Liposome Encapsulation of the Palmitoyl-KTTKS Peptide: Structural and Functional Characterization.

In this study, the amphiphilic N-palmitoyl-KTTKS peptide was integrated in the bilayer of egg-derived phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles using two different preparation methods, namely thin-film evaporation (TLE) and reverse-phase evaporation (REV). Both the REV and TLE methods allowed for the formation of homogeneous liposome dispersions (PdI < 0.20) with mean hydrodynamic diameters of <100 nm and <200 nm, respectively, a net negative surface charge and a percentage of structured phospholipids higher than 90%. The inclusion of the amphiphilic N-palmitoyl-KTTKS peptide within phospholipid-based vesicles could improve peptide stability and skin delivery. Therefore, the obtained liposomes were evaluated via experiments assessing the synthesis of collagen and the ECM in 3T3-NIH fibroblasts. The obtained results showed that, when delivered with PC liposomes, pal-KTTKS stimulated collagen production more than free pentapeptide and 1 mM ascorbic acid, used as a positive control.

In Vitro Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of a Juniperus communis Callus Culture Extract and Matricaria recutita Processing Waste Extract Combination as a Cosmetic Ingredient.

For skin health promotion and cosmetic applications, combinations of plant cell extracts are extensively utilized. As most natural ingredient suppliers offer crude extracts from individual plants or specific isolated compounds, the potential interactions between them are assessed in the development phase of cosmetic products. The industry seeks extract combinations that have undergone optimization and scrutiny for their bioactivities. This study presents a combination of two sustainably produced botanical ingredients and outlines their chemical composition, in vitro safety, and bioactivity for skin health enhancement. The amalgamation comprises the extract of Matricaria recutita processing waste and the extract from Juniperus communis callus culture. Chemical analysis revealed distinct compounds within the extracts, and their combination led to a broader array of potentially synergistic compounds. In vitro assessments on skin cells demonstrated that the combination possesses robust antioxidant properties and the ability to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, along with regulating collagen type I and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) production by dermal fibroblasts. The identified traits of this combination render it an appealing cosmetic component. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first case when the extracts derived from medicinal plant processing waste and biotechnological plant cell cultivation processes have been combined and evaluated for their bioactivity.

Blockage of the adenosine A2B receptor prevents cardiac fibroblasts overgrowth in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sustained pressure overload and fibrosis of the right ventricle (RV) are the leading causes of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although the role of adenosine in PAH has been attributed to the control of pulmonary vascular tone, cardiac reserve, and inflammatory processes, the involvement of the nucleoside in RV remodelling remains poorly understood. Conflicting results exist on targeting the low-affinity adenosine A2B receptor (A2BAR) for the treatment of PAH mostly because it displays dual roles in acute vs. chronic lung diseases. Herein, we investigated the role of the A2BAR in the viability/proliferation and collagen production by cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) isolated from RVs of rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. CFs from MCT-treated rats display higher cell viability/proliferation capacity and overexpress A2BAR compared to the cells from healthy littermates. The enzymatically stable adenosine analogue, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, 1-30 µM), concentration-dependently increased growth, and type I collagen production by CFs originated from control and PAH rats, but its effects were more prominent in cells from rats with PAH. Blockage of the A2BAR with PSB603 (100 nM), but not of the A2AAR with SCH442416 (100 nM), attenuated the proliferative effect of NECA in CFs from PAH rats. The A2AAR agonist, CGS21680 (3 and 10 nM), was virtually devoid of effect. Overall, data suggest that adenosine signalling via A2BAR may contribute to RV overgrowth secondary to PAH. Therefore, blockage of the A2AAR may be a valuable therapeutic alternative to mitigate cardiac remodelling and prevent right heart failure in PAH patients.

The collagen market and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Brazilian consumers regarding collagen ingestion.

Collagen is considered a nutraceutical, and its consumption has been expanding due to the increased life expectancy, rising per capita income, and increased consumer awareness of health care. This study aimed to evaluate consumers' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the consumption of collagen-based products by using an online questionnaire and to correlate them with socio-economic data. A market survey (pharmacy stores and online) was also conducted to evaluate the available products. In total, 275 participants answered the survey, 73.3% from the Southeast region, mostly female (84.0%). Most participants reported three months as the period of collagen intake (31.6%), and the consumption period was associated with the perception of the health benefits (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the participants' knowledge and perceptions regarding collagen intake are frequently associated with dermatological and orthopedic changes. Collagen-based products supplementation is a growing market with a broad target audience (genders, age groups, and socio-economic levels). The commercial presentation of collagen has been diversified over the years, and powder collagen is the most consumed (52.7%) and cheapest compared with capsules, pills, or gummies. The results of the present study demonstrate that most consumers of this type of supplement associate its benefits with aesthetic care such as skin, hair, and nails, although the scientific literature has shown its effects in treating osteoarticular diseases, for example. Undoubtedly, the correct dose prescription, treatment time, and choice of product presentation must be analyzed carefully, as they significantly impact treatment results.

Effect and mechanism of signal peptide and maltose on recombinant type III collagen production in Pichia pastoris.

Recombinant type III collagen plays an important role in cosmetics, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Thus, increasing its production is necessary. After an initial increase in output by modifying the signal peptide, we showed that adding 1% maltose directly to the medium increased the yield and reduced the degradation of recombinant type III collagen. We initially verified that Pichia pastoris GS115 can metabolize and utilize maltose. Interestingly, maltose metabolism-associated proteins in Pichia pastoris GS115 have not yet been identified. RNA sequencing and transmission electron microscopy were performed to clarify the specific mechanism of maltose influence. The results showed that maltose significantly improved the metabolism of methanol, thiamine, riboflavin, arginine, and proline. After adding maltose, the cell microstructures tended more toward the normal. Adding maltose also contributed to yeast homeostasis and methanol tolerance. Finally, adding maltose resulted in the downregulation of aspartic protease YPS1 and a decrease in yeast mortality, thereby slowing down recombinant type III collagen degradation. KEY POINTS: • Co-feeding of maltose improves recombinant type III collagen production. • Maltose incorporation enhances methanol metabolism and antioxidant capacity. • Maltose addition contributes to Pichia pastoris GS115 homeostasis.

Osteomodulin contributes to keloid development by regulating p38 MAPK signaling.

A keloid is a classic fibrotic skin disease characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Osteomodulin (OMD) is a heterologous protein that is a part of osteoadherin and plays a role in modulating ECM deposition. In this study, we investigated the effects of OMD on ECM synthesis and the tumor-like phenotype of keloid fibroblasts. We enrolled 10 patients with keloids and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, whose keloid or normal skin tissues were collected during surgery. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to analyze OMD expression in skin tissues. Cell transfection, CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, Transwell assay, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were performed to study the effects of OMD on primary keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFs). OMD exhibited greater expression in human keloid specimens than in normal skin tissues. Consistently, higher expression of OMD was observed in KFs, compared to that in normal fibroblasts. Silencing OMD expression in transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1-treated KFs inhibited cell proliferation and migration, as well as collagen and fibronectin expression; however, overexpression of OMD had the opposite effect. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was activated in keloid tissues but not in normal skin. OMD was positively correlated with p38 MAPK activation. Adding SB203580, p38 MAPK inhibitor, significantly reversed the effects of OMD on the regulation of KF phenotype. The high expression of OMD may contribute to hyperproliferation of KFs, their migration, and excess ECM synthesis in KFs via regulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Actin alpha 2, smooth muscle, a transforming growth factor-ß1-induced factor, regulates collagen production in human periodontal ligament cells via Smad2/3 pathway.

Background/purpose: Actin alpha 2, smooth muscle (ACTA2) is an actin isoform that forms the cytoskeleton. Actin plays a crucial role in numerous cellular functions. ACTA2 is a marker of functional periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts and is upregulated by transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1); however, the underlying function of ACTA2 in PDL tissue is unknown. We aimed to examine the localization and potential function of ACTA2 in PDL tissues and cells. Materials and methods: RNA expression was determined using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression was determined using immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. Soluble and insoluble collagen production was examined using the Sircol collagen assay and picrosirius red staining, respectively. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used for knockdown assay to examine the effect of ACTA2 in human PDL cells. Results: ACTA2 expression was observed in human primary PDL cells and PDL cell line (2-23 cells). TGF-ß1 upregulated ACTA2, collagen type Ⅰ alpha1 chain (COL1A1), periostin (POSTN), and fibrillin-Ⅰ(FBN1) expression and soluble and insoluble collagen production in 2-23 cells. However, ACTA2 depletion by siRNA strongly suppressed PDL-related gene expression and collagen production compared with those of TGF-ß1-stimulated control cells. Furthermore, ACTA2 knockdown significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. Conclusion: ACTA2 plays a crucial role in PDL-related marker expression and collagen production via Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Our findings might contribute to the development of novel and effective periodontal therapies.

Pivotal Role of Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in Uterine Leiomyoma.

Uterine leiomyomas are smooth-muscle tumors originating in the myometrium and are the most common pelvic tumors in women of reproductive age. Symptomatic tumors may result in abnormal uterine bleeding, bladder dysfunction, pelvic discomfort, and reproductive issues, such as infertility and miscarriage. There are currently few non-invasive treatments for leiomyoma, but there are no practical early intervention or preventive methods. In this study, human uterine leiomyoma and myometrial tissues were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of UCHL1. To explore the effects of UCHL1 knockdown and inhibition in leiomyoma and myometrial cells, we determined the mRNA expressions of COL1A1 and COL3A1. Collagen gel contraction and wound-healing assays were performed on myometrial and leiomyoma cells. We found that UCHL1 expression was considerably higher in uterine leiomyomas than in the myometrium. COL1A1 and COL3A1 expression levels were downregulated after inhibition of UCHL1 in human leiomyoma cells. Furthermore, the elimination of UCHL1 significantly decreased the migration and contractility of leiomyoma cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that UCHL1 is involved in the growth of leiomyoma in humans. For the treatment of uterine leiomyoma, targeting UCHL1 activity may be a unique and possible therapeutic strategy.

Tissue Remodeling After Implantation with Polymethylmethacrylate: An Experimental Study in Mice.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a filler used for aesthetic and/or repair purposes. The response to the implantation of biomaterials varies according to factors related to the patient, the professional responsible for the application and the material used. In vitro and in vivo experimental models have been used to study aspects such as the organism/biomaterial interface and the role of macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils. This study aimed to characterize the inflammatory reactions related to polymer concentration, implantation depth and exposure time. Different concentrations of PMMA were implanted in different anatomical planes in mice. The consequences of contact with PMMA, from structural changes to the inflammatory characteristic of tissue damage, were histologically evaluated. The implantation interfered in the morphological structure of the region where it was implanted, expanding it and due to the inflammatory reaction generated, by the presence of the vehicle in the initial phase and by the collagen produced in the chronic phase. The 30% concentration of PMMA induced a greater presence of foreign body giant cells both subcutaneously, at 7, 30 and 90 days after implantation (DAI), and intramuscular at 30DAI. Tissue remodeling was more expressive in the subcutaneous region with significant density of the extracellular matrix at 90DAI. In conclusion, the foreign body reaction resulting from the implantation process acquires different characteristics depending on the anatomical plane and the concentration of implanted product, where the more superficial the implantation plane, the greater the inflammatory reaction. Moreover, PMMA concentration and the depth of implantation did not influence the collagen production.No Level Assigned This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://www.springer.com/00266.

Effects of RGD-fused silk fibroin in a solution format on fibroblast proliferation and collagen production.

BACKGROUND: Collagen production in fibroblasts is important for skin tissue repair. Cell-adhesive Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides immobilized on scaffolds stimulate fibroblast collagen production, but RGD peptides in solution exhibit opposite effects. Transgenic silkworm technology enables the design of fusion positions for RGD peptides in silk fibroin molecules. The effect of RGD-fused silk fibroin in solution on fibroblast cell activity remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the effects of RGD peptides fused to silk fibroin heavy (H)-chain or light (L)-chain on fibroblast proliferation and collagen production when RGD-fused silk fibroin proteins were added to the culture medium. METHODS: Silk fibers with RGD-fused H-chains (H-RGD) or L-chains (L-RGD) were degummed, dissolved, and dialyzed to prepare H-RGD or L-RGD aqueous solutions, respectively. These solutions were added to the fibroblast medium, and their proliferation and collagen production were quantified. RESULTS: Both L- and H-RGD stimulated fibroblast proliferation at a similar level, even in a solution format, but L-RGD promoted fibroblast collagen production significantly, indicating the synergistic effect of the native H-chain and RGD-fused L-chain. CONCLUSION: RGD-fused silk fibroin in solution stimulated fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, depending on the fusion position of the peptides.

Revitalizing Skin Repair: Unveiling the Healing Power of Livisin, a Natural Peptide Calcium Mimetic.

When the skin is damaged, accelerating the repair of skin trauma and promoting the recovery of tissue function are crucial considerations in clinical treatment. Previously, we isolated and identified an active peptide (livisin) from the skin secretion of the frog Odorrana livida. Livisin exhibited strong protease inhibitory activity, water solubility, and stability, yet its wound-healing properties have not yet been studied. In this study, we assessed the impact of livisin on wound healing and investigated the underlying mechanism contributing to its effect. Our findings revealed livisin effectively stimulated the migration of keratinocytes, with the underlying mechanisms involved the activation of CaSR as a peptide calcium mimetic. This activation resulted in the stimulation of the CaSR/E-cadherin/EGFR/ERK signaling pathways. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of livisin were partially reduced by blocking the CaSR/E-cadherin/EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. The interaction between livisin and CaSR was further investigated by molecular docking. Additionally, studies using a mouse full-thickness wound model demonstrated livisin could accelerate skin wound healing by promoting re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. In conclusion, our study provides experimental evidence supporting the use of livisin in skin wound healing, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic option.

Combination of Glycinamide and Ascorbic Acid Synergistically Promotes Collagen Production and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

The purpose of this study is to present a novel strategy to enhance collagen production in cells. To identify amino acid analogs with excellent collagen production-enhancing effects, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were treated with 20 kinds of amidated amino acids and 20 kinds of free amino acids, individually at 1 mM. The results showed that glycinamide enhanced collagen production (secreted collagen level) most effectively. Glycine also enhanced collagen production to a lesser degree. However, other glycine derivatives, such as N-acetyl glycine, N-acetyl glycinamide, glycine methyl ester, glycine ethyl ester, and glycyl glycine, did not show such effects. Glycinamide increased type I and III collagen protein levels without affecting COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA levels, whereas transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1, 10 ng mL-1) increased both mRNA and protein levels of collagens. Ascorbic acid (AA, 1 mM) increased COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA and collagen I protein levels. Unlike TGF-ß1, AA and glycinamide did not increase the protein level of α-smooth muscle actin, a marker of differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. The combination of AA and glycinamide synergistically enhanced collagen production and wound closure in HDFs to a level similar to that in cells treated with TGF-ß1. AA derivatives, such as magnesium ascorbyl 3-phosphate (MAP), 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl 2-O-glucoside, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, enhanced collagen production, and the mRNA and protein levels of collagens at 1 mM, and their effects were further enhanced when co-treated with glycinamide. Among AA derivatives, MAP had a similar effect to AA in enhancing wound closure, and its effect was further enhanced by glycinamide. Other AA derivatives had different effects on wound closure. This study provides a new strategy to enhance cell collagen production and wound healing using glycinamide in combination with AA.

Ethanolic Fenugreek Extract: Its Molecular Mechanisms against Skin Aging and the Enhanced Functions by Nanoencapsulation.

Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (family Leguminosae) seeds, are typically used as food supplements to increase postnatal lactation. Fenugreek extract displays antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, but its mechanisms against skin aging have not been exploited. In this research, we are the first to define an in vitro collagenase inhibitory activity of fenugreek extract (IC50 = 0.57 ± 0.02 mg/mL), which is 2.6 times more potent than vitamin C (IC50 = 1.46 mg/mL). Nanoencapsulation has been applied to improve the extract stability, and subsequently enhanced its bioactivities. Liponiosome encapsulating fenugreek extract (LNF) was prepared using a high-speed homogenizer, resulting in homogeneous spherical nanoparticles with sizes in the range of 174.7 ± 49.2 nm, 0.26 ± 0.04 in PdI, and 46.6 ± 7.4% of entrapment efficiency. LNF formulation significantly facilitated a sustained release and significantly enhanced skin penetration over the extracts, suggesting a potential use of LNF for transdermal delivery. The formulated LNF was highly stable, not toxic to human fibroblast, and was able to enhance cell viability, collagen production, and inhibit MMP1, MMP9, IL-6, and IL-8 secretions compared to the extract in the co-cultured skin model. Therefore, ethanolic fenugreek extract and its developed LNF display molecular mechanisms against skin aging and could potentially be used as an innovative ingredient for the prevention of skin aging.

Calcium and integrin binding protein 1 (CIB1) induces myocardial fibrosis in myocardial infarction via regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a severe coronary artery disease resulted from substantial and sustained ischemia. Abnormal upregulation of calcium and integrin binding protein 1 (CIB1) has been found in several cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we established a mouse model of MI by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. CIB1 was upregulated in the heart of MI mice. Notably, CIB1 knockdown by intramuscular injection of lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting Cib1 improved cardiac function and attenuated myocardial hypertrophy and infarct area in MI mice. MI-induced upregulation of α-SMA, vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III, which resulted in collagen production and myocardial fibrosis, were regressed by CIB1 silencing. In vitro, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) isolated from mice were subjected to angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment. Inhibition of CIB1 downregulated the expression of α-SMA, vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III in Ang II-treated CFs. Moreover, CIB1 knockdown inhibited Ang II-induced phosphorylation of PI3K-p85 and Akt in CFs. The effect of CIB1 knockdown on Ang II-induced cellular injury was comparable to that of LY294002, a specific inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway. We demonstrated that MI-induced cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction might be attributed to the upregulation of CIB1 in MI mice. Downregulation of CIB1 alleviated myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction by decreasing the expression of α-SMA, vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, CIB1 may be a potential target for MI treatment.

MALAT1 promotes liver fibrosis by sponging miR­181a and activating TLR4­NF­κB signaling.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether long non­coding RNA metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) could modulate activation and inflammation of hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) via regulation of a microRNA (miR)­181a­toll like receptor (TLR)4/nuclear factor (NF)­κB axis, thereby contributing to the development of liver fibrosis. A total of 151 patients with liver fibrosis were recruited, and the serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and albumin were determined. Transforming growth factor (TGF)­ß1 and LPS were used to activate and induce inflammation in the human HSC cell line LX2. MALAT1 was knocked using small interfering RNA or overexpressed, and an inhibitor and mimic of miR­181a­5p were used to examine the effect of MALAT1 and miR­181a­5p on the activation and inflammation of LX2 cells. Both MALAT1 and miR­181a­5p expression performed well in their ability to differentiate patients with liver fibrosis from healthy volunteers, and MALAT1 expression was associated with the severity of liver fibrosis. The expression levels of TLR4 and NF­κB were increased after stimulation with LPS or TGF­ß1, but MALAT1 knockdown or miR­181a­5p mimic transfection abrogated this increase. Moreover, the TGF­ß1­induced increase in viability, proliferation, migration, adhesion and collagen production, and the LPS­induced inflammation of LX2 cells were all reversed after MALAT1 knockdown or transfection with miR­181a­5p mimic. The MALAT1/miR­181a­5p axis was involved in regulating collagen production and inflammation by activating TLR4/NF­κB signaling, which may be conducive to liver fibrosis treatment in the future.

Histological comparison of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma in young and adult cattle.

The histology and immunohistochemistry of pleomorphic and conventional epithelioid mesotheliomas were examined. The former was detected in two young calves aged 2 and 4 months and was characterized by pleomorphic and atypical cells with decreased expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7). In contrast, the latter was found in a 31-month-old heifer, consisting of tumor cells uniform in size and shape with CK7 expression in nearly all cells. Production of collagen by tumor cells was demonstrated in both histological types, and was considered to be characteristic of bovine epithelioid mesothelioma. Pleomorphic mesothelioma is far more pleomorphic and mitotically active than conventional mesothelioma, and its normal counterpart may be immature mesothelial cells with high proliferation potential, which exist in fetal life and early calfhood.

Collagen production and niche engineering: A novel strategy for cancer cells to survive acidosis in DCIS and evolve.

Growing tumors are dynamic and nonlinear ecosystems, wherein cancer cells adapt to their local microenvironment, and these adaptations further modify the environment, inducing more changes. From nascent intraductal neoplasms to disseminated metastatic disease, several levels of evolutionary adaptations and selections occur. Here, we focus on one example of such an adaptation mechanism, namely, "niche construction" promoted by adaptation to acidosis, which is a metabolic adaptation to the early harsh environment in intraductal neoplasms. The avascular characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) make the periluminal volume profoundly acidic, and cancer cells must adapt to this to survive. Based on discovery proteomics, we hypothesized that a component of acid adaptation involves production of collagen by pre-cancer cells that remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stabilizes cells under acid stress. The proteomic data were surprising as collagen production and deposition are commonly believed to be the responsibility of mesenchymally derived fibroblasts, and not cells of epithelial origin. Subsequent experiments in 3D culture, spinning disk and second harmonic generation microscopy of DCIS lesions in patients' samples are concordant. Collagen production assay by acid-adapted cells in vitro demonstrated that the mechanism of induction involves the RAS and SMAD pathways. Secretome analyses show upregulation of ECM remodeling enzymes such as TGM2 and LOXL2 that are collagen crosslinkers. These data strongly indicate that acidosis in incipient cancers induces collagen production by cancer cells and support the hypothesis that this adaptation initiates a tumor-permissive microenvironment promoting survival and growth of nascent cancers.

CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 could be a relevant molecular axis in the pathophysiology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease of unknown cause. It is characterized by the aberrant activation of the bronchioalveolar epithelium, the formation of fibroblast foci and the excessive production extracellular matrix. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the pathobiology of the disease are unclear. The CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis regulates cellular responses that are known to be relevant in IPF, such as proliferation and collagen production. In this study, we characterize for the first time the expression of CX3CL1 and its receptor in lung tissue from patients with IPF; and its effect on collagen production in IPF fibroblasts. We found that CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis has a modified expression in the lung tissue, importantly this axis is expressed on fibroblasts, and CX3CL1 decreased the collagen production in pulmonary fibroblasts derived from IPF patients.

In Vitro Studies of Jatropha curcas L. Latex Spray Formulation for Wound Healing Applications.

OBJECTIVES: There is an increasing demand for wound healing products of natural origin. Our objective was to develop a spray formulation from Jatropha curcas (J. curcas) L. latex extracts for wound healing applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: J. curcas L. latex was subjected to solvent extraction. The phytochemical structure was elucidated by 1H-NMR and confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer spectrometry. A topical spray formulation prepared from J. curcas latex extracts was evaluated in terms of its antimicrobial activity and radical scavenging activity. The toxicity of the formulation on fibroblast cell lines, collagen production, and wound healing activities were tested. RESULTS: The 1H-NMR and mass spectrometric analyses revealed the pure compound as curcacycline A. The J. curcas latex extract formulation had radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. Moreover, the formulation was not toxic to the human fibroblast cells and it stimulated collagen production and healed cell injury in 24 h. CONCLUSION: The J. curcas latex extract promoted wound healing after cell injury. Our findings indicate the possibility of utilizing the J. curcas latex extract spray formulation as a potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing product from nature.

Upregulation of HSP72 attenuates tendon adhesion by regulating fibroblast proliferation and collagen production via blockade of the STAT3 signaling pathway.

The proliferation of fibroblasts creates an environment favoring post-operative tendon adhesion, but targeted therapy of this pathology remains in its infancy. In this study, we explored the effect of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), a major inducible member of the heat shock protein family that can protect cells against many cellular stresses including heat shock, on fibroblast proliferation in tendon adhesion, with its underlying mechanisms investigated. HSP72 expression was examined in an established rat model of tendon injury using RT-qPCR and immunoblot analysis. After conducting ectopic expression and depletion experiments in fibroblast NIH3T3 cells, we determined the effects of HSP72 on the expression of α-SMA and STAT3 signaling pathway-related genes, fibroblast proliferation, as well as collagen production. The mRNA (65.46%) and protein (63.65%) expression of HSP72 was downregulated in the rat model of tendon injury. The in vitro experiments revealed that overexpression of HSP72 inhibited fibroblast proliferation (42.57%) and collagen production (45.60%), as well as reducing α-SMA expression (42.49%) and the extent of STAT3 phosphorylation (55.46%). Moreover, we observed that HSP72 overexpression reduced inflammation as well as the number of inflammatory cell infiltration and fibroblasts in vivo. Furthermore, the inhibited extent of STAT3 phosphorylation contributed to the impaired fibroblast proliferation and collagen production evoked by upregulated HSP72. In summary, the present study unveils an inhibitory role of HSP72 in tendon adhesion via inactivation of the STAT3 signaling pathway. This finding may enable the development of new therapeutic strategies for the prevention against tendon adhesion.