PVA/PVP Nanofibres Incorporated with Ecklonia cava Phlorotannins Exhibit Excellent Cytocompatibility and Accelerate Hyperglycaemic Wound Healing

BACKGROUND@#Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major debilitating complication of diabetes. The lack of effective diabetic wound dressings has been a significant problem in DFU management. In this study, we aim to establish a phlorotanninincorporated nanofibre system and determine its potential in accelerating hyperglycaemic wound healing. @*METHODS@#The effective dose of Ecklonia cava phlorotannins (ECP) for hyperglycaemic wound healing was determined prior to phlorotannin nanofibre fabrication using polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and ECP. Vapour glutaraldehyde was used for crosslinking of the PVA/PVP nanofibres. The phlorotannin nanofibres were characterised, and their safety and cytocompatibility were validated. Next, the wound healing effect of phlorotannin nanofibres was determined with 2D wound scratch assay, whereas immunofluorescence staining of Collagen-I (Col-I) and Cytokeratin-14 (CK-14) was performed in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK), respectively. @*RESULTS@#Our results demonstrated that 0.01 lg/mL ECP significantly improved hyperglycaemic wound healing without compromising cell viability and proliferation. Among all nanofibres, PVA/PVP/0.01 wt% ECP nanofibres exhibited the best hyperglycaemic wound healing effect. They displayed a diameter of 334.7 ± 10.1 nm, a porosity of 40.7 ± 3.3%, and a WVTR of 1718.1 ± 32.3 g/m2 /day. Besides, the FTIR spectra and phlorotannin release profile validated the successful vapour glutaraldehyde crosslinking and ECP incorporation. We also demonstrated the potential of phlorotannin nanofibres as a non-cytotoxic wound dressing as they support the viability and proliferation of both HDF and HEK. Furthermore, phlorotannin nanofibres significantly ameliorated the impaired hyperglycaemic wound healing and restored the hyperglycaemic-induced Col-I reduction in HDF. @*CONCLUSION@#Taken together, our findings show that phlorotannin nanofibres have the potential to be used as a diabetic wound dressing.

Autoimmune Diseases and Gut Symbionts: The Unpopular Liaison

@#In the past few years, compelling data have shown the potential crosstalk between dysbiosis of gut microbiota (GM) and impairment of systemic immune system. Since then, ideas on how GM partake in autoimmune conditions was put forward. Although genetic variability have been proven to contribute towards the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions, epigenetics control have gained interest among researchers. Current review highlights the crosstalk between autoimmune conditions and GM and its potential regulatory mechanisms. Convincing data from existing literature help in paving ways for more well-defined species in the future studies. The studies should focus on identifying the distinct species involve in different types of autoimmune diseases and their definitive role in autoimmunity. Ultimately, these data can be used for the advancement of therapeutic approach in personalized medicine.