste by tribe in western Ghats for treating skin diseases. In this context, antimicrobial potential of A. cadamba against a wide range of microorganisms was studied. To validate the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in skin diseases, wound healing activity was studied, besides antioxidant activity to understand the mechanism of wound healing. The alchoholic and aqueous extract of this plant showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against almost all the organisms: Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and four fungi Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum—dermatophyte fungi, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus nidulans—systemic fungi, with especially good activity against the dermatophyte (Trichophyton rubrum) and some infectious bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus) with an MIC of 2.5 µg/disc. The results show that A. cadamba extract has potent wound healing capacity as shown from the wound contraction and increased tensile strength. The results also indicated that A. cadamba extract possesses potent antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity.     

马桑提取物促进大鼠烧伤创面愈合的作用和机制

 目的：探讨马桑提取物(CSME)对大鼠烧伤创面愈合的影响及机制。方法：随机将40只SD雄性大鼠分成生理盐水（NS）组、白凡士林（WPJ）组、磺胺嘧啶银（SSD）组和CSME组,每组10只。将大鼠麻醉后,制备背部深Ⅱ度皮肤烧伤创面。而后分别用NS敷料、WPJ敷料、SSD敷料和CSME敷料覆盖治疗21 d。在第1 d、3 d、7 d、14 d和21 d,观察动物的临床症状和创面状况（上皮化速率、结痂及被毛等）后,分别取出创面组织,用于组织学观察,检测丙二醛（MDA）含量和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性,检测表皮生长因子（EGF）和碱性成纤维细胞因子（bFGF）蛋白水平及胶原mRNA表达。结果：CSME组新生上皮生长高度活跃,有大量新生被毛生长,创面上皮化速率明显高于其它各组 (P<0.05)。SSD组创面中央新生被毛稀疏而细小,而CSME组创面中央被毛密集,大部分被毛接近正常。CSME组镜下可见全部被多层上皮细胞覆盖,新生胶原纤维充分分化,排列整齐,组织结构明朗,皮脂腺和毛囊增生极其活跃等,显著优于其它各组。本研究显示,烧伤后从第1 d到21 d,CSME组早期EGF和bFGF水平显著高于其它各组,后期迅速下降,低于其它组（P<0.05或P<0.01）。SSD组Ⅰ型与Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达的比值显著高于其它各组和正常组织,CSME治疗组显著低于其它各组和正常组织(P<0. 05)。结论：本研究表明,CSME可诱导烧伤创面无瘢痕愈合。CSME的这种作用与其早期增强EGF和bFGF蛋白水平,后期抑制两者的水平有关,也可能与其抑制烧伤创面Ⅰ型胶原而增强Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达密切相关。     

A proline derivative-enriched methanol fraction from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (MFSOL) stimulates human keratinocyte cells and exerts a healing effect in a burn wound model

It was previously demonstrated that the methanol fraction of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (MFSOL) promoted anti-inflammatory and healing activity in excisional wounds. Thus, the present work investigated the healing effects of MFSOL on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and experimental burn model injuries. HaCaT cells were used to study MFSOL''s effect on cell migration and proliferation rates. Female Swiss mice were subjected to a second-degree superficial burn protocol and divided into four treatment groups: Vehicle, 1.0% silver sulfadiazine, and 0.5 or 1.0% MFSOL Cream (CrMFSOL). Samples were collected to quantify the inflammatory mediators, and histological analyses were performed after 3, 7, and 14 days. The results showed that MFSOL (50 μg/mL) stimulated HaCaT cells by increasing proliferation and migration rates. Moreover, 0.5% CrMFSOL attenuated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and also stimulated the release of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 after 3 days of treatment. CrMFSOL (0.5%) also enhanced wound contraction, promoted improvement of tissue remodeling, and increased collagen production after 7 days and VEGF release after 14 days. Therefore, MFSOL stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and improved wound healing via modulation of inflammatory mediators of burn injuries.     

Piper sarmentosum enhances fracture healing in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats: a radiological study

INTRODUCTION:

Osteoporotic fractures are common during osteoporotic states. Piper sarmentosum extract is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

OBJECTIVES:

To observe the radiological changes in fracture calluses following administration of a Piper sarmentosum extract during an estrogen-deficient state.

METHODS:

A total of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: (i) the sham-operated group; (ii) the ovariectomized-control group; (iii) the ovariectomized + estrogen-replacement therapy (ovariectomized-control + estrogen replacement therapy) group, which was supplemented with estrogen (100 µg/kg/day); and (iv) the ovariectomized + Piper sarmentosum (ovariectomized + Piper sarmentosum) group, which was supplemented with a water-based Piper sarmentosum extract (125 mg/kg). Six weeks after an ovariectomy, the right femora were fractured at the mid-diaphysis, and a K-wire was inserted. Each group of rats received their respective treatment for 6 weeks. Following sacrifice, the right femora were subjected to radiological assessment.

RESULTS:

The mean axial callus volume was significantly higher in the ovariectomized-control group (68.2±11.74 mm³) than in the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups (20.4±4.05, 22.4±4.14 and 17.5±3.68 mm³, respectively). The median callus scores for the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups had median (range, minimum - maximum value) as 1.0 (0 - 2), 1.0 (1 - 2) and 1.0 (1 - 2), respectively, which were significantly lower than the ovariectomized-control group score of 2.0 (2 - 3). The median fracture scores for the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups were 3.0 (3 - 4), 3.0 (2 - 3) and 3.0 (2 - 3), respectively, which were significantly higher than the ovariectomized-control group score of 2.0 (1 - 2) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The Piper sarmentosum extract improved fracture healing, as assessed by the reduced callus volumes and reduced callus scores. This extract is beneficial for fractures in osteoporotic states.     

Methanol Fractionations of Catha Edulis Frosk (Celastraceae) Contracted Lewis Rat Aorta In Vitro: A Comparison Between Crimson and Green Leaves

The study investigated the effect of methanol extract and its fractionations obtained from Yemeni khat on the smooth muscle isometric tension in Lewis rat aortal ring preparations and compared the effects of the crimson and green leaves. Khat leaves were sorted into green (khat Light; KL) and crimson (khat Dark; KD) leaves, extracted with methanol, followed with solvent-solvent extraction (benzene, chloroform and ethylacetate). The contractile activity of the fractions was tested using aortal ring preparations. The control (phenylepherine contraction) methanol extracts contracted aortas at concentrations 250, 125 and 67.5 µg /1 ml buffer by 80.2%, 57.3%, 26.4% and 81.5%, 65.6%, 24.6% for KL and KD, respectively. Fractions of benzene (BF) and ethylacetate (EaF) contracted the aorta with 2µgm, whereas, chloroform (ChF) with 1 µgm / 1 ml buffer was less potent. The shape of contraction curve produced by EaF differed from that of ChF and BF of both (KL and KD). The EaF induced-contraction peaked after 3.3 ± 0.94 mins, whereas those of BF and CHF peaked after 18.0 ± 2.2, 19.7 ± 0.94 mins, respectively. Pre-incubation with nifedipine (10⁻⁶ M) insignificantly reduced the contraction induced by all fractionations, but prazosin (10⁻⁶ M) reduced the contraction by 81.9%, 63.1%, 71.8% with p= 0.23, 0.09, 0.15 for BF, ChF and EaF of KL, respectively. It significantly reduced contraction of ChF, 64.1%; p= 0.02, and of EaF, 73.5%; p= 0.04 of KD, while the reduction in contraction of BF was 63.1%; p= 0.06. In conclusion, fractions of green and crimson Yemeni khat leaves contracted aortas of Lewis rats. Both leaves behave almost similarly. Contraction induced by chloroform fraction produced alpha-sympathetic activity.     

湿性敷料治疗皮肤Ⅱ度烧伤的比较

背景：已有基础实验证明,伤口在湿性环境下的愈合效果优于干性环境,湿性敷料的研究是皮肤创面愈合研究的重点。 目的：观察湿性敷料对皮肤Ⅱ度烧伤创面的治疗效果。 方法：选取在海南省人民医院门诊接受治疗的38例Ⅱ度烧伤患者,采用自身对照法将创面分为治疗组和对照组,治疗组采用湿性敷料覆盖治疗烧伤创面,对照组采用碘伏纱布或凡士林纱布覆盖,治疗后分别观察两种不同处理方法对创面的愈合效果及对疼痛程度的影响。 结果与结论：所有患者均纳入结果分析,治疗组患者烧伤创面的平均愈合时间为(9.8±3.1) d,对照组创面平均愈合时间为(13.1±2.2) d,两者比较差异有显著性意义(P < 0.01)。治疗组创面疼痛程度明显低于对照组(P < 0.01)。使用湿性敷料(美皮贴或美皮康)治疗Ⅱ度烧伤,可以使创面愈合时间缩短,创面疼痛程度明显降低。     

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 5-Loxin and AflapinAgainst osteoarthritis of the knee: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study

Aflapin^® is a novel synergistic composition derived from Boswellia serrata gum resin (Indian Patent Application No. 2229/CHE/2008). Aflapin is significantly better as an anti-inflammatory agent compared to the Boswellia extracts presently available in the market. A 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy and tolerability of 5-Loxin^® and Aflapin^® in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee (Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN80793440). Sixty OA subjects were included in the study. The subjects received either 100 mg (n=20) of 5-Loxin^® or 100 mg (n=20) of Aflapin^® or a placebo (n=20) daily for 90 days. Each patient was evaluated for pain and physical functions by using the standard tools (visual analog scale, Lequesne''s Functional Index, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) at the baseline (day 0), and at days 7, 30, 60 and 90. A battery of biochemical parameters in serum, urine and hematological parameters in citrated whole blood were performed to assess the safety of 5-Loxin^® and Aflapin^® in OA subjects. Fifty seven subjects completed the study. At the end of the study, both 5-Loxin^® and Aflapin conferred clinically and statistically significant improvements in pain scores and physical function scores in OA subjects. Interestingly, significant improvements in pain score and functional ability were recorded as early as 7 days after initiation of the study in the treatment group supplemented with 100 mg Aflapin. Corroborating the improvements in pain scores in treatment groups, our in vitro studies provide evidences that Aflapin^® is capable of inhibiting cartilage degrading enzyme MMP-3 and has the potential to regulate the inflammatory response by inhibiting ICAM-1. Aflapin^® and 5-Loxin^® reduce pain and improve physical functions significantly in OA subjects. Aflapin exhibited better efficacy compared to 5-Loxin^®. In comparison with placebo, the safety parameters were almost unchanged in the treatment groups. Hence both 5-Loxin^® and Aflapin^® are safe for human consumption.     

A comparative study of fibroblasts in healing freeze and burn injuries in rats.

In rats, the healing process of a full-thickness dermal freeze injury differs from that of a burn wound. Whereas burn wounds heal by wound contraction, the movement of surrounding normal skin over the defect, freeze wounds heal without wound contraction. That absence of contraction may be due to the freeze wound's lack of myofibroblasts, the cells reportedly associated with wound contraction. Myofibroblasts can be demonstrated histologically by staining the F-actin filaments of the stress fibers with NBD-phallacidin, a fluorescent reagent specific to F-actin filaments. Fibroblasts in normal dermis have no staining stress fibers. However, staining myofibroblasts are uniformly distributed in the granulation tissue of the healing burn and in the islands of granulation tissue between residual connective tissue fibers in the healing freeze wound. These residual dermal fibers were identified by their patterns of birefringence. Residual connective tissue matrix persists following cold trauma and acts like an internal splint. Burn trauma destroys cells and the connective tissue matrix, which is completely replaced with granulation tissue which undergoes wound contraction. Freeze trauma kills the cellular components of dermis, while some residual connective tissue fibers endure. This study shows that the connective tissue matrix can play an important role in the control of wound contraction.     

Correlation of DEFA1 gene copy number variation with intestinal involvement in Behcet's disease

Copy number variation has been associated with various autoimmune diseases. We investigated the copy number (CN) of the DEFA1 gene encoding α-defensin-1 in samples from Korean individuals with Behcet''s disease (BD) compared to healthy controls (HC). We recruited 55 BD patients and 35 HC. A duplex Taqman® real-time PCR assay was used to assess CN. Most samples (31.1%) had a CN of 5 with a mean CN of 5.4 ± 0.2. There was no significant difference in the CN of the DEFA1 gene between BD patients and HC. A high DEFA1 gene CN was significantly associated with intestinal involvement in BD patients. Variable DEFA1 gene CNs were observed in both BD patients and HC and a high DEFA1 gene CN may be associated with susceptibility to intestinal involvement in BD.     

Phytochemical and In Vitro Antimicrobial Assay of the Leaf Extract of Newbouldia Laevis

The methanolic leaf extract of Newbouldia laevis was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and in-vitro antimicrobial tests. The extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, steroidal and cardiac glycosides. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extract was assayed by the agar plate disc diffusion and nutrient broth dilution techniques. Test microorganisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella spp. and Candida albicans; all the organisms were laboratory isolates. The extract inhibited the growth of all the test organisms especially against Klebsiella spp. and S. aureus which had mean inhibition zone of 42.3±1.5 and 32.3±1.5 mm respectively. The results showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.563 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. and 3.125 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was 0.39 mg/ml. This study has justified the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of stomach discomfort, diarrhea, dysentery and as a remedy for wound healing whose causative agents are some of the organisms used in this study.     

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Increases Ghrelin mRNA Expression in the Gastric Mucosa

It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori eradication may influence production of some peptides in the stomach, which can affect appetite. This hypothesis is controversial. To verify the hypothesis, we conducted this randomized controlled trial using H. pylori infected subjects without any gastrointestinal symptoms. The treatment group received triple H. pylori eradication therapy for 7 days and the control group received no medication. We measured ghrelin, obestatin and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA levels in endoscopic biopsy specimens and the changes from baseline to follow-up. The plasma active n-octanoyl ghrelin and obestatin levels were measured in both groups. The ghrelin/obestatin ratios in plasma and gastric mRNA expression were calculated at baseline and follow-up. Ghrelin mRNA expression in the fundic mucosa after H. pylori eradication increased significantly compared to the control group (4.47±2.14 vs. 1.79±0.96, P=0.009), independent of inflammatory changes. However, obestatin mRNA expression decreased in the antral mucosa (-0.57±1.06 vs. 0.41±0.72, P=0.028). The treatment group showed a marginal increase (P=0.060) in plasma ghrelin/obestatin ratio. The TNF-α mRNA expression also decreased significantly with treatment. This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that H. pylori eradication increases ghrelin mRNA expression, independent of inflammatory cell changes.     

富林密伤口愈合凝胶在Ⅱ度烧伤及供皮区创面的应用

目的观察富林密伤口愈合凝胶（Flamigel）对Ⅱ度烧伤创面和供皮区创面愈合的影响。方法2003年2月～2007年2月选择70例浅Ⅱ度烧伤、50例深Ⅱ度烧伤和40例供皮区创面作为治疗组，局部创面清创后外用富林密伤口愈合凝胶，无菌敷料覆盖包扎。同期选70例浅Ⅱ度烧伤、50例深Ⅱ度烧伤和40例供皮区创面作为对照组进行常规治疗，观察创面愈合时间、创面局部及全身反应情况。结果70例浅Ⅱ度烧伤创面的愈合时间治疗组和对照组分别为7．9±3．5天和11．3±2．4天；50例深Ⅱ度烧伤创面的愈合时间治疗组和对照组分别为16．4±2．2天和21．4±3．1天；40例供皮区创面的愈合时间治疗组和对照组分别为12．3±3．3天和16．3±2．5天；显示治疗组创面愈合时间明显提前，经统计学处理，有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论富林密伤口愈合凝胶有明显促进烧伤创面和供皮区创面愈合的作用。     

Wound contraction effects and antibacterial properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tualang</Emphasis> honey on full-thickness burn wounds in rats in comparison to hydrofibre

Background  

Full-thickness burn wounds require excision and skin grafting. Multiple surgical procedures are inevitable in managing moderate to severe full-thickness burns. Wound bed preparations prior to surgery are necessary in order to prevent wound infection and promote wound healing. Honey can be used to treat burn wounds. However, not all the honey is the same. This study aims to evaluate the wound contraction and antibacterial properties of locally-produced Tualang honey on managing full-thickness burn wounds in vivo.     

Clinical Characteristics of an Esophageal Fish Bone Foreign Body from Chromis notata

Damselfish Chromis notata is a small fish less than 15 cm long and it is widespread in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Of all the cases of fish bone foreign body (FBFB) disease at our hospital, a damselfish FBFB was very common, and a specific part of the bone complex was involved in the majority of cases. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of damselfish FBFB in Jeju Island. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from March 2004 to March 2011 for foreign body diseases. Among 126 cases of foreign body diseases, there were 77 (61.1%) cases of FBFB. The mean age ± standard deviation was 57.8 ± 12.7 yr, and this was higher in females 60.9 ± 14.6 yr vs 54.1 ± 8.7 yr. Damselfish was the most common origin of a FBFB 36 out of total 77 cases. The anal fin spine-pterygiophore complex of damselfish was most commonly involved and cause more severe clinical features than other fish bone foreign bodies; deep 2.7 ± 0.8 cm vs 2.3 ± 0.8 cm; P < 0.01, more common mural penetration 23/36 vs 10/41; P < 0.01, and longer hospital stay 12.6 ± 20.0 days 4.7 ± 4.8 days; P = 0.02. We recommend removing the anal fin spine-pterygiophore complex during cleaning the damselfish before cooking.     

Therapeutic Effects of Topical Application of Ozone on Acute Cutaneous Wound Healing

This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical ozonated olive oil on acute cutaneous wound healing in a guinea pig model and also to elucidate its therapeutic mechanism. After creating full-thickness skin wounds on the backs of guinea pigs by using a 6 mm punch biopsy, we examined the wound healing effect of topically applied ozonated olive oil (ozone group), as compared to the pure olive oil (oil group) and non-treatment (control group). The ozone group of guinea pig had a significantly smaller wound size and a residual wound area than the oil group, on days 5 (P<0.05) and 7 (P<0.01 and P<0.05) after wound surgery, respectively. Both hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson-trichrome staining revealed an increased intensity of collagen fibers and a greater number of fibroblasts in the ozone group than that in the oil group on day 7. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated upregulation of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions, but not fibroblast growth factor expression in the ozone group on day 7, as compared with the oil group. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that topical application of ozonated olive oil can accelerate acute cutaneous wound repair in a guinea pig in association with the increased expression of PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF.     

Effect of collagen cross-linking inhibition by local application of beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate on wound contraction and healing (macroscopic study)

Wound contraction is a major component of second-intention wound healing. The mechanism of this process is not completely understood. Two theories have been described for the mechanism of the wound contraction. To evaluate the collagen cross-linking inhibition on wound contraction, the present study was carried out. Macroscopical aspects of second-intention healing of full-thickness, excisional wounds were studied in five normal male mixed-breed dogs. Under general anesthesia, two full-thickness skin wounds (20 × 20 mm) were created on the back of each dog symmetrically. Left-side wounds (test group) and right-side wounds (control group) were treated topically with beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate 5 mg/ml in methyl cellulose gel and methyl cellulose gel, respectively. Wounds were treated starting at 24 h after wounding and continued for ten successive days. The wounds were evaluated over a 4-week period. At the days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28, digital photographs were taken of all wounds. Rulers were held vertically and horizontally close to the wound as a reference. The area of the epithelialization and granulation tissue were measured for each wound using Scion Image software. Percent of the wound contraction, epithelialization, and healing were calculated for each wounds. Wound contraction, epithelialization, and healing were significantly decreased in the wounds treated by beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrated that the collagen and collagen cross-linking play a key role in the wound contraction and healing during the first 10 days of the wound healing.     

In-vitro antimicrobial activity of selected honeys on clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori

Background

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium incriminated in gastroduodenal ulcers, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma imposing a major burden on health care systems worldwide. Honeys have been shown to have in vitro activity against microaorganisms and suitable for use in ulcers, infected wounds and burns.

Objective

The study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial potential of honeys (Manuka−, Capillano®, Eco- and Mountain) at different concentrations (10%v/v, 20%v/v, 50%v/v and 75%v/v) against clinical isolates of H. pylori.

Methods

H. pylori was isolated from gastric biopsies of patients with gastroduodenal pathologies following standard microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates to different honey varieties was determined by the disk diffusion assay. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the most potent honey was determined by the agar dilution method. Data were analysed using the Fisher exact test and statistical significance considered at p<0.05.

Results

All the four honey varieties exhibited antibacterial activity. The strongest inhibitory activity (82.22%) was demonstrated by Mountain honey at 75%v/v, followed by Capillano® and Manuka− honeys (75.56%), and Eco-honey (73.36%) at the same concentration. However, no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was noted between the honeys at different concentrations. The MIC and MBC concentrations of Mountain honey were in the range 0.117 – 0.938ì/mL and 0.366 – 2.965ìg/mL respectively. The antimicrobial potential of these honeys at different concentrations were highly comparable to clarithromycin, the positive control.

Conclusion

These honeys may contain compounds with therapeutic potential against our local isolates of H. pylori.