The possible mechanism of Hippophae fructus oil applied in tympanic membrane repair identified based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of Hippophae fructus oil (HFO) in the treatment of tympanic membrane (TM) perforation through network pharmacology-based identification. METHODS: The compounds and related targets of HFO were extracted from the TCMSP database, and disease information was obtained from the OMIM, GeneCards, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank databases. A Venn diagram was generated to show the common targets of HFO and TM, and GO and KEGG analyses were performed to explore the potential biological processes and signaling pathways. The PPI network and core gene subnetwork were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. A molecular docking analysis was also conducted to simulate the combination of compounds and gene proteins. RESULTS: A total of 33 compounds and their related targets were obtained from the TCMSP database. After screening the 393 TM-related targets, 21 compounds and 22 gene proteins were selected to establish the network diagram. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that HFO may promote TM healing by influencing cellular oxidative stress and related signaling pathways. A critical subnetwork was obtained by analyzing the PPI network with nine core genes: CASP3, MMP2, IL1B, TP53, EGFR, CXCL8, ESR1, PTGS2, and IL6. In addition, a molecular docking analysis revealed that quercetin strongly binds the core proteins. CONCLUSION: According to the analysis, HFO can be utilized to repair perforations by influencing cellular oxidative stress. Quercetin is one of the active compounds that potentially plays an important role in TM regeneration by influencing 17 gene proteins.

Antioxidant effect of pomegranate extract in reducing acute inflammation due to myringotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of pomegranate extract on acute inflammation due to myringotomy. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised study. SUBJECTS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group one constituted controls. Group two underwent myringotomy. Group three underwent myringotomy and also received 100 µl/day pomegranate extract, via gavage, one day before and two days after surgery. Following sacrifice 48 hours after myringotomy, the animals' right ears were used to determine the concentration of reactive oxygen species, using the chemiluminescence method; left ears were used for histological study. RESULTS: Reactive oxygen species levels were significantly decreased in group three compared with group two (p < 0.01). The density of inflammatory cells in group three was significantly less than that in group two (p < 0.01). Lamina propria thickness and vessel density were also significantly decreased in group three compared with group two (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that oral pomegranate extract decreases reactive oxygen species concentration and acute inflammation in the tympanic membrane after myringotomy.

Calcific diseases. A concept.

New observations portray calcification processes as similar whether occurring normally or pathologically. Most forms of calcification are initiated by membranous organelles, ie, extracellular, calcifying "matrix vesicles" or intracellular mitochondria. Matrix vesicles promote calcification through calcium-binding phospholipids and phosphatase activity. Mitochondria use a forceful, inwardly directed Ca and phosphate transport mechanism. After mineral initiation, the proliferation of mineral crystals is dependent on regulatory factors, such as extracellular Ca2+ and PO4(3-) and other mineral inhibitors and promoters. Calcific diseases are defined as those in which (1) Ca uptake is early, (2) calcification is importantly related to dysfunction, and (3) the control of calcification may lead to decreased morbidity or enhanced diagnostic capability. Calcific diseases include such well-known entities as crystal deposition arthritis, atherosclerosis, calcific valvular sclerosis, tumor calcification, dental plaque, and dysfunctional calcification occurring in implanted cardiovascular devices.

[Penetration of the tympanum by active substances (author's transl)]. / Penetration von Wirkstoffen durch das Trommelfell

In a specially designed animal model the penetration of glucocorticoid and oxytetracycline through the intact tympanic membrane was studied. Dogs were anesthetised for up to 8 h, and the substances were administered to the external auditory meatus. The measured concentration of the applied glucocorticoid in the tympanum showed a level which can be expected to be therapeutically active. When treating the inflamed middle ear, an adjuvant therapy with the combination dexamethasone-21-isonicotinate/oxytetracycline/natamycine/;etracain (Incut) should be taken into consideration. Although oxytetracycline was administered as well, this substance could not be measured in the small samples due to technical reasons. To find out about penetration of o%ytetracycline will have to be the object of another series of experiments.