Chitosan-Based Gastric Dressing Materials Loaded with Pomegranate Peel as Bioactive Agents: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Experimentally Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rabbits.

This study reported the fabrication and characterization of gastric dressing, composed of gelatine (GEL), chitosan (CH), and pomegranate peel (PP) extract. The structural changes occurring after γ-irradiation of GEL−CH−PP dressing were reported. The results showed that the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of un-irradiated GEL−CH−PP showed two paramagnetic centers, which corresponded to g = 2.19 and g = 2.002. After irradiation, a new active centre appeared at g = 2.0035 at 10 kGy. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed an increase in peak intensity at C−H chains, as well as the C=O carboxyl groups at 10 kGy, due to the cross-linking phenomenon. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed a low change of crystallinity between the range of 2θ (15−30°). Moreover, γ-rays enhanced scavenging DPPH radical activity (51±%) and chelating power activities 79.12%. A significant inhibition of antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities (p < 0.01) was noticed. The hemolysis rates showed 0.42%, suggesting a high hemocompatibility, and exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (48%). In vivo, the healing effects of GEL−CH−PP dressing showed that the incidence and severity of gastric histopathological lesions decreased, compared with the ulcerated group, which could explain the bioavailability and the pharmacokinetic findings. The results highlight the loading of bioactive agents into polymer-based gastric dressings, with promising pharmacokinetics properties and effects on the induced ulcera in rabbits.

Phytosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Ceratonia siliqua L. and Evidence of Antimicrobial Activity.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a tree crop cultivated extensively in the eastern Mediterranean regions but that has become naturalized in other regions as well. The present study focused on the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from Carob and their evaluation for antimicrobial activity in bacteria and fungi. The synthesized ZnONPs showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25 923 (92%). The NPs inhibited the growth of pathogenic yeast strains, including Candida albicans ATCC90028, Candida krusei ATCC6258, and Candida neoformans ATCC14116, by 90%, 91%, and 82%, respectively, compared to the control. Fungal inhibition zones with the ZnONPs were 88.67% and 90%, respectively, larger for Aspergillus flavus 15UA005 and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC204305, compared to control fungal growth. This study provides novel information relevant for plant-based development of new and potentially antimicrobial ZnONPs based on extracts. In particular, the development and application of phytogenic nanoparticles enhances the biocompatibility of nano-scale materials, thereby allowing to tune effects to prevent adverse outcomes in non-target biological systems.

Novel bioactive adhesive dressing based on gelatin/ chitosan cross-linked cactus mucilage for wound healing.

The development of natural-based wound dressings is of great interest in the field of skin tissue engineering. Herein, different bioactive molecules such as gelatin (GEL), chitosan (CH) and mucilage (MU) were used to prepare a wound dressing. The physico-chemical and biological characterizations occurring after γ-irradiation were investigated. Results showed that Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of un-irradiated GEL-CH-MU biomaterial showed two paramagnetic centers which correspond to g = 1.89 and g = 2.033. A generated new active center appeared at g = 2.003 at 25 kGy due to the interactions of gamma rays with the polymer chain creating signals at the absorbing functional groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra preserved the semi-crystalline structures between a range of 2θ (5° and 45°). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the initiation of cross linking phenomena. Moreover, γ-rays significantly increased antioxidant activity (9.1 ± 0.07%, p < 0.05) and exhibited a high anti-inflammatory activity (70%) at 25 kGy. Significant antibacterial activities in vitro liquid medium was observed. In addition GEL-CH-MU dressing exhibited high hemocompatibility. Conducted investigations state that such innovative dressing natural-based polymers for advanced wound care may be considered as useful for biomedical purposes.

The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma gel on full-thickness cartilage defect repair in a rabbit model.

AIMS: The present study investigates the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel without adjunct to induce cartilage regeneration in large osteochondral defects in a rabbit model. METHODS: A bilateral osteochondral defect was created in the femoral trochlear groove of 14 New Zealand white rabbits. The right knees were filled with PRP gel and the contralateral knees remained untreated and served as control sides. Some animals were killed at week 3 and others at week 12 postoperatively. The joints were harvested and assessed by Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) MRI scoring system, and examined using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) macroscopic and ICRS histological scoring systems. Additionally, the collagen type II content was evaluated by the immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: After 12 weeks post-surgery, the defects of the PRP group were repaired by hyaline cartilage-like tissue. However, incomplete cartilage regeneration was observed in the PRP group for three weeks. The control groups showed fibrocartilaginous or fibrous tissue, respectively, at each timepoint. CONCLUSION: Our study proved that the use of PRP gel without any adjuncts could successfully produce a good healing response and resurface the osteochondral defect with a better quality of cartilage in a rabbit model. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(3):192-202.

Perspective on therapeutic and diagnostic potential of camel nanobodies for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).

In this paper, we focus on the camelid nanobodies as a revolutionary therapy that can guide efforts to discover new drugs for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The small size property makes nanobodies capable of penetrating efficiently into tissues and recognizing cryptic antigens. Strong antigen affinity and stability in the gastrointestinal tract allow them to be used via oral administration. In fact, the use of nanobodies as inhalant can be directly delivered to the target organ, conferring high pulmonary drug concentrations and low systemic drug concentrations and minimal systemic side effects. For that, nanobodies are referred as a class of next-generation antibodies. Nanobodies permit the construction of multivalent formats that may achieve ultra-high neutralization potency and then may prevent mutational escape and can neutralize a wide range of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Due to their distinctive characteristics, nanobodies can be of great use in the development of promising treatment or preventive strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, the state-of-the-art of camel nanobodies design strategies against the virus including SARS-CoV-2 are critically summarized. The application of general nanotechnology was also discussed to mitigate and control emerging SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Genotoxicity effect, antioxidant and biomechanical correlation: experimental study of agarose-chitosan bone graft substitute in New Zealand white rabbit model.

Bone loss associated with skeletal trauma or metabolic diseases often requires bone grafting. In such situations, a biomaterial is necessary for migrated cells to produce new tissue. In this study, agarose-chitosan was implanted in the femoral condyle of New Zealand White rabbits that were divided into three groups: Group I was used as control; Groups II and III were used as implanted tissue with agarose-chitosan and presenting empty defects, respectively. This study evaluated the agarose-chitosan biocompatibility by determining the in vivo genotoxicity, oxidative stress balance that correlated with the hardness mechanical property. Moreover, the histopathological and quantitative elements analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were determined. After 30 days of implantation, the in vivo analysis of genotoxicity showed that agarose-chitosan did not induce chromosome aberration or micronucleus damage. A significant decrease in thiobarbituric and acid-reactive substance was observed after agarose-chitosan implantation in the bone tissue. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly enhanced in agarose-chitosan-treated group compared with that of control group. A negative correlation coefficient of the mechanical property with malonyldialdehyde level was detected (R = -0.998). The histological study exhibited a significantly increased angiogenesis and newly formed tissue. No presence of inflammatory process, necrotic or fibrous tissue was detected. Major and trace elements such as Ca, P, Zn, Mg and Fe were increased significantly in the newly formed bone. These findings show that agarose-chitosan biomaterial implantation might be effective for treating trauma and bone regeneration.

The impact of orthopedic device associated with carbonated hydroxyapatite on the oxidative balance: experimental study of bone healing rabbit model.

Orthopedic devices are used in pathologic disorder as an adjunct to bone grafts to provide immediate structural stability. Unfortunately, the use of metallic devices has some complications. This study aimed to characterize the oxidative stress biomarker and the antioxidant enzyme profiles during bone regeneration. New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 4 groups: Group (I) was used as control (T), Groups II, III, and IV were used, respectively, as implanted tissue with carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA), carbonated hydroxyapatite associated with external fixator (CHA + EF), and presenting empty defects (ED). Grafted bone tissues were carefully removed to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx). Our results showed that 4 weeks after operation, treatment of rabbits with CHA + EF showed a significantly higher malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration when compared to that of control group. The SOD, CAT, and GPx in CHA + EF group showed significantly lower activities when compared to those in control group. Eight weeks after surgery, the CHA + EF group presented a lower concentration of MDA as compared to those seen after the first 4 weeks after surgery. On the other hand, the SOD, CAT, and GPx showed a higher activity when compared with the same group. Consequently, MDA concentration and the antioxidant enzyme activities were not significant (p > 0.05) when compared to those in control group rabbits. Histologic sampling has demonstrated successful time-patterned resorption accompanied by bone replacement and remodeling. These results suggest that there was a temporary increase in the oxidative marker level in CHA + EF healing bone and the 8-week period was sufficient to re-establish oxidant-antioxidant balance accompanied by bone repair in the tibia rabbit model.

Biologic response to carbonated hydroxyapatite associated with orthopedic device: experimental study in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) and related calcium phosphates have been studied for many years as implant materials due to their similarity with the mineral phase of bone. The main limitation of CHA ceramics as well as other bioactive materials is that they have poor mechanical proprieties. It is thought that the mechanical device can cause an increase in metabolic activity and bone healing. In this study we investigated the reactivity and tissue behaviour of implanted CHA biomaterial reinforced by mini external fixator. METHODS: The evaluation of biomaterial biocompatibility and osteogenesis was performed on a rabbit model over a period of 6 weeks by radiological, histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. RESULTS: While rabbits treated with CHA exhibited more bone formation, and fibrous tissue was observed when empty bone defects were observed. EDX analysis detected little calcium and phosphorus on the surface of the bone that was not implanted, while high content of calcium (62.7%) and phosphorus (38%) was found on the interface bone cement. CONCLUSIONS: Bone repairing showed that the mini external fixator stimulated the ossification which was pushed when grafted by CHA. This effect may play an important role in the prevention of implant loosening.

Haematological and biochemical toxicity induced by methanol in rats: ameliorative effects of Opuntia vulgaris fruit extract.

The ameliorative effects of Opuntia vulgaris fruit extract (OE) were evaluated against methanol-induced haematological and biochemical toxicity in rats. The methanol-induced haematological and biochemical perturbation significantly decreased the levels of red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), serum total protein and increased glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in serum. Treatment of rats with methanol significantly increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes. OE treatment could increase significantly the levels of RBC, Hb, Ht and total protein, and decrease glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in serum, and increase the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in erythrocytes, when compared with methanol-treated group. Spleen histopathology showed that OE could significantly reduce the incidence of spleen lesion induced by methanol. These results suggested that OE could exhibit a potential source of natural antioxidants against methanol-induced haematological and biochemical disruption in rats. The protective effects of OE may be due to the modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibition of LPO.