Development and characterization of an emulgel based on a snail slime useful for dermatological applications.

Snail slime is an interesting material for effective dermatological use (e.g. wounds). Its properties are stricly connected to the origin. In this paper a snail slime, deriving from the species Helix aspersa Muller and obtained from a company, was deeply characterized and then properly formulated. The slime, obtained by Donatella Veroni method, was firstly submitted to NMR analysis in order to evaluate the chemical composition. The main molecules found are glycolate and allantoin, well known for their activities in wound healing promotion. In vitro experiments performed on keratinocytes, revealed the snail slime ability to promote cellular well-being. Moreover, the microbiological analysis showed high activity against many strains involved in wounds infections such as gram+ (e.g. S. aureus, S. pyogenes), gram- (e.g. P. aeruginosa, E. coli) and the yeast C. albicans. The effect on skin elasticity was evaluated as well by the instrument Cutometer® dualMPA580. The snail slime was then formulated as hydrophilic gel, using a combination of corn starch and sodium hyaluronate as polymers, then used as external water phase of an O/W emulgel. The formulation is physically stable and easily spreadable and demonstrated antimicrobial activity as observed for slime alone, suggesting its suitability to be used for wound treatment.

Mechanical Transfer of Black Phosphorus on a Silk Fibroin Substrate: A Viable Method for Photoresponsive and Printable Biomaterials.

Despite the technological importance of semiconductor black phosphorus (BP) in materials science, maintaining the stability of BP crystals in organic media and protecting them from environmental oxidation remains challenging. In this study, we present the synthesis of bulk BP and the exploitation of the viscoelastic properties of a regenerated silk fibroin (SF) film as a biocompatible substrate to transfer BP flakes, thereby preventing oxidation. A model based on the flow of polymers revealed that the applied flow-induced stresses exceed the yield stress of the BP aggregate. Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the exfoliation efficiency as well as the environmental stability of BP transferred on the SF substrate. Notably, BP flakes transferred to the SF substrate demonstrated improved stability when SF was dissolved in a phosphate-buffered saline medium, and in vitro cancer cell viability experiments demonstrate the tumor ablation efficiency under visible to near-infrared (Vis-nIR) radiation. Moreover, the SF and BP-enriched SF (SF/BP) solution was shown to be processable via extrusion-based three-dimensional (3D) printing. Therefore, this work paves the way for a general method for the transferring of BP on natural biodegradable polymers and processing them via 3D printing toward novel functionalities and complex shapes for biomedical purposes.

Correction to "Electrospun Nanofibrous UV Filters with Bidirectional Actuation Properties Based on Salmon Sperm DNA/Silk Fibroin for Biomedical Applications".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04563.].

Sphingomyelin Metabolism Modifies Luminal A Breast Cancer Cell Line under a High Dose of Vitamin C.

The role of sphingomyelin metabolism and vitamin C in cancer has been widely described with conflicting results ranging from a total absence of effect to possible preventive and/or protective effects. The aim of this study was to establish the possible involvement of sphingomyelin metabolism in the changes induced by vitamin C in breast cancer cells. The MCF7 cell line reproducing luminal A breast cancer and the MDA-MB-231 cell line reproducing triple-negative breast cancer were used. Cell phenotype was tested by estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression, and proliferation index percentage. Sphingomyelin was localized by an EGFP-NT-Lys fluorescent probe. Sphingomyelin metabolism was analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blotting and UFLC-MS/MS. The results showed that a high dose of vitamin C produced reduced cell viability, modulated cell cycle related genes, and changed the cell phenotype with estrogen receptor downregulation in MCF7 cell. In these cells, the catabolism of sphingomyelin was promoted with a large increase in ceramide content. No changes in viability and molecular expression were observed in MB231 cells. In conclusion, a high dose of vitamin C induces changes in the luminal A cell line involving sphingomyelin metabolism.

Goji Berry in the Diet of the Rabbit Buck: Effects on Semen Quality, Oxidative Status and Histological Features of the Reproductive Tract.

Goji berry (GB) shows beneficial effects on human health, although its effects on the male rabbit have been little investigated. This study examines the impact of GB dietary supplementation on the semen traits, antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, and histological features of the reproductive tract of rabbit buck. Eighteen rabbits were distributed into two dietary groups: one receiving a commercial feed (Control), and the other a feed supplemented with 1% of GB (Goji). After a nutritional adaptation period of 60 days, the animals were subjected to semen collection every 15 days. The semen traits, libido, antioxidant, and inflammatory parameters were collected and analyzed. The rabbits were sacrificed after 60 days, and tissues of the genital tract were analyzed. Compared to the Control group, the Goji group showed higher spermatozoa concentration, motility, and vitality (p < 0.05), as well as fewer abnormal spermatozoa and a higher libido (p < 0.1). Histological features such as functional activity and hyperplasia were improved by GB and correlated with some semen traits (p < 0.05). Conversely, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were unaffected by the diet. These findings suggest that GB acts on the tissues of the reproductive tract positively influencing semen quality, although further studies are needed to understand the effect on oxidative stress.

Electrospun Nanofibrous UV Filters with Bidirectional Actuation Properties Based on Salmon Sperm DNA/Silk Fibroin for Biomedical Applications.

In this study, we dissolved Bombyx mori degummed silk [i.e., silk fibroin (SF)] and salmon sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in water and used a bioinspired spinning process to obtain an electrospun nanofibrous SF-based patch (ESF). We investigated the bidirectional macroscale actuation behavior of ESF in response to water vapor and its UV-blocking properties as well as those of ESF/DNA films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results suggest that the formation of ß-sheet-rich structures promotes the actuation effect. ESF/DNA film with high-ordered and ß-sheet-rich structures exhibits higher electrical conductivity and is water-insoluble. Given the intrinsic ability of both SF and DNA to absorb UV radiation, we performed biological experiments on the viability of keratinocyte HaCaT cells after exposure to solar spectrum components. Our findings indicate that the ESF/DNA patch is photoprotective and can increase the cellular viability of keratinocytes after UV exposure. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ESF/DNA patches treated with water vapor can serve as suitable scaffolds for tissue engineering and can improve tissue regeneration when cellularized with HaCaT cells. The 3D shape morphing capability of these patches, along with their potential as UV filters, could offer significant practical advantages in tissue engineering.

4D Printing Shape-Morphing Hybrid Biomaterials for Advanced Bioengineering Applications.

Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an innovative additive manufacturing technology used to fabricate structures that can evolve over time when exposed to a predefined environmental stimulus. 4D printed objects are no longer static objects but programmable active structures that accomplish their functions thanks to a change over time in their physical/chemical properties that usually displays macroscopically as a shapeshifting in response to an external stimulus. 4D printing is characterized by several entangled features (e.g., involved material(s), structure geometry, and applied stimulus entities) that need to be carefully coupled to obtain a favorable fabrication and a functioning structure. Overall, the integration of micro-/nanofabrication methods of biomaterials with nanomaterials represents a promising approach for the development of advanced materials. The ability to construct complex and multifunctional triggerable structures capable of being activated allows for the control of biomedical device activity, reducing the need for invasive interventions. Such advancements provide new tools to biomedical engineers and clinicians to design dynamically actuated implantable devices. In this context, the aim of this review is to demonstrate the potential of 4D printing as an enabling manufacturing technology to code the environmentally triggered physical evolution of structures and devices of biomedical interest.

Polymeric Patches Based on Chitosan/Green Clay Composites and Hazelnut Shell Extract as Bio-Sustainable Medication for Wounds.

Hazelnut shells, the main waste deriving from hazelnut processing, represent an interesting source of active molecules useful in pharmaceutics, although they have not yet been examined in depth. A hydrosoluble extract (hazelnut shell extract, HSE) was prepared by the maceration method using a hydroalcoholic solution and used as the active ingredient of patches (prepared by casting method) consisting of composites of highly deacetylated chitosan and green clay. In vitro studies showed that the formulation containing HSE is able to stimulate keratinocyte growth, which is useful for healing purposes, and to inhibit the growth of S. aureus (Log CFU/mL 0.95 vs. 8.85 of the control after 48 h); this bacterium is often responsible for wound infections and is difficult to treat by conventional antibiotics due to its antibiotic resistance. The produced patches showed suitable tensile properties that are necessary to withstand mechanical stress during both the removal from the packaging and application. The obtained results suggest that the developed patch could be a suitable product to treat wounds.

Development of Salmon Sperm DNA/Regenerated Silk Bio-Based Films for Biomedical Studies on Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells under Solar Spectrum.

In this study, we fabricated adhesive patches from silkworm-regenerated silk and DNA to safeguard human skin from the sun's rays. The patches are realized by exploiting the dissolution of silk fibers (e.g., silk fibroin (SF)) and salmon sperm DNA in formic acid and CaCl2 solutions. Infrared spectroscopy is used to investigate the conformational transition of SF when combined with DNA; the results indicated that the addition of DNA provides an increase in the SF crystallinity. UV-Visible absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy showed strong absorption in the UV region and the presence of B-form of DNA once dispersed in the SF matrix, respectively. Water absorption measurements as well as thermal dependence of water sorption and thermal analysis, suggested the stability of the fabricated patches. Biological results on cellular viability (MTT assay) of keratinocyte HaCaT cells after exposures to the solar spectrum showed that both SF and SF/DNA patches are photo-protective by increasing the cellular viability of keratinocytes after UV component exposure. Overall, these SF/DNA patches promise applications in wound dressing for practical biomedical purposes.

Formulation and characterization of sustainable bioadhesive films for wound treatment based on barley ß-glucan extract obtained using the high power ultrasonic technique.

ß-glucan is a well-known functional and bioactive food ingredient. Recently, some studies highlighted several interesting pharmacological activities, such as hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study is to evaluate a novel application of ß-glucan, obtained from barley, for the development of formulations for skin use. Several water suspensions were obtained from barley flour of different particle sizes treated by high power ultrasonic (HPU) technique. Barley flour fraction in the range of 400-500 µm allowed to obtain a stable suspension, represented both by a water soluble and water insoluble fraction of ß-glucans, that showed excellent film forming ability. The plasticizer sorbitol as well as the bioadhesive biopolymer acacia gum were added to this suspension in order to obtain a gel suitable to prepare films by casting. The obtained films demonstrated suitable mechanical properties and ability to stimulate in vitro keratinocytes growth suggesting its possible application in dermatological field as for wound treatment. This study demonstrated the dual use of barley suspension: as excipient and as active ingredient.

The Effect of Cholesterol in MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cells.

In the last decade, cholesterol level has been implicated in several types of cancer, including breast cancer. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the condition of lipid depletion, hypocholesterolemia or hypercholesterolemia reproduced in vitro to analyze the response of different human breast cancer cells. Thus, MCF7 as the luminal A model, MB453 as the HER2 model and MB231 as the triple-negative model were used. No effect on cell growth and viability was detected in MB453 and MB231 cells. In MCF7 cells, hypocholesterolemia (1) reduced cell growth, and Ki67 expression; (2) increased ER/PgR expression; (3) stimulated the 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and neutral sphingomyelinase and; (4) stimulated the expression of CDKN1A gene coding cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A protein, GADD45A coding growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible alpha protein and, PTEN gene coding phosphatase and tensin homolog. All these effects were exacerbated by the lipid-depleted condition and reversed by the hypercholesterolemic condition. The relationship between cholesterol level and sphingomyelin metabolism was demonstrated. In summary, our data suggest that cholesterol levels should be controlled in luminal A breast cancer.

SLC6A4 DNA Methylation Levels and Serum Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio in Eating Disorders: A Possible Link with Psychopathological Traits?

Background: The incidence of eating disorders (EDs), serious mental and physical conditions characterized by a disturbance in eating or eating-related behaviors, has increased steadily. The present study aims to develop insights into the pathophysiology of EDs, spanning over biochemical, epigenetic, psychopathological, and clinical data. In particular, we focused our attention on the relationship between (i) DNA methylation profiles at promoter-associated CpG sites of the SCL6A4 gene, (ii) serum kynurenine/tryptophan levels and ratio (Kyn/Trp), and (iii) psychopathological traits in a cohort of ED patients. Among these, 45 patients were affected by restricting anorexia nervosa (AN0), 21 by purging AN (AN1), 21 by bulimia (BN), 31 by binge eating disorders (BED), 23 by unspecified feeding or eating disorders (UFED), and finally 14 by other specified eating disorders (OSFED) were compared to 34 healthy controls (CTRs). Results: Kyn level was higher in BED, UFED, and OSFED compared to CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). On the other hand, AN0, AN1, and BN patients showed significatively lower Kyn levels compared to the other three ED groups but were closed to CTRs. Trp was significantly higher in AN0, AN1, and BN in comparison to other ED groups. Moreover, AN1 and BN showed more relevant Trp levels than CTRs (p <0.001). BED patients showed a lower Trp as compared with CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, Kyn/Trp ratio was lower in the AN1 subtype but higher in BED, UFED, and OSFED patients than in CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). SCL6A4 DNA methylation level at CpG5 was lower in AN0 compared to BED (p = 0.021), and the CpG6 methylation was also significantly lower in AN0 in comparison to CTRs (p = 0.025). The mean methylation levels of the six CpGs analyzed were lower only in the AN0 subgroup compared to CTRs (p = 0.008). Relevant psychological trait EDI-3 subscales were correlated with biochemical and epigenetic data. Conclusions: These findings underline the complexity of psychological and pathophysiological components of EDs.

Biomaterial Inks from Peptide-Functionalized Silk Fibers for 3D Printing of Futuristic Wound-Healing and Sensing Materials.

This study illustrates the sensing and wound healing properties of silk fibroin in combination with peptide patterns, with an emphasis on the printability of multilayered grids, and envisions possible applications of these next-generation silk-based materials. Functionalized silk fibers covalently linked to an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide create a platform for preparing a biomaterial ink for 3D printing of grid-like piezoresistors with wound-healing and sensing properties. The culture medium obtained from 3D-printed silk fibroin enriched with RGD peptide improves cell adhesion, accelerating skin repair. Specifically, RGD peptide-modified silk fibroin demonstrated biocompatibility, enhanced cell adhesion, and higher wound closure rates at lower concentration than the neat peptide. It was also shown that the printing of peptide-modified silk fibroin produces a piezoresistive transducer that is the active component of a sensor based on a Schottky diode harmonic transponder encoding information about pressure. We discovered that such biomaterial ink printed in a multilayered grid can be used as a humidity sensor. Furthermore, humidity activates a transition between low and high conductivity states in this medium that is retained unless a negative voltage is applied, paving the way for utilization in non-volatile organic memory devices. Globally, these results pave the way for promising applications, such as monitoring parameters such as human wound care and being integrated in bio-implantable processors.

Clinical assessment for diet prescription.

Accurate nutritional assessment based on dietary intake, physical activity, genetic makeup, and metabolites is required to prevent from developing and/or to treat people suffering from malnutrition as well as other nutrition related health issues. Nutritional screening ought to be considered as an essential part of clinical assessment for every patient on admission to healthcare setups, as well as on change in clinical conditions. Therefore, a detailed nutritional assessment must be performed every time nutritional imbalances are observed or suspected. In this review we have explored different techniques used for nutritional and physical activity assessment. Dietary Intake (DI) assessment is a multidimensional and complex process. Traditionally, dietary intake is assessed through self-report techniques, but due to limitations like biases, random errors, misestimations, and nutrient databases-linked errors, questions arise about the adequacy of self-reporting dietary intake procedures. Despite the limitations in assessing dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA), new methods and improved technologies such as biomarkers analysis, blood tests, genetic assessments, metabolomic analysis, DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging), and CT (computed tomography) scanning procedures have made much progress in the improvement of these measures. Genes also plays a crucial role in dietary intake and physical activity. Similarly, metabolites are also involved in different nutritional pathways. This is why integrating knowledge about the genetic and metabolic markers along with the latest technologies for dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA) assessment holds the key for accurately assessing one's nutritional status and prevent malnutrition and its related complications.

Gene variants in eating disorders. Focus on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, have a deep social impact, concluding with death in cases of severe disease. Eating disorders affect up to 5% of the population in the industrialized countries, but probably the phenomenon is under-detection and under-diagnosis. Eating disorders are multifactorial disorders, resulting from the interaction between environmental triggers, psychological factors, but there is also a strong genetic component. In fact, genetic factors predispose for approximately 33-84% to anorexia nervosa, 28-83% to bulimia nervosa, and 41-57% to binge eating disorder. Twins and family studies have provided an unassailable proof on the heritability of these disorders. Other types of genetic studies, including genome-wide association studies, whole genome sequencing and linkage analysis, allowed to identify the genes and their variants associated with eating disorders and moreover global collaborative efforts have led to delineate the etiology of these disorders. Next Generation Sequencing technologies can be considered as an ideal diagnostic approach to identify not only the common variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphism, but also rare variants. Here we summarize the present knowledge on the molecular etiology and genetic determinants of eating disorders including serotonergic genes, dopaminergic genes, opioid genes, appetite regulation genes, endocannabinoid genes and vitamin D3.

Dietary supplements for lipedema.

Lipedema is a chronic disease that mostly manifests in females as the abnormal distribution of subcutaneous adipose connective tissue, usually coupled with bruising, pain, and edema. Lipedema molecular pathophysiology is currently not clear, but several studies suggest that genetics and hormonal imbalance participate in lipedema pathogenesis. Women with lipedema present in some cases with elevated body mass index, and the appearance of obesity in addition to lipedema, where the obesity can cause serious health issues as in lipedema-free individuals with obesity, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Unlike obesity, lipedema tissue does not respond well to diet or physical exercise alone. Therefore, in this review we discuss the effect of various dietary supplements that, along with diet and physical exercise, cause fat burning and weight loss, and which could potentially be important in the treatment of lipedema. Indeed, an effective fat burner should convert stored fats into energy, mobilize and break down triglycerides in adipocytes, boost metabolism and inhibit lipogenesis. Common ingredients of fat burning supplements are green tea, caffeine, chromium, carnitine, and conjugated linoleic acid. The use of fat burners could act synergistically with a healthy diet and physical exercise for decreasing adipose tissue deposition in patients with lipedema and resolve related health issues. The effects of fat burners in human studies are sometimes contradictory, and further studies should test their effectiveness in treating lipedema.

Biocompatible and Printable Ionotronic Sensing Materials Based on Silk Fibroin and Soluble Plant-Derived Polyphenols.

The emergence of ionotronic materials has been recently exploited for interfacing electronics and biological tissues, improving sensing with the surrounding environment. In this paper, we investigated the synergistic effect of regenerated silk fibroin (RS) with a plant-derived polyphenol (i.e., chestnut tannin) on ionic conductivity and how water molecules play critical roles in regulating ion mobility in these materials. In particular, we observed that adding tannin to RS increases the ionic conductivity, and this phenomenon is accentuated by increasing the hydration. We also demonstrated how silk-based hybrids could be used as building materials for scaffolds where human fibroblast and neural progenitor cells can highly proliferate. Finally, after proving their biocompatibility, RS hybrids demonstrate excellent three-dimensional (3D) printability via extrusion-based 3D printing to fabricate a soft sensor that can detect charged objects by sensing the electric fields that originate from them. These findings pave the way for a viable option for cell culture and novel sensors, with the potential base for tissue engineering and health monitoring.

The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid EPA, but Not DHA, Enhances Neurotrophic Factor Expression through Epigenetic Mechanisms and Protects against Parkinsonian Neuronal Cell Death.

ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been found to exert many actions, including neuroprotective effects. In this regard, the exact molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that PD is the result of complex interactions between genetic abnormalities, environmental toxins, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other cellular processes, such as DNA methylation. In this context, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) have a pivotal role because they are both involved in neuron differentiation, survival, and synaptogenesis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the potential role of two PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and their effects on BDNF and GDNF expression in the SH-SY5Y cell line. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, and flow cytometry analysis was used to verify the level of apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the cell ultrastructure and mitochondria morphology. BDNF and GDNF protein levels and mRNA were assayed by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Finally, methylated and hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation were performed in the BDNF and GDNF promoter regions. EPA, but not DHA, is able (i) to reduce the neurotoxic effect of neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in vitro, (ii) to re-establish mitochondrial function, and (iii) to increase BNDF and GDNF expression via epigenetic mechanisms.

Next-Generation Sequencing of a Large Gene Panel for Outcome Prediction of Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Severe Obesity.

Obesity is a chronic disease in which abnormal deposition of fat threatens health, leading to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. According to the WHO, 19.8% of the adult population in Italy is obese, and the prevalence is higher among men. It is important to know the predisposition of an individual to become obese and to respond to bariatric surgery, the most up-to-date treatment for severe obesity. To this purpose, we developed an NGS gene panel, comprising 72 diagnostic genes and 244 candidate genes, and we sequenced 247 adult obese Italian patients. Eleven deleterious variants in 9 diagnostic genes and 17 deleterious variants in 11 candidate genes were identified. Interestingly, mutations were found in several genes correlated to the Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Then, 25 patients were clinically followed to evaluate their response to bariatric surgery. After a 12-month follow-up, the patients that carried deleterious variants in diagnostic or candidate genes had a reduced weight loss, as compared to the other patients. The NGS-based panel, including diagnostic and candidate genes used in this study, could play a role in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing obese individuals, and may help in predicting the outcome of bariatric surgery.