Anti-psoriatic characteristics of ROCEN (topical Arthrocen) in comparison with Cyclosporine A in a murine model.

Topical ROCEN (Roc), liposomal arthrocen hydrogel, is a robust anti-inflammatory formulation which has been developed for skin diseases such as eczema. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Roc 2% on the healing of imiquimod (Imiq)-induced psoriasis in a mouse model. Psoriasis was induced by applying Imiq topically to the mice's back skin once daily for five consecutive days. Moreover, a group of animal experiments was treated with Cyclosporine A (CsA), as a standard drug, for comparison with Roc treated group. The efficacy of Roc on skin lesions was evaluated by employing Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Subsequently, the skin samples were assessed using Baker's scoring system and Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR analysis. The observational and histopathological results indicated that topical application of Roc significantly reduced the PASI and Baker's scores in the plaque-type psoriasis model. Moreover, biochemical assessments showed that Roc suppressed significantly the increase of IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-α cytokines gene expression in the lesion site of psoriatic animals. In conclusion topical Roc 2% could significantly alleviate major pathological aspects of Imiq-induced psoriasis through inflammation inhibition which was comparable to the CsA drug. The beneficial outcomes of Roc application in the psoriasis model suggest its potential usage in complementary medicine.

Evaluation of zinc oxide nanocomposite with Aloe vera gel for packaging of chicken fillet against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella para typhi A.

The growing demand for high food quality has been encouraging researchers in the food industry to apply biodegradable nanocomposites, which provide new opportunities and challenges for the advance of nanomaterials in the food industry. The objective of this study was to estimate the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity effects of zinc oxide nanocomposite/zeolite (c/Zeo) with Aloe vera gel (AG) and its effect on the shelf life of chicken meat. The ZnONPs/Zeo was assessed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analyses. The cytotoxicity effect of ZnONPs/Zeo was assessed by MTT assay. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ZnONPs/Zeo and ZnONPs/Zeo-AG against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella para typhi A were investigated. Also, the preservative effect of nanocomposites on chicken fillets was evaluated. The results showed that these nanocomposites have the least cytotoxicity effect, resulting in good biocompatibility with the host. The MIC and MBC values of ZnONPs/Zeo-AG were lower than the ZnONPs/Zeo against S. typhi and S. paratyphi A. Both ZnONPs/Zeo-AG and ZnONPs/Zeo caused a significant decrease in the bacterial count of the chicken fillets. So, by spraying on meat, the number of bacteria presented a sharper decline as compared with the control group, resulting in an approximately 3.3 and 3-log10 reduction over 48 h in the ZnONPs/Zeo-AG and ZnONPs/Zeo treatment samples, respectively. In conclusion, antimicrobial packaging with ZnONPs containing A. vera is a beneficial solution for preserving and improving the quality, safety, and shelf life of fresh meat products.

In vitro study of nanoliposomes containing curcumin and doxycycline for enhanced antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

The excessive inappropriate use of systemic antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which pose a significant risk to the success of treatment. This study has approached this problem by developing doxycycline-loaded liposome doped with curcumin (NL-Cur+Dox) for combination antibacterial therapy against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The characterization of formulation revealed encapsulation of both drugs in NL-Cur+Dox with an average size of 239 nm and sustained release behavior. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the vesicular-shaped nanocarriers without any aggregation or crystallization. The cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of NL-Cur+Dox were evaluated. The anti-biofilm and anti-metabolic effects of NL-Cur+Dox -mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) were examined. The data indicated that NL-Cur+Dox -mediated aPDT led to a significant reduction of biofilm (82.7%, p = 0.003) and metabolic activity (75%, p < 0.001) of A. actinomycetemcomitans compared to the control. NL-Cur+Dox had no significant cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblast cells under selected conditions (p = 0.074). In addition, the hemolytic activity of NL-Cur+Dox were negligible (< 5%). These findings demonstrate the potential application of such potent formulations in reducing one of the main bacteria causing periodontitis where the NL-Cur+Dox could be exploited to achieve an improved phototherapeutic efficiency.

The Potential Application of Natural Photosensitizers Used in Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy against Oral Infections.

Oral health problems and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacterial strains have become major global challenges and are essential elements that negatively affect general well-being. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is based on a light source and oxygen that activates a nontoxic photosensitizer, resulting in microbial destruction. Synthetic and natural products can be used to help the APDT against oral microorganisms. The undesirable consequences of conventional photosensitizers, including toxicity, and cost encourage researchers to explore new promising photosensitizers based on natural compounds such as curcumin, chlorella, chlorophyllin, phycocyanin, 5-aminolevulinic acid, and riboflavin. In this review, we summarize in vitro studies describing the potential use of APDT therapy conjugated with some natural products against selected microorganisms that are considered to be responsible for oral infections.

Phosphatidylserine liposomes containing curcumin inhibit bone loss in osteoporotic rats: A possible synergy through a common signaling pathway.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of phosphatidylserine liposomes containing curcumin (PSLs-Cur) on the development of osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids (GCs) in the rat model. PSL-Cur, phosphatidylserine (PSL), curcumin (Cur), and alendronate (AL) drugs as a positive control were administrated orally to evaluate the beneficial effects of 3-week treatments on osteoporotic rats. The biochemical and biomechanical properties of bone parameters as well as gene expression were evaluated in treated rats. Moreover, histomorphometric examinations were performed on the bone tissues of the animals. The results revealed that PSL-Cur oral administration caused a significant improvement in serum markers, mechanical strength, and OPG gene expression rather than PSL or Cur administration in osteoporotic rats. Also, PSL-Cur significantly increased the thickness and volume of cortical and trabecular bone mass in comparison with the untreated osteoporotic group. The results of this study indicated that PSL-Cur had a more inhibitory effect on bone loss induced by GCs compared to AL standard drug. Our findings suggested that PSL-loaded Cur may be an appropriate alternative therapy for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Osteoporosis is one of the most serious metabolic chronic diseases that causes fragile bone due to decreased mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration in humans. The osteoprotective effects of curcumin and phosphatidylserine, as a food spice and supplementary diet, respectively, have been shown, previously. However, the low bioavailability of curcumin (Cur) due to its poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and fast systemic elimination, limits its benefits. This deficit can be modified with phosphatidylserine liposome (PSL) formulation that facilitates the gastrointestinal delivery of Cur. Moreover, PSL is known as an osteoprotective agent that may make synergy effect with Cur against GC-induced osteoporosis. In this study, daily oral administration of phosphatidylserine liposomes containing curcumin (PSL-Cur) for 3 weeks, considerably improved biochemical, biomechanical, and gene expression of bone parameters in the treated animals subjected to osteoporosis. PSL-Cur can significantly increase the thickness and volume of cortical and trabecular bone mass as well as the mechanical bone strength in animals. Experimental findings proposed PSL-Cur consumption as a proper and safe supplementary medication in the controlling of bone loss in patients with a high risk of osteoporosis.

Beneficial effects of ROCEN (Topical Nano-arthrocen) on atopic dermatitis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease mainly caused by immune stimuli. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of ROCEN and to compare it with betamethasone (Beta) on mice subjected to AD. METHODS: First, the safety of topical ROCEN was tested to determine possible sensitization induction in vivo. Then, the mice were subjected to oxazolone (Oxa) to induce chronic AD. Consequently, they underwent treatment with ROCEN and Beta. Scratching and wiping behaviors related to dermatitis were evaluated in treated animals for 35 days. The histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cytokines were performed on the dorsal skin of the treated mice. RESULTS: Topical administration of ROCEN and Beta to the dorsum of sensitized mice for 5 weeks significantly alleviated scratching and wiping symptoms and reduced erythema, scaling, and edema in the skin of the mice with AD. Moreover, histological indices showed that ROCEN effectively reduced leucocyte infiltration and improved skin healing parameters in treated AD mice. Application of ROCEN or Beta reduced IHC markers including IL-8 and TNF-α significantly. CONCLUSION: ROCEN alleviated the AD symptoms similar to betamethasone in an experimental animal model.

Combinatorial therapy of chitosan hydrogel-based zinc oxide nanocomposite attenuates the virulence of Streptococcus mutans.

BACKGROUND: Biofilm formation is an important causative factor in the expansion of the carious lesions in the enamel. Hence, new approaches to efficient antibacterial agents are highly demanded. This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial-biofilm activity of chitosan hydrogel (CS gel), zinc oxide/ zeolite nanocomposite (ZnONC) either separately or combined together [ZnONC / CS gel (ZnONC-CS)] against Streptococcus mutans biofilm. RESULTS: MTT assay demonstrated that the ZnONC-CS exhibits a non-cytotoxic effect (> 90% cell viability) toward human gingival fibroblast cells at different dosages (78.1-625 µg/mL) within 72 h. In comparison with CS gel and ZnONC, ZnONC-CS was superior at biofilm formation and metabolic activity reduction by 33 and 45%, respectively; (P < 0.05). The field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the biofilms grown on the enamel slabs were largely in concordance with the quantitative biofilm assay results. Consistent with the reducing effect of ZnONC-CS on biofilm formation, the expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, and ftf significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, excellent compatibility coupled with an enhanced antimicrobial effect against S. mutans biofilm has equipped ZnONC-CS as a promising candidate for dental biofilm control.

Efficacy of a Natural Topical Skin Ointment for Managing Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Pilot Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new topical skin ointment with natural ingredients (aloe vera, honey, and peppermint) for dressing skin graft donor sites. DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Researchers enrolled patients who were referred for split-thickness skin graft after burns or surgical wounds on the scalp or face area. For each patient, a thin layer of skin (depth, 0.04 mm; approximate size, less than 15 × 7 cm) was harvested from the thigh by a plastic surgeon with an electric or manual dermatome. The donor sites were divided and randomized to receive either natural ointment or petroleum jelly as a topical agent to dressing. Topical agents were applied on donor site wounds on days 0, 4, 7, and 14. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Wound size, pain, erythema, pruritus, patient discomfort, complications, and physician satisfaction were evaluated at each visit. MAIN RESULTS: Among 28 patients, there was no significant difference between the two treatment agents regarding the rate of wound healing (P = .415), pain (P = .081), pruritus (P = .527), and patient discomfort (P = .616). The ointment was superior to petroleum jelly in reducing wound erythema (P = .001) and was associated with significantly better treatment satisfaction (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The natural topical ointment investigated in this study may be an acceptable alternative to petroleum jelly in caring for split-thickness donor skin graft donor site wounds to effectively promote wound healing, prevent infection and scarring, reduce pain, and comfort the patient.

Novel effect of Arthrocen (avocado/soy unsaponifiables) on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold in mice: Role of GABAergic pathway.

Arthrocen, an avocado/soy unsaponifiable (ASU)-containing agent, is now used in the clinic and has potentially to decrease joint inflammation and pain associated with mild to severe osteoarthritis. Phytosterols are the major component of Arthrocen with documented anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant, and analgesic effects. Here, we evaluated ASU anticonvulsant effect by its oral administration in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure threshold and Maximal Electroshock Seizure (MES) Models. Also, the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, benzodiazepine receptor, and nitric oxide (NO) pathway were studied in anticonvulsant effect of ASU in male NMRI mice. Acute administration of Arthrocen (150, 75, 30, 10 mg/kg) by oral gavage significantly (p < 0.001) increased the clonic seizure threshold induced by intravenous administration of PTZ. Nonspecific inducible NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME (10 mg/kg) and a specific NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) did not affect the anticonvulsant effect of Arthrocen, while pretreatment with flumazenil (0.25 mg/kg), a selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, reversed this effect (p < 0.01). Also, Arthrocen treated mice did not affect tonic hindlimb extension in the MES model. The data showed that Arthrocen might produce its anticonvulsant effect by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and/or action in the brain.

Estimation of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Topical NANOCEN (Nanoliposomal Arthrocen) on Mice.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of nanoliposomal avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (NANOCEN) on inflammation inhibition and pain relief in mice. NANOCEN was prepared by the injection method and characterized for vesicle size, charge, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and 1-month vesicle stability. The analysis of ASU formulation showed that liposomes had an average size of around 146 nm with a surface charge of - 43 mV. SEM and TEM imaging confirmed the spherical shape of the nanovesicles in ASU formulation. Moreover, ASU nanoliposomes had a high entrapment efficiency (96%) and exhibited significantly (p < 0.0001) sustained release of the drug in vitro model. The topical NANOCEN (ASU 2%) showed robust anti-inflammatory (p < 0.01) and analgesic effect (p < 0.01) superior to ibuprofen 5%. The histopathology of the inflamed tissues confirmed that the topical ASU formulation potentially (p < 0.001) inhibited infiltration of inflammatory cells. Our findings suggest that the topical formulation of NANOCEN may have local applications for pain relief in medicine.

In vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo wound-healing effect of lecithin liposomes: a comparative study.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the potentials of egg lecithin (egg-l) and soy lecithin (soy-l) liposomes in antioxidative and wound healing properties. Materials & methods: The suspensions of egg-l and soy-l were prepared using the fusion technique. The free radical scavenging activity of both lecithin liposomes was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. Tissue staining was used to assess wound-healing parameter. Results: Liposomal lecithins showed an increasing trend of 1-10 mg/ml in radical-scavenging activities (p < 0.0001). Wound-healing assessments showed a significant effect (p < 0.0001) in treatment with topical lecithin liposomes. The results of wound healing also showed better outcomes of egg-l in comparison with phenytoin 1% cream. Conclusion: Antioxidant lecithin liposomes may enhance the treatment of wound injuries.

Efficacy of nano- and microemulsion-based topical gels in delivery of ibuprofen: an in vivo study.

AIM: Nanoemulsion has shown many advantages in drug delivery systems. In this study, for the first time, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of a nanomelusion of almond oil with and without ibuprofen was compared with corresponding microemulsion and commercial topical gel of the drug using formalin and carrageenan tests, respectively. METHOD: Almond oil (oil phase) was mixed with Tween 80 and Span 80 (surfactants), and ethanol (co-surfactant) and them distilled water (aqueous phase) was then added to the mixture at once. Prepared nanoemulsions were pre-emulsified into a 100 ml beaker using magnet/stirrer (1000 rpm). Then, using a probe ultrasonicator (Hielscher UP400s, Hielscher, Ringwood, NJ) the nanoemulsions were formed. RESULTS: The optimised nanoemulsion formulation containing 2.5% ibuprofen, showed improved analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects compared with commercial product and corresponding microemulsion product containing 5% ibuprofen (i.e. twice the content of ibuprofen in the nanoemulsion) in vivo. The nanoemulsion preparation showed superior analgesic activities during chronic phase. Also, it decreased the inflammation from the first hour, while the microemulsion and the commercial product started to show their anti-inflammatory effects after 2 and 3 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our finding suggests that the size of the emulsion particles must be considered as an important factor in topical drug delivery systems.

Investigating the parameters affecting the stability of superparamagnetic iron oxide-loaded nanoemulsion using artificial neural networks.

Nanoemulsions are increasingly being investigated for their fascinating capability of loading both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules while their stability is still an issue, being affected by various factors. In this study, to evaluate the dominant factors affecting the stability of nanoemulsions, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were implemented. Nanoemulsions of almond oil in water containing oleic acid-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared using a mixture of Tween 80 and Span 80 as surfactant system and ethanol as a co-surfactant. The ratio of transparency of the samples at 30 min and 7 days after preparation was taken as an indication of the stability of samples. Four independent variables, namely, concentration of nanoparticle, surfactant, oil, and alcohol were investigated to find their relations with the dependent variable (i.e., transparency ratio). Using ANNs modeling, it was concluded that the stability is affected by all variables, with all variables showing reverse effect on the stability beyond an optimum amount.

Inhibition of carrageenan-induced edema by tripleurospermum disciforme extract in rats.

In this research anti-inflammatory effect of Tripleurospermum disciforme extract was studied in rats. The effect of the extract against acute inflammation was studied by hind paw edema test. Intraperitoneal injection of different doses (15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 mg kg(-1)) of Tripleurospermum disciforme which was followed by hind paw carageenan injection 1 h later were investigated. The resultant edema was quantified by measuring changes of diameter of hind foot. After 2, 3, 4 and 6 h we measured the anti-inflammatory effect of Tripleurospermum disciforme extract. Tripleurospermum disciforme extract with doses of 45, 60, 90 and 120 mg kg(-1) and indomethacin 5 mg kg(-1) showed significant effect. It is concluded that Tripleurospermum disciforme extract has anti-inflammatory effect against acute inflammation.